Dental Emergencies in Surrey BC

Emergency Dentist in Surrey When You Need One

A sudden toothache, a cracked tooth, or a tooth knocked out in an accident can be frightening, and it’s hard to know what to do first. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, call Genesis Dental at 604-590-2522 as soon as possible and let us know it’s an emergency, so our team can guide you on the best next step.

Acting quickly matters. Prompt care can relieve pain, stop bleeding, give you the best chance of saving a natural tooth, and help keep an infection from spreading.

Our Surrey office is open Monday to Saturday (see our hours below). If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any problem that needs prompt attention because of severe pain, bleeding, risk of infection, or damage to a tooth. Examples include:

Severe or persistent toothache, including a possible abscessed tooth
Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
A knocked-out tooth
A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
A lost or damaged filling or crown
A bitten or cut lip, tongue, or cheek
An object stuck between your teeth
Pain or bleeding after dental treatment

Not sure if it counts? Call us. We’d rather you check than wait.

What to Do While You Wait to Be Seen

These steps can help until you get to a dentist. They’re first aid only and don’t replace professional care.

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, following the package directions. Don’t place aspirin directly on your tooth or gums, as it can burn the gum tissue.

Knocked-Out Tooth

This applies to adult (permanent) teeth. Baby teeth are not usually put back in.

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Don’t scrub it or remove any tissue attached to it.
If you can, gently place it back into the socket and bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place.
If you can’t put it back, keep it moist in a small container of milk. Don’t let it dry out or wrap it in tissue.
Call us right away. Ideally, a knocked-out tooth should be seen within an hour.

Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Keep any pieces of the tooth you can find. If a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or cheek, you can cover it with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum. Avoid chewing on that side, and don’t try to glue the tooth back together.

Lost Filling or Crown

Keep the crown or any pieces if you can. Avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. A pharmacy may sell temporary dental cement to cover the tooth until your appointment. Don’t use household glue.

Bitten or Cut Lip, Tongue, or Cheek

Rinse gently with water, apply firm pressure with clean gauze, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding doesn’t stop after about 10 to 15 minutes, or the cut is deep, go to the nearest emergency room.

Object Stuck Between Your Teeth

Try to remove it gently with floss. Don’t use pins, needles, or other sharp objects, as they can injure your gums or damage your teeth. If it won’t come out, call us.

Swelling or Suspected Abscess

Don’t try to pop or drain it yourself. Rinse gently with warm salt water and call us promptly. See the symptoms of an abscessed tooth to learn more.

When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead

Some situations are too serious to wait for a dental appointment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling that is spreading quickly to your face, neck, eye, or under your tongue
A fever along with significant facial swelling
Bleeding that won’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm pressure
A suspected broken or fractured jaw
A head injury with confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness

Once you’ve been seen, give us a call and we can help with any follow-up dental care.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Should I see a dentist or go to the ER?

For problems like a severe toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or a lost filling, a dentist is the right place to go. Go to the ER if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious head or jaw injury.

How fast do I need to be seen for a knocked-out tooth?

As soon as possible. The chances of saving the tooth drop as time passes, and ideally you should be seen within an hour.

Can a toothache wait until my regular appointment?

It depends. Mild sensitivity can often wait, but severe or throbbing pain, swelling, or a fever should be checked right away because these can be signs of infection. If you’re not sure, call us.

What happens at an emergency dental visit?

Your dentist will examine the area, take X-rays if needed, and focus on relieving your pain and treating the immediate problem. Depending on what’s wrong, treatment may include a filling or repair, a root canal, or an extraction. We’ll explain your options before we begin.

Do I need an appointment for an emergency?

Please call us first at 604-590-2522 so our team can advise you and prepare for your visit.

Don’t Wait on a Dental Emergency

Waiting can turn a manageable problem into a more serious one. If you’re in pain, have damaged or lost a tooth, or notice swelling, call us at 604-590-2522 and we’ll help you take the next step.

If an emergency has left you with a missing tooth, ask us about replacement options such as dental implants or crowns and bridges.