Toothache keeping your child up, or a cheek that looks fuller than it did at dinner? Phone us with their age and symptoms and we’ll discuss availability. Spreading swelling or breathing trouble needs emergency care at once.
Sometimes it can, and sometimes it really can’t. Swelling that is spreading across the face, any struggle to swallow or breathe, bleeding that won’t stop, a serious blow to the head, or a child who seems very sick all need emergency medical care now. Call 911 or go to an emergency department; that isn’t something to book a dentist for.
Tooth pain, a puffy gum or a dental injury without those red flags still needs a dental professional soon, not next month. During clinic hours, a parent in Burlington can phone us at (905) 876-4488 and explain your child’s age and symptoms. The team will talk about what is available and what to do. When we can’t be reached, or have no urgent space, look for another emergency dental provider.
On that call, nobody expects you to know what is wrong. Describe whether the pain followed a knock, whether a tooth looks missing or shifted, and whether the pain, swelling or bleeding has been growing. Keep watch over your child and avoid pressing on the area to test it. The first goal is an assessment, and treatment may span several appointments.
Say what you can see without forcing anything. A sharp photo or a confident guess at which tooth hurts is never a reason to wait before calling.
A permanent tooth knocked out needs a dentist straight away; a baby tooth knocked out must never be replanted. Give the time of the accident and say whether you have the tooth. A tooth pushed inward or tilted also needs quick assessment, without you trying to move it back.
This is the classic night-time call. Tell us about the swelling, any fever, whether pain is stopping sleep or food, and how your child seems in general. Note where the swelling is and how fast it is changing. Rapid spread, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, means emergency medical care.
Explain whether an accident broke the tooth and whether lips or gums were injured. Save any piece you can find safely. Heavy bleeding that continues, or concern about an injury beyond the mouth, needs urgent medical attention.
Online forms, email and callback requests are for issues that can wait; they aren’t read as an emergency line. Call for anything urgent, and if symptoms are serious, dial 911 or go directly to emergency care.
During an urgent visit, the dentist tries to pin down the cause, ease what needs easing where possible, and explain the plan. A first appointment for pain or swelling may be about diagnosis and settling things down, not finishing treatment. Ask what has been found and what still needs a look or another visit.
No one can promise from a description how an affected tooth will turn out. Which tooth it is, what caused the problem, how long it has been going on and what the exam reveals all shape the options. Prompt care gives the dentist the chance to assess and discuss choices without unnecessary delay.
Some problems reach beyond the mouth. If there was a head knock, a faint, vomiting or anything else worrying after an accident, say so. Medical care may need to come first, with dental care arranged around your child’s condition.
Tired parents need clear practical steps; a sore, tired child needs simple reassurance. Tell the dentist what your child is anxious about and how they show pain. Ask what can happen at this visit and what will keep them comfortable.
A tooth that calms down overnight may still have an active cause. Ask when it should be rechecked and whether further treatment, a repair or a referral is planned. Keep the instructions where anyone caring for your child can see them.
The order and pace depend on the symptoms. Don’t delay a time-sensitive problem to fill in a routine form.
Give your child’s age and when the pain or injury started, plus whether there was a fall. Mention any swelling, fever, bleeding, missing teeth and medical conditions. If you aren’t sure whether a tooth is a baby tooth, just tell us.
Ask about availability and whether the symptoms suggest a different provider or an emergency department. Follow the advice you receive. If swelling spreads or your child gets worse in the meantime, call again rather than sticking to the original plan.
The dentist looks at the painful or injured teeth and the tissues around them, and may recommend records or tests. Tell them what first aid and medicines your child has already had. Ask what explains the symptoms and whether other teeth are involved.
Discuss the treatment offered, what it can’t achieve, and any later visits or referrals. Confirm guidance on eating, cleaning, medicines and symptoms to report. Before you go, ask who to contact if things change outside opening hours.
Direct instructions for your own child always come first. These points don’t replace urgent care for serious symptoms or a knocked-out permanent tooth.
Ask a pharmacist or clinician which pain reliever suits your child, and follow the dose for their age and weight. Never place aspirin on the gum or tooth, and keep glue and sharp objects away from the mouth. A wrapped cold compress against the cheek may help if you’ve been advised to use one.
Handle it only by the crown. If dirty, rinse it gently in milk or saline without scrubbing. When the tooth is clearly permanent and your child is alert and cooperative, gently guide it back in without force. Otherwise keep it in milk and seek dental care immediately. Never replant a baby tooth.
Use the advice you were given about brushing, eating, and any temporary filling or splint. Supervise your child while lips and cheeks are numb. Call if pain or swelling increases, something loosens, or recovery doesn’t match the explanation you received.
Patient information: American Academy of Pediatrics — first aid for a knocked-out permanent tooth
Call directly for urgent advice. These answers support your preparation but cannot diagnose your child or promise a booking.
Call (905) 876-4488 about your child’s tooth pain, swelling or injury, and the team can discuss availability during clinic hours. If we can’t offer urgent care, contact another emergency dental provider. Serious symptoms need emergency medical services.
Online booking is for non-urgent follow-up. Phone us about urgent dental problems, and use 911 or emergency care for serious symptoms.
