In Pain? Call Us Now and We Will Help You Fast.
Ardagh Family Dentistry provides urgent dental care for toothaches, broken teeth, swelling, infections and dental injuries. New and existing patients are welcome, with same-day appointments whenever possible.
For a dental emergency in Barrie, call Ardagh Family Dentistry at 705-315-0219. The clinic at 225 Ferndale Dr. S., Unit 7, offers same-day emergency appointments whenever possible for severe toothaches, swelling, abscesses, broken or knocked-out teeth and lost fillings or crowns. Call 911 or go to the hospital if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing.
Is It a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental problem needs same-day care, but some should never wait. As a rule, if you are in severe pain, have swelling, are bleeding, or have damaged or lost an adult tooth, treat it as an emergency and call us right away. Waiting can allow an infection to spread or reduce the chance of saving a tooth.
| Urgency | Symptoms | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Call 911 or go to hospital | Swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, facial trauma or suspected jaw fracture | Seek emergency medical care immediately |
| Same-day dentist | Severe toothache, facial or gum swelling, abscess, knocked-out or loose adult tooth, large broken tooth | Call 705-315-0219 right away |
| Within 24 to 48 hours | Lost filling or crown, small chip, broken denture, dull ache, irritation from a wire or appliance | Call to book the next available visit |
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat in Barrie
Severe toothache
Throbbing pain, pain that wakes you at night or lingers after hot and cold often signals deep decay or an inflamed nerve.
Dental abscess and swelling
A swollen face or gum, a bad taste, or a pimple-like bump on the gum can mean a bacterial infection that needs prompt care.
Broken or cracked tooth
Chips, fractures and cracks from biting hard food or sports can expose the inner tooth and cause sharp pain.
Knocked-out tooth
Fast action matters. A knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of being saved within the first hour.
Lost filling or crown
Exposed tooth structure can be sensitive and is more likely to break or decay if left uncovered.
Wisdom tooth pain
Swollen gums at the back of the mouth, jaw stiffness and pain when opening can signal an infected wisdom tooth.
How we treat urgent problems
Our first goal is always to get you out of pain and stop any infection. Depending on what we find, treatment might include draining an abscess, placing a sedative filling, smoothing or bonding a broken edge, re-cementing a crown, or starting root canal treatment to save an infected tooth. When a tooth is too damaged to save, we provide gentle tooth extractions and talk through replacement options such as dental implants, bridges or dentures. Broken teeth that can be saved are often rebuilt with crowns for strength and protection.
Dental First Aid: What to Do Before Your Visit
Toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Floss gently to remove any food stuck between teeth.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Never place aspirin on the gum, as it can burn the tissue.
Knocked-out adult tooth
- Handle by the crown only. Do not touch the root surface.
- Rinse gently if dirty. Use milk or water for a few seconds. Do not scrub or use soap.
- Try to reinsert it. Push it gently into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If you cannot reinsert it, store the tooth in a container of milk or keep it inside your cheek. Do not store it in plain tap water.
- Get to us within 30 to 60 minutes. Call ahead so we are ready for you.
Broken or chipped tooth
Rinse with warm water, save any pieces in milk, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If there is a sharp edge, cover it with sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax to protect your tongue and cheek.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown safe and bring it with you. A pharmacy dental cement can hold a crown temporarily, but do not use household glue. Avoid chewing on that side until you are seen.
Swelling or abscess
Rinse with warm salt water several times a day and call us right away. Do not apply heat to the face, and do not try to pop a gum bump. Antibiotics alone do not fix the source of a dental infection, so the tooth will still need treatment.
What Happens at Your Emergency Dental Visit
- Fast triage by phone. Tell us your symptoms so we can book the right amount of time and prepare.
- Exam and imaging. We examine the area and take low-dose digital X-rays to see what is happening below the surface.
- Clear explanation. We explain the cause of your pain and your options, including estimated costs, before any treatment.
- Pain relief first. We numb the area and treat the urgent problem so you leave more comfortable. Nervous patients can ask about nitrous oxide sedation.
- Follow-up plan. If more treatment is needed, we schedule it and give you aftercare instructions to follow at home.
