Updated March 29th, 2026
You were enjoying your favourite sandwich for lunch when you felt that telltale crack. Much to your dismay, a piece of your tooth came out. Surprisingly, your tooth didn't feel sensitive, and since it's in the back of your mouth, you wonder whether you should still call your dentist. It could probably wait – right?
The truth is, whenever you have a broken or painful tooth, you should contact your dentist. Your dental team can assess your situation over the phone and determine if you need immediate emergency dentistry in Barrie, ON.
What to Do Before You Reach the Dental Office
There are some steps you can take at home to manage pain and damage.
- Cold compress — A cold compress on for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes, can help quell pain and reduce facial swelling.
- Over-the-counter medication — Taking ibuprofen or other over-the-counter painkillers can help reduce discomfort.
- Gather pieces of your tooth — If your tooth is broken, try to bring in the pieces if possible.
- Careful tooth transport — If you're dealing with a knocked-out tooth, try to replace it into its socket. If you can't, use milk, saliva, or saline to keep cells moist while you safely transport them to your dentist.
When to Contact Your Dentist Right Away
Here are some dental emergencies that may require urgent dental care. Our team will assess your condition over the phone to determine your needs and provide guidance for your next steps.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
It's crucial to treat a knocked-out tooth as soon as possible to have the best chance of saving it. Try not to handle the tooth too much and avoid touching the roots. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket, or use milk to keep the cells moist. Get to your dentist as soon as you can.
A Persistent Toothache
If your tooth is causing severe or constant pain, it's likely abscessed or infected. An infected tooth will not get better on its own, so please don't just take ibuprofen and wait for it to pass – contact your dentist right away. A dental infection can spread to other critical areas of the body or affect neighbouring teeth. Root canal therapy could likely preserve your tooth if you are proactive about seeking treatment.
A Lost or Broken Restoration
When a crown or dental filling fractures or falls out, your tooth will need attention, even if it's not painful or sensitive. A compromised restoration could expose roots or allow harmful bacteria to enter your tooth, leading to an infection.
Orthodontic Emergencies
If you lose a bracket or clear aligner, it's important to alert your dental team right away so they can take the next steps. Your situation may not require immediate attention, but we'll handle it as soon as possible to avoid prolonging your treatment.
Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Barrie
If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Barrie, ON, don't hesitate to contact your team at Park Place Dental right away. We're here to help, and we offer convenient evening and Saturday appointments to accommodate emergency patients.
