A dental emergency rarely comes at a convenient time. Sudden pain, a tooth broken at dinner, a swollen abscess on a Monday morning — each situation calls for a rapid, appropriate response. As a dentist on the Plateau Mont-Royal for over 35 years, here are the tips I give my patients to help them get through a difficult moment and preserve their tooth.
1. Broken or chipped tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove debris. If the fracture exposes the pulp (sharp pain from air or cold), cover the tooth with dental wax or a temporary cap available at the pharmacy. Collect any fragments if possible and call your dentist immediately — ideally within 24 hours.
- Rinse with warm water
- Cover the fractured tooth with dental wax
- Avoid hard or sugary foods
- Call 514-528-1587 for an emergency appointment
2. Knocked-out tooth (avulsion)
This is the situation that demands the fastest response. Hold the tooth by the crown (never the root), rinse gently without scrubbing, and reinsert it into the socket if possible. Otherwise, store it in milk or between your cheek and gum. Every minute counts: a tooth reimplanted within 30 minutes has an excellent chance of survival.
- Never touch the root
- Rinse gently and reinsert if possible
- Store in milk otherwise
- See a dentist within 30 minutes ideally
3. Dental abscess
An abscess is a bacterial infection that can spread quickly. Typical signs: intense, throbbing pain, swollen cheek, fever, bad taste in the mouth. Never lance an abscess yourself. Rinse with warm salt water for temporary relief, and seek emergency care. If you have a fever or difficulty swallowing, go to the hospital emergency room.
- Never lance the abscess yourself
- Rinse with warm salt water every 2 hours
- Take a pain reliever (ibuprofen) for discomfort
- See your dentist the same day
4. Severe toothache (pulpitis)
Pulpitis is inflammation of the dental pulp often caused by advanced decay. The pain is typically sharp, persistent and worsened by heat or cold. Ibuprofen is generally more effective than acetaminophen for this type of pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum — it can burn the tissue. A root canal is often necessary.
- Take ibuprofen (unless contraindicated)
- Avoid hot and cold on the tooth
- Never apply aspirin directly on the gum
- Seek care promptly — a root canal can save the tooth
5. Loose or lost crown
If your crown falls off, keep it carefully. You can temporarily reattach it with temporary dental cement available at the pharmacy. Never use Super Glue. Avoid chewing on the affected side and call your dentist to schedule an appointment within the next couple of days.
- Keep the dislodged crown
- Temporarily reattach with pharmacy dental cement
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Call your dentist within 48 hours
View our dental emergency page
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Do you see emergency patients without an appointment on the Plateau?
Yes. At Centre Dentaire du Plateau, we reserve daily time slots for emergencies. Call us at 514-528-1587 as soon as we open and we will do everything we can to see you the same day.
What are your emergency hours?
We are open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 6pm and Friday from 9am to 2pm. For emergencies outside these hours, call 514-528-1587 and follow the voicemail instructions.
Is dental emergency care covered by Quebec health insurance?
The RAMQ generally does not cover dental care for adults. However, many group insurance plans and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) cover a portion of emergency care. Check your policy and feel free to call us to verify your coverage.
Can dental emergencies be prevented?
In many cases, yes. A preventive visit every 6 months allows cavities, weaknesses and signs of infection to be detected before they become emergencies. Athletes should also wear a mouthguard during contact sports.
My child received a blow to the face and a tooth is loose — what should I do?
See a dentist immediately. A loose baby tooth is generally not reimplanted, but a loose permanent tooth can often be stabilized if you act quickly. Call us at 514-528-1587.
Ready to take care of your smile?
Our team on Plateau Mont-Royal is available Monday through Friday.