Dental Emergency in Vancouver? Here’s What to Do Right Now
Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. In those moments, it’s normal to feel unsure about what counts as an emergency and what to do first.
If you’re in Vancouver and facing a dental emergency, staying calm and acting quickly can make a real difference. Here’s a clear, simple guide to help you know what to do right now and when it’s time to seek immediate dental care.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that needs prompt attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or prevent further damage.
Some emergencies are obvious, like a knocked-out tooth. Others may feel less dramatic but still require urgent care especially for children.
Common Dental Emergencies Include:
Severe or persistent tooth pain
A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
Swelling of the face, gums, or jaw
Bleeding that won’t stop
Dental infections or abscesses
Sudden sensitivity with pain
Injury to the lips, tongue, or gums
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. It’s always better to call and ask than to wait.
What to Do Immediately During a Dental Emergency
Stay Calm and Check the Situation
Children often take emotional cues from adults. Staying calm helps them feel safer while you assess what’s happening.
Look for:
Bleeding or swelling
Visible damage to a tooth or gums
Signs of pain or distress
Fever or facial swelling (which may signal infection)
Book an appointment right away if this happens.
Toothache or Severe Pain: Don’t Ignore It
Tooth pain is often a sign that something deeper is going on, such as decay, infection, or pressure on a nerve.
What you can do at home:
Rinse gently with warm salt water
Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek
Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods
Do not place aspirin directly on the gums
Pain that lasts more than a few hours or worsens should be checked by a dentist as soon as possible.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Not all chipped teeth cause pain, but they should still be examined to prevent further damage or infection.
Next steps:
Rinse the mouth with warm water
Save any broken pieces if possible
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
Avoid chewing on that side
Even small chips can affect long-term oral health if left untreated.
Swelling, Infection, or Abscess: This Is Urgent
Swelling in the face or gums, especially when paired with pain or fever, can indicate an infection. Dental infections should never be ignored they can spread quickly if left untreated.
Signs of infection include:
Swollen gums or jaw
A pimple-like bump on the gums
Bad taste or odor
Fever or fatigue
If you notice these symptoms, contact a dental clinic right away.
Dental Emergencies for Children: What Parents Should Know
Kids are active, curious, and accidents happen. Dental emergencies in children are common, especially during sports, playtime, or early tooth development.
Primary (baby) teeth injuries still matter. Even if the tooth will eventually fall out, damage or infection can affect speech, eating, and the health of adult teeth underneath.
Smiley Kids Dental focuses on gentle, child-friendly emergency care helping kids feel safe while giving parents peace of mind.
When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. the Dentist
Go to the emergency room if:
There is difficulty breathing or swallowing
There is uncontrolled bleeding
There is facial trauma involving broken bones
Go to the dentist for:
Tooth pain or sensitivity
Dental infections or swelling
Broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth
Lost fillings or crowns
When in doubt, call your dental clinic first they can guide you quickly.
Emergency Dental Care in Vancouver
Having a local dental clinic you trust makes emergencies easier to manage. Smiley Kids Dental offers same-day emergency dental appointments for children and adults in Vancouver and Burnaby.
Our team is experienced, patient-focused, and equipped with modern technology to handle emergencies efficiently without adding unnecessary stress.
Book an appointment now if you or your child needs urgent dental care.