A dental emergency can include a severe toothache, a broken or chipped tooth, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess, and other concerns. London has clinics that set aside time for urgent visits and same-day appointments. hellodent can help you compare London providers, sort by rating or distance, and request an appointment in one place when you need care quickly.
What Are Emergency Dental Services?
Emergency dental services are urgent treatments for sudden pain, infection, or injury to your teeth, gums, or jaw. They cover problems that should not wait for a routine appointment, such as a severe toothache, a broken or chipped tooth, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess, and other concerns. The goal of an urgent visit is to relieve pain, control infection, and protect the tooth where possible.
In Ontario, dentists are registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). Many general dentists keep time open for urgent cases. If your face is swelling, you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or you have had a serious facial injury, go to a hospital emergency room instead.
How Much Do Emergency Dental Services Cost in London?
Cost depends on what the visit involves. An urgent exam to find the problem costs less than the treatment that follows, such as a filling, an extraction, or root canal therapy.
London Emergency Dental Estimated Price Ranges
| Treatment | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|
| Emergency exam | $75 to $200 |
| X-ray (if required) | $25 to $90 |
| Tooth extraction | $150 to $400 |
| Filling | $150 to $400 |
| Root canal therapy | $800 to $1,500 |
| Abscess drainage | $100 to $300 |
These ranges are estimates and may vary by clinic. According to the hellodent Canadian Dental Health Guide, costs in London can vary based on a clinic's overhead, with clinics in busier core areas often carrying higher costs such as rent compared to suburban ones with lower facility costs. Ask the clinic for a written estimate before treatment starts.
What Affects the Cost?
- The treatment needed, from a simple exam to root canal therapy.
- Whether X-rays are required to find the problem.
- The clinic's overhead, such as rent.
- Whether you need a referral to a specialist for complex care.
Types of Emergency Dental Services Available in London
Severe Toothache
Ongoing or sharp tooth pain may point to decay, infection, or a cracked tooth. An urgent exam, often with an X-ray, helps find the cause so it can be treated.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken tooth may be repaired with a filling or a crown, based on how much of the tooth is affected. Bring any pieces of the tooth with you if you can.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A tooth that has been knocked out is time sensitive. Keep it moist, in milk or in your cheek, and get to a dentist quickly, as the tooth may sometimes be saved.
Dental Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of infection that may cause swelling, throbbing pain, and a bad taste. It needs prompt care to drain the infection and treat the source.
Lost Filling or Crown
A filling or crown that falls out can leave the tooth sensitive and exposed. A dentist can replace it and check the tooth underneath.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts or injuries to the gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue may need cleaning and care to control bleeding and help healing.
Where to Find Emergency Dental Services in London
When something is urgent, the nearest clinic with an opening is often the practical choice. Use hellodent to search by location and sort by distance to find a provider who can see you soon. Calling ahead to confirm availability can save time when you need care quickly.
Central London: Old South, Wortley Village, Westmount
North London: Hyde Park, Masonville
South London: Byron, Summerside
If you cannot find an urgent opening in London, hellodent can help you search nearby cities like Kitchener and Hamilton.
How to Choose an Emergency Dental Services Provider in London
Credentials to Look For
Confirm the dentist is registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). You can verify a dentist's credentials through the RCDSO. For an urgent issue, also ask whether the clinic can see you the same day.
Specialist Versus General Dentist
Many emergency treatments can be performed by general dentists, including common treatments like extractions and fillings. More complicated procedures like oral surgery or complex root canal therapy may be referred to a specialist who works within that specialty only.
Questions to Ask When You Call
- Do you offer the treatment I think I need for my specific issue?
- Can you see me the same day?
- What is the estimated cost of my visit?
- Will I need a referral for any follow-up treatment?
Paying for Emergency Dental Services in London
Insurance Coverage in Ontario
For most Ontario residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover routine dental care, though dental work done in a hospital may be covered. Many private plans cover emergency exams, X-rays, and common treatments, so check your plan booklet for limits.
CDCP Eligibility
You may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. Emergency-related treatments such as exams, X-rays if required, fillings, extractions, root canals, and abscess drainage may be covered. Frequency limits may apply. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website. Coverage needs to be renewed annually.
Financing and Payment Plans
Urgent visits are usually paid at the time of service. If your treatment plan is larger, many London clinics offer in-house payment plans or third-party financing to spread the cost over time. Ask the clinic about payment options and request an estimate before treatment starts.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
