Emergency dentistry
In pain? Call us first. We keep time aside for urgent cases and will see you as quickly as we can, whether it's a sudden toothache, a broken tooth or an accident on the ice.
What counts as a dental emergency
- Severe toothache: throbbing or constant pain that won't settle.
- Chipped, cracked or broken tooth: from a fall, sport or biting down.
- Knocked-out or loose tooth: time matters, so call right away.
- Lost filling or crown: a sharp or sensitive tooth that needs protecting.
- Swelling: in the gums, face or jaw, which can be a sign of infection.
- Broken appliance: a denture, retainer or brace wire that's causing pain.
Go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911 if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a high fever with facial swelling, or a serious injury to your face or jaw.
What to do before you get here
- Toothache: rinse with warm salt water, gently floss out any trapped food, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
- Knocked-out adult tooth: pick it up by the white part, not the root. Rinse it briefly if dirty, try to put it back in the socket or keep it in a cup of milk, and call us right away.
- Chipped or broken tooth: save any pieces, rinse your mouth and hold a cold compress on your cheek.
- Lost filling or crown: keep the crown safe and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side.
- Swelling: use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek and call us.
Your emergency visit, step by step
- Call us: tell us what happened and we'll find the earliest possible time.
- Pain relief first: our first priority is making you comfortable.
- Exam and X-rays: we find the cause and explain what's going on.
- Treat or stabilise: we fix the problem on the spot where we can, or protect the tooth until your next visit.
- Clear next steps: you'll leave knowing your options and their costs.
Why acting quickly matters
- Better chance of saving the tooth: especially for knocked-out or cracked teeth.
- Stops infection spreading: swelling and abscesses need prompt care.
- Less pain, sooner: most emergencies can be eased in a single visit.
- Often simpler treatment: problems treated early are usually easier to fix.
Cost & coverage
Most insurance plans cover emergency exams and many urgent treatments. We'll explain costs before any treatment beyond pain relief.
FAQ
Do you see patients who aren't already registered with you? If you're in pain, please call us.
Can children be seen for emergencies? Yes. Call us and we'll guide you.
Should I go to the hospital instead? Go to the ER or call 911 for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or a serious face or jaw injury. For most toothaches and broken teeth, call us first.
Can I just take painkillers and wait? Pain relief can help in the short term, but the cause still needs treatment. Waiting often makes the problem worse.
Related services
Listen first. Explain everything. Treat only what you need.
Dr. Veenu Khubnani leads every treatment plan at Avalon, from a toddler's first checkup to a full smile makeover.