Same Day Emergency Care
Dental Abscess? We Will See You Today
A dental abscess is an infection that needs urgent care. If you have throbbing pain, a swollen face or gum, or a bad taste that will not go away, call us now. We treat most abscesses the same day, drain the infection, stop the pain, and save the tooth wherever we can.
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CDCP & refugee insurance accepted
Same day appointments
Farsi & English spoken
Local Service in Toronto & North York
Book Your Dental Appointment
- Always Available for Dental Emergencies
- Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (By Appointment Only)
While you call
What to Do Right Now
Step 1: Call us first
Tell us what is happening. We will reserve a same day slot and guide you on what to do while you make your way over. The sooner an abscess is treated, the easier it is to fix.
Step 2: Ease the pain and swelling
Rinse gently with warm salt water, take over the counter pain relief as directed, and hold a cold compress on your cheek to bring down swelling. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum.
Step 3: Do not try to drain it yourself
Never squeeze or pop an abscess at home. This can push the infection deeper. Leave it to us, and if it has already burst, rinse with warm salt water and call right away.
Understanding it
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually from a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or gum disease. It often starts as a dull ache and can quickly turn into severe, throbbing pain. Left untreated, the infection can spread to your jaw, your neck, and the rest of your body, which is why an abscess should always be treated quickly.
The good news is that an abscess is very treatable. Once you are seen, we drain the infection, clear the source, and get you out of pain, often in a single visit. This is one of the urgent services offered by our emergency dentist in North York.
Warning signs
Dental Abscess Symptoms to Watch For
Not every toothache is an abscess, but these signs mean you should call us today.
- Throbbing pain in the tooth or gum that does not ease
- Swelling in your face, cheek, or jaw
- A swollen, tender lump on the gum, sometimes called a gum boil
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath that will not clear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
Out of pain, the same day
How We Treat a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess almost always has a treatable cause, and the sooner you are seen, the simpler the fix. When you arrive, we get you comfortable first, then find the source of the infection with a quick exam and a digital X ray.
From there, treatment depends on the cause. We may drain the abscess to release the infection and relieve the pressure right away. If the tooth can be saved, emergency root canal therapy clears the infection from inside the tooth. If the tooth is too damaged, a gentle extraction removes the source completely. We may also prescribe antibiotics to control the infection, though antibiotics alone do not cure an abscess, the source always needs to be treated.
We explain everything clearly, tell you the cost before we begin, and always focus on saving your natural tooth wherever possible. Sedation is available if you feel anxious.
Will an Abscess Go Away on Its Own?
No. A dental abscess will not heal on its own, and it will not clear up with antibiotics alone. The infection has a source, and until that source is treated the abscess will keep coming back, even if the pain fades for a while. Sometimes an abscess bursts and the pain drops suddenly, which feels like relief but does not mean it is gone. The only way to truly clear it is to treat the cause, and the sooner you come in, the more likely we can save the tooth.
Cost Should Never Keep You in Pain
Who you will see
Experienced Emergency Care You Can Trust
Pearl Dental Group clinical team
When you are in pain, you want to know you are in expert hands. Your emergency care is led by an experienced team. Dr. Ebrahim Aminsalehi has practised restorative dentistry since 1991. Dr. Ehsan Bayegan is a periodontist and implant specialist with over twenty years of experience treating infections and gum disease, which makes him especially skilled with abscesses. You will be treated by a calm clinician who explains what is happening and what comes next.
- Same day emergency appointments
- Treatment explained, with costs up front
- Sedation available for anxious patients
- Focused on saving your natural tooth
- Farsi and English spoken
Emergency dentist near you
Fast to Reach in North York
When it is urgent, getting there quickly matters. Our clinic is right on Finch Avenue West with free on site parking and transit at the door, so you can reach us fast from anywhere in North York, Toronto, and Richmond Hill. Our team speaks both Farsi and English, so you can explain what is wrong in the language you are most comfortable with. We are proud to be your dentist in Toronto for both urgent and everyday care.
- Minutes from Finch subway station
- Free parking on site
- Serving North York, Toronto, and Richmond Hill
- Walk in emergency patients welcome during open hours
Dental Abscess Questions People Ask
Honest answers
Can I really be seen the same day?
Yes. We hold same day emergency slots and prioritise patients in pain or with swelling. Call (647) 800-0318 and we will get you in as fast as we can, often within hours.
Is a dental abscess an emergency?
Yes. An abscess is an active infection that can spread, so it should be treated quickly. If you have spreading swelling, trouble breathing, or difficulty swallowing, go to the nearest hospital right away.
Will antibiotics cure my abscess?
Antibiotics can help control the infection, but they do not cure an abscess on their own. The source, usually inside or around a tooth, still needs to be treated with drainage, a root canal, or an extraction.
What can I do for the pain before my visit?
Rinse with warm salt water, take over the counter pain relief as directed, and hold a cold compress on your cheek. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, and never try to drain the abscess yourself.
How much does treatment cost?
You will know the cost before we treat. We bill most insurers directly and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan and refugee coverage. Getting you out of pain comes first.
Do you treat children with abscesses?
Yes. We offer gentle emergency care for children. Learn more on our emergency dentist for kids page.
Do you speak Farsi?
Yes. Our team speaks both Farsi and English, so you can explain what is wrong in the language you are most comfortable with.
We Will Call You Right Back
Calling is fastest and we answer quickly during clinic hours. But if you would rather we reached out, or it is after hours, leave your number and we will call you back as soon as we can.
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