What to do with a dental emergency when our office is closed
Our office is closed Friday to Sunday. Here is how to manage common dental problems until we can see you, and when you need help right away.
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling spreading to your eye, neck or throat, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency department. For a knocked-out adult tooth, seek care within an hour. For other dental problems on a Friday or weekend, leave us a message, call Health811 for advice, and manage pain at home until Monday.
Go to hospital or call 911
- Swelling of the face, jaw or neck that is spreading quickly
- Trouble breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth
- Swelling that reaches the eye or closes it
- Fever with facial swelling
- A jaw injury, heavy bleeding that won't stop with pressure, or a head injury
Our hours and how to reach us
We're open Monday and Wednesday 8:30 to 5, and Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 7. We're closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If something happens when we're closed, call 416-638-1374: our voicemail message gives the number of an emergency dental clinic. You can also email or text us, because we answer emails and texts after hours and on weekends.
On Monday, call when we open. We offer same-day appointments for urgent problems whenever possible, Monday to Thursday.
For health advice any time, call Health811 by dialling 811. A registered nurse can help you decide whether you need emergency care.
Managing common problems until Monday
- Toothache: rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to remove trapped food and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the package. Don't place aspirin on the gum.
- Broken or chipped tooth: save any pieces, rinse your mouth and cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
- Knocked-out adult tooth: hold it by the crown, rinse briefly, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can't, keep it in milk and get care within an hour, at a hospital if we're closed.
- Lost filling or crown: keep the crown and try temporary dental cement from a pharmacy. Avoid chewing on that side.
- Bleeding after an extraction: bite firmly on clean gauze or a damp tea bag for 30 minutes.
- Mild swelling: hold a cold pack on the cheek for 10 minutes at a time.
Children's dental injuries
If a baby tooth is knocked out, don't put it back, as this can harm the adult tooth forming underneath. Apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding and call us when we open. For any blow to the head, a loss of consciousness, or vomiting after a fall, go to the hospital.
Preventing weekend emergencies
Many emergencies start as small problems. A tooth that twinges with cold, a cracked filling or gums that are slightly puffy are worth checking during the week before they get worse. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports, and avoid chewing ice or hard candies.
Frequently asked questions
Will a hospital fix my tooth?
Hospitals can treat infection, swelling, pain and injuries, but most don't do dental work such as fillings or root canals. You'll usually still need to see a dentist afterwards.
Can I take antibiotics left over from before?
No. Leftover antibiotics may be the wrong type or dose. Antibiotics need to be prescribed for your current problem.
What pain reliever can I take for a toothache?
Many people use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the package. Check with a pharmacist if you have health conditions or take other medicines.
Should I go to a walk-in dental clinic?
That is your choice. If you're our patient, let us know about any treatment you received so we can follow up.
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Trusted health information
General information only; not a substitute for an exam. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-04.
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