emergency dentistry - Redwood Dental Centre

Emergency Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON

A cracked tooth, a bad toothache, or a knocked out tooth can’t always wait for a scheduled appointment. Redwood Dental Centre sets aside time for dental emergencies and walks you through what to do until we can see you.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is anything involving sudden pain, injury, or damage to your teeth or gums that needs attention quickly. This includes a knocked out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, or a toothache that won’t ease up. Not every dental problem needs same day care. A minor chip with no pain, or a filling that’s slightly rough, can usually wait for a regular appointment. If you’re not sure which category your situation falls into, call us and describe what’s going on. We’ll help you figure out next steps.

Why Getting Seen Quickly Matters

Acting fast on a dental emergency can affect how your treatment goes. Here’s what quick attention can help with.

A Knocked Out Tooth

A tooth that’s been knocked out has the best chance of being saved if it’s put back in place, or kept properly stored, within a short window of time.

Ongoing Pain

Pain that doesn’t ease up is often a sign of infection or a deeper problem. An exam helps identify what’s causing it and what to do next.

A Cracked or Broken Tooth

A cracked tooth can worsen with normal chewing. Getting it checked helps Dr. Ameen decide whether it needs a filling, a crown, or another treatment.

What Happens When You Call

Here’s what to expect when you reach out about a dental emergency.

Call Us First

Call us right away and describe what happened. We’ll ask a few questions to understand the situation and how urgent it is.

We Fit You Into the Schedule

We do our best to see emergency patients the same day they call, working you into an existing schedule.

Exam and X-rays

Dr. Ameen examines the tooth or injury and takes X-rays if needed to see what’s going on beneath the surface.

Treatment or Next Steps

Depending on what we find, treatment might happen that same visit, or Dr. Ameen will explain what needs to happen next and schedule a follow up.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

For a knocked out tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root) and keep it moist, in milk or your own saliva, until you get here
For a cracked or broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces
For a toothache, rinse with warm salt water and avoid very hot or cold food and drink
For swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in short intervals

Is This an Emergency?

Not every dental problem needs a same day visit. Here’s a general guide, but call us if you’re unsure.

Call Us Right Away

A knocked out tooth, a broken tooth with pain, a lost crown that’s causing discomfort, or a toothache that isn’t easing up.

Book a Regular Appointment

A minor chip with no pain, a rough edge on a filling, or general sensitivity that comes and goes.

General Dentist Providing Care

All care is provided by Dr. Ahmed Ameen Al-Obaidi (Dr. Ameen), a General Dentist, with over 20 years of experience in general dentistry.

Understanding Cost and Insurance

Billing for an emergency visit depends on what treatment you need, so Dr. Ameen will explain the cost once he’s examined the problem. Whatever fee is quoted covers the full treatment, including any lab costs involved, and it applies the same way to every patient regardless of insurance coverage. Our front desk reviews your specific insurance benefits, including any emergency coverage, before treatment starts so you know what to expect.

A Quote Before Treatment

Even in an emergency, Dr. Ameen explains the cost of treatment before moving ahead, so there are no surprises.

Insurance Coordination

We check your coverage, including emergency benefits, as quickly as we can so you know what’s covered.

Paying Out of Pocket

If you do not have insurance, our front desk can walk you through the cost of your visit directly.

Emergency Dentistry FAQs

Anything involving sudden pain, injury, or damage that needs attention quickly, like a knocked out tooth, a broken tooth, or ongoing pain. A lost filling or crown and a toothache that won’t ease up also fall into this category. If you’re not sure, call us and describe what’s going on.

What counts as a dental emergency?

What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

Pick it up by the crown, keep it moist, and call us right away. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and keep it in milk or your own saliva until you get here. A tooth has the best chance of being saved if it’s dealt with quickly.

Can you see me the same day I call?

We do our best to fit emergency patients into the schedule the same day they call. Call first so we know you’re on your way and can prepare for your visit.

What if it happens outside office hours?

Call our office number first, and go to your nearest emergency room for anything severe. If it’s after hours and the situation is severe, such as heavy bleeding or swelling that’s affecting your breathing, don’t wait. Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.

Does insurance cover emergency dental visits?

Many plans include some emergency coverage. We check your specific benefits as quickly as we can so you know what to expect. If you do not have insurance, we can walk you through the cost directly.

Ready for a healthier smile?

New patients welcome. Direct billing to most insurance plans.

Redwood Dental has been serving families across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario for over two decades.