Signs you should be seen today
Some dental problems can wait a few days; others should not. Seek same-day or urgent care if you have:
- Severe or worsening pain that over-the-counter relief does not touch
- Facial or gum swelling, especially with fever — a possible infection
- A knocked-out or badly broken tooth
- Bleeding that will not stop, or trauma to the mouth
- A lost filling or crown causing sharp pain
What to do in the meantime
While you arrange care, these steps can help:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Use a cold compress on the cheek for swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed
- For a knocked-out adult tooth, keep it moist (in milk or saliva) and see a dentist immediately
When to go to the ER instead
Go to a hospital emergency department for swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma with other injuries. Hospitals can manage pain and infection, but they cannot do dental repairs — you will still need a dentist to fix the tooth.
Finding urgent care fast
On SmileMatch you can filter for clinics offering emergency care and see who has the soonest open slot across Canada, then book online in minutes — no ringing around while you are in pain.