Emergency Dental Care for Children
Kids are active, and falls on the playground, at the rink or on a bike are some of the most common causes of dental injuries. If your child chips or knocks out a tooth, stay calm and call us. The approach depends on whether the tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back in the socket, because doing so can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. A knocked-out permanent tooth should be reinserted or stored in milk and brought to us as quickly as possible.
Toothaches in children can come from cavities, a new tooth coming in, or food trapped between teeth. Swelling, fever or a pimple on the gum are signs of infection and need prompt attention. We take extra time with young patients so the visit feels safe and calm, and we explain what we are doing in words children understand.
Emergency Dental Costs, Insurance and CDCP
When you are in pain, the last thing you want is a surprise bill. Before treatment, we explain what we found, your options and the estimated cost of each, so you can choose with confidence. Many private dental plans cover emergency exams, X-rays and pain-relief treatment, and we can submit claims directly where possible. Ardagh Family Dentistry also welcomes patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible services. If more extensive treatment is needed, we can stage your care so the urgent problem is handled first and the rest is planned around your budget.
What if my emergency happens after hours?
If something happens after we close, follow the first aid steps on this page and call us as soon as we open, mentioning that it is an emergency. Leave a message if you call outside our hours. If you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding or a serious facial injury, go to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre emergency department or call 911 right away.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Many emergencies start as small problems that could have been fixed simply. A cavity that is easy to fill today can become an abscess months later. These habits lower your risk:
- Keep regular check-ups. Our preventive dental care visits catch decay, cracks and gum problems early.
- Get professional cleanings. Routine dental cleanings remove tartar that brushing misses.
- Protect children’s teeth. Dental sealants help keep cavities out of the deep grooves of back teeth.
- Wear a sports guard. A custom sports guard greatly reduces the risk of broken and knocked-out teeth in hockey, basketball and soccer.
- Treat grinding. A custom night guard protects teeth from cracks caused by clenching.
- Do not use teeth as tools. Avoid opening packages, chewing ice or biting hard candy.
Why Choose Ardagh Family Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care in Barrie?
Same-day care
We reserve time for urgent cases and see emergencies as quickly as possible.
Evening hours
Open until 8 pm Monday to Thursday, plus Friday and Saturday mornings.
New patients welcome
You do not need to be a regular patient. CDCP members and most insurance plans are welcome.
Gentle, calm care
We explain everything clearly and focus on keeping you comfortable.
Our dentists are registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and follow its standards for clinical care and infection prevention. Learn more about our team, explore our full list of dental services, or read our article on whether a cracked tooth can be saved. We are located on Ferndale Drive South with easy access from Highway 400, serving Barrie, Ardagh, Holly, Painswick, Innisfil, Springwater and Midhurst.
Emergency Dental Care in Barrie: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ardagh Family Dentistry offer same-day emergency appointments in Barrie?
Yes. Ardagh Family Dentistry keeps time in the schedule for dental emergencies and offers same-day appointments whenever possible. Call 705-315-0219 as early as you can and describe your symptoms so the team can prioritize your care.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe or throbbing toothache, facial or gum swelling, a knocked-out or loose adult tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown with pain, bleeding that will not stop, and signs of infection such as fever or a pimple on the gum are all dental emergencies.
Should I go to the hospital or an emergency dentist?
Go to a hospital emergency department or call 911 if you have swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, a high fever with facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a jaw injury from an accident. For tooth pain, broken teeth, lost fillings and most infections, an emergency dentist is the right place to go.
What should I do if my adult tooth is knocked out?
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water without scrubbing. Try to put it back in the socket, or keep it in milk or inside your cheek, and get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes.
How can I relieve a toothache before my appointment?
Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to remove trapped food, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek, and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the package. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum, and avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods.
Do you see emergency patients who are not regular patients?
Yes. New patients with dental emergencies are welcome. Ardagh Family Dentistry also accepts patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan and works with most private insurance plans.
Where is the emergency dentist in Barrie located?
Ardagh Family Dentistry is at 225 Ferndale Dr. S., Unit 7, Barrie, ON L4N 6B9, near Highway 400 and Ardagh Road. Hours are Monday to Thursday 10 am to 8 pm, and Friday and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm.
Dental Emergency? Do Not Wait.
Call Ardagh Family Dentistry now at 705-315-0219. We are at 225 Ferndale Dr. S., Unit 7, Barrie, ON L4N 6B9, and we will do everything we can to see you today.
