Emergency Dentist in Thornhill — Same-Day Care When You Need It Most

Emergencies that require same-day care

• Severe toothache not controlled by over-the-counter pain medication
• Swelling in the jaw, gum, or face — which can indicate a spreading infection
• A knocked-out tooth
• A cracked or broken tooth with sharp edges or exposed nerve
• A dental abscess — a painful infection that can be life-threatening if it spreads
• A lost crown or filling causing significant pain or sensitivity
• Uncontrolled bleeding after an extraction or dental trauma

Situations that can usually wait a day or two

• A mildly loose crown that is not painful
• A chipped tooth with no pain or sensitivity
• A broken wire on a retainer
• Mild food impaction between teeth

Severe Toothache

Toothaches that are severe, constant, or radiating to the jaw, ear, or temple are almost always a sign of an infection or nerve involvement that requires professional treatment. Over-the-counter pain medication may dull the pain temporarily but does not address the underlying cause, and infections in the mouth can spread rapidly.

Dr. Kadivar will assess the source of the pain, take an X-ray to evaluate the tooth and surrounding bone, and determine whether treatment should be a filling, root canal, or extraction. Most toothache emergencies can be treated at the same appointment.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

A broken tooth can range from a minor cosmetic chip to a fracture that exposes the nerve. If the break causes sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature, or visible exposure of the inner tooth structure, seek emergency care the same day.

Dr. Kadivar will assess the extent of the fracture and recommend the most conservative treatment that will save the tooth — which may be bonding, a crown, or in severe cases a root canal followed by a crown.

Tooth Extraction

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved because of advanced decay, a vertical fracture, or severe infection. In these cases, extraction is the appropriate treatment, and delaying it only prolongs pain and risk of further infection.

Dr. Kadivar performs simple extractions at MiNa. Cases requiring surgical extraction — impacted teeth, complex roots, or teeth adjacent to important anatomical structures — are handled by Dr. Adibrad. Either way, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and typically takes less than an hour. Following extraction, we will discuss your tooth replacement options, including dental implants, before you leave.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are a common source of acute dental pain in adults in their late teens and twenties. When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted, bacteria can accumulate under the gum flap, causing a painful infection called pericoronitis. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, pressure builds against neighbouring teeth and bone.

Dr. Adibrad performs wisdom teeth removal at MiNa Family Dentistry, including surgical extraction of fully impacted teeth. If you are experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth and you still have your wisdom teeth, call us for an emergency assessment.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. Symptoms include throbbing pain, significant swelling, fever, and sometimes a bad taste from draining pus. An abscess is a medical emergency — the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, and airway if untreated.

Do not wait to contact us if you suspect an abscess. Emergency treatment typically involves draining the infection, prescribing antibiotics, and addressing the source through a root canal or extraction. If you have significant facial swelling or difficulty swallowing, go directly to the hospital emergency department.

If a tooth is knocked out

Pick up the tooth by the crown — the white part — and do not touch the root. If it is dirty, rinse gently with water without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue. Try to reinsert it into the socket gently and hold it there, or store it in milk or between your cheek and gum. Call MiNa Family Dentistry immediately at (289) 597-7191 and get to a dentist within 30 minutes. According to the Canadian Dental Association, teeth reimplanted within 30 minutes have the highest chance of successful reattachment.

If you have a severe toothache

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the package
• Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this causes a chemical burn
• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
• Call (289) 597-7191 for a same-day evaluation

If a crown or filling falls out

• Keep the crown if you can find it and bring it to your appointment
• Dental cement from a pharmacy can temporarily reattach or cover the tooth
• Avoid biting on that side and avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods

If you suspect a dental abscess

• Do not attempt to drain it yourself
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed
• Call (289) 597-7191 immediately
• If you have significant facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, go to your nearest emergency department