Emergency & weekend dentist in Markham — same-day appointments available

Tooth pain does not follow office hours. Whether it is a fractured molar on a Saturday evening, a knocked-out tooth during a Sunday soccer game, or a swollen jaw that appeared overnight, dental emergencies demand immediate attention, not a Monday morning appointment. Markham Smile Centre offers weekend and same-day emergency dental appointments for residents of Markham, Ontario.

Key takeaways

• Markham Smile Centre offers same-day emergency and weekend appointments — call first to confirm current availability.
• A knocked-out permanent tooth must be replanted within 60 minutes for the best chance of survival, according to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT).
• OHIP does not cover routine emergency dental visits at a dental clinic. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does cover emergency exams for eligible patients.
• Emergency dental visits in Ontario typically range from $150 to $500+, depending on the treatment required.
• Sedation options are available for anxious patients — even for emergency visits.
• For life-threatening symptoms — severe facial swelling spreading to the neck, difficulty breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding — go directly to Markham Stouffville Hospital (381 Church St, Markham, ON).

When should you call an emergency dentist?

Not every dental concern requires emergency care, but some situations cannot wait. If you are experiencing any of the following, call our office immediately or, if symptoms are severe, visit the emergency room at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Conditions that require same-day emergency dental care

• Severe or throbbing toothache that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relief
• Knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth — time is critical. Research published in BMC Oral Health (IADT 2020 Guidelines study) found that 64% of teeth replanted within one hour remained in their sockets, compared to only 29% replanted after one hour. Every minute matters.
• Cracked or fractured tooth with pain — especially if you feel pain when biting or notice jagged edges
• Dental abscess — a bacterial infection causing swelling, persistent throbbing, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth. Left untreated, an abscess can spread beyond the tooth and jaw.
• Lost crown or filling causing sensitivity or exposed sharp edges
• Soft tissue injury — lacerations to the gum, tongue, or lip that do not stop bleeding after 15 minutes of pressure
• Partially dislodged (luxated) tooth — the tooth is still in the socket but visibly displaced or loose
• Broken orthodontic wire causing injury to soft tissue

Call us, and we will help you assess over the phone. For a more detailed overview, see our article on what qualifies as a dental emergency.

Is it an emergency? A quick reference guide

Are you open on weekends and after hours in Markham?

New patients are always welcome — simply call ahead for an emergency appointment.

What to do while waiting for your emergency appointment

The right first-aid steps in the minutes before you reach the clinic can make a significant difference, especially for traumatic injuries. Here is what to do for the most common emergency situations.

Knocked-out permanent tooth

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part). Do not touch the root.
• Rinse gently with clean water — do not scrub, and do not use soap.
• If possible, gently reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze.
• If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in a container of cold milk or between your cheek and gum.

Call us immediately. According to the IADT 2020 guidelines, replantation within 60 minutes yields the best prognosis. After one hour out of the socket, the risk of permanent loss increases sharply.

Severe toothache

• Take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the packaging — do not place aspirin directly on the gum.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
• Do not apply heat. Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.

Dental abscess

• Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess yourself. This can spread the infection.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief and call us for a same-day appointment.
• Keep your head elevated — lying flat can increase discomfort.

Go directly to the emergency room if you develop a fever, difficulty swallowing, or swelling that spreads to your neck. A dental abscess that spreads into the airway is a medical emergency.

Lost crown or filling

• Dental cement (available at most pharmacies) or temporary filling material can protect the exposed tooth until your appointment.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• If the tooth is painful without the crown, call for a same-day appointment.

Broken or chipped tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Apply dental wax (available at pharmacies) to cover any sharp edges that may cut your tongue or cheek.
• If there is significant bleeding from soft tissue, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze for 15 minutes.

Will my insurance cover an emergency dental visit in Ontario?

Understanding your coverage before a dental emergency removes one of the biggest sources of stress. Here is a clear breakdown of how coverage works in Ontario in 2025.

OHIP and dental emergencies

OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) does not cover routine or emergency dental treatment provided at a dental clinic, even for severe pain. The Government of Ontario confirms that OHIP covers only dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting when medically necessary (for example, jaw surgery following a fracture or a dental procedure required due to a systemic medical condition).

What OHIP covers

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Canada.ca — CDCP Coverage. Markham Smile Centre accepts CDCP — learn more on our CDCP dentist page.

Private dental insurance

Most private dental insurance plans (Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, and others) include some coverage for emergency exams and x-rays. Many plans cover 70–80% of emergency examination fees. Markham Smile Centre offers direct billing to most major insurers — you will not need to pay the full amount upfront and wait for reimbursement.

If you have no dental insurance

Emergency dental visits in Ontario typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the treatment required. If cost is a concern, ask about our flexible payment plans when you call.

dental financing options for details on payment plans that can help spread the cost of emergency treatment.

Emergency dental coverage summary — Ontario 2025

"In a dental emergency, what you do in the first 15 to 30 minutes can determine whether a tooth is saved or lost permanently. When a patient calls us on a Saturday in pain, the most important thing we can do is see them the same day — not tell them to wait until Monday."
— Dr. Amir Guorgui — Markham Smile Centre

Anxious about emergency dental treatment? Sedation options are available

Dental anxiety is extremely common and should never be a barrier to getting the care you need, especially in an emergency. At Markham Smile Centre, sedation options are available to help you remain calm and comfortable during your treatment, even on same-day and weekend appointments.

"Many patients who come to us on an emergency basis tell us they had been putting off treatment for weeks or months because of anxiety. Sedation removes that barrier. We make sure that even a patient who is frightened can get through an emergency procedure comfortably and with dignity."
— Dr. Rob Eisen DDS — Markham Smile Centre

Why choose Markham Smile Centre for a dental emergency?

Multiple experienced dentists — emergency slots are held in our daily schedule, so you are not turned away. Contact us to check current availability.

Sedation available for anxious patients even during emergency visits. Learn more on our sedation page and dental technology page.

Direct billing to most major insurance providers, including CDCP. Financing options also available.

Frequently asked questions about emergency and weekend dentistry in Markham

Can I come as a new patient for an emergency visit?

Yes — no referral needed. Just call ahead so we can prepare for your arrival. Everything you need to know about your first visit is on our new patients page.

What is the difference between an emergency dentist and a regular dentist?

The dentists are the same; the difference is priority. Emergency appointments are reserved for situations that cannot wait: acute pain, trauma, or infection. We hold dedicated same-day slots, so there is always room for urgent cases. See the full list of situations we treat on our emergency treatment page.

How much does an emergency dental visit cost in Markham?

Typically $150–$500+, depending on treatment. Most private insurance plans cover a portion, and we offer direct billing. CDCP patients are covered for emergency exams. If you have no insurance, flexible payment plans are available. Details are on our financing page.

Is there a dentist open on Saturday in Markham?

Yes. Markham Smile Centre offers Saturday appointments including same-day emergency slots. Call in the morning to check availability.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency on Sunday?

Call us directly. We offer Sunday appointments for urgent cases. If you experience severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, go straight to Markham Stouffville Hospital, 381 Church St.

Is emergency dental treatment covered by OHIP?

No. OHIP does not cover dental treatment at a clinic, even for emergencies. However, CDCP covers emergency exams for eligible patients, and most private insurance plans cover a portion of the cost. Call us, and we will verify your coverage before your appointment.

How quickly can I get a same-day appointment?

Call us in the morning, and we will do our best to see you the same day. We hold dedicated emergency slots in our daily schedule for exactly this reason.

Sources and references

• International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) — Retrospective analysis of survival of avulsed and replanted permanent teeth, BMC Oral Health (2023)
• Government of Ontario — What OHIP covers
• Government of Canada — Canadian Dental Care Plan: What is covered
• Nature Scientific Reports — Survival and complication analyses of avulsed and replanted permanent teeth (2020)