Emergency Dental Care in New Westminster BC: What to Do
A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. A sudden toothache, broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, swelling, or dental injury can be painful and stressful — especially when you are not sure what to do next.
Knowing when to seek emergency dental care in New Westminster BC can help protect your oral health and prevent a small dental problem from becoming a bigger one.
At Columbia Square Dental, we understand that dental emergencies do not always happen during convenient hours. Our goal is to help patients in New Westminster and surrounding communities understand what constitutes a dental emergency, what to do in the meantime, and when to seek professional care.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental problem requires immediate treatment, but some situations should be assessed by a dentist as soon as possible.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- A knocked-out permanent tooth
- A broken, cracked, or severely damaged tooth
- Significant swelling around the tooth, gums, face, or jaw
- Dental trauma or an injury to the mouth
- Uncontrolled bleeding after a dental injury or procedure
- A dental abscess or suspected infection
- A lost or damaged dental restoration causing significant pain or damage
- Severe sensitivity accompanied by pain or other symptoms
If you are experiencing significant pain, swelling, trauma, or other concerning symptoms, contacting a dental office promptly is important.
What Should I Do If I Knock Out a Tooth?
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a situation where acting quickly matters.
If possible, carefully pick up the tooth by the crown — the part you normally see in your mouth — and avoid touching the root.
Gently rinse it if it is dirty, but do not scrub the tooth. If you are able to do so safely, the tooth may be carefully placed back into its socket. If that is not possible, keep it moist by placing it in milk or another appropriate tooth-preservation solution and seek dental care immediately.
The sooner a knocked-out permanent tooth is assessed, the better the opportunity may be to save it.
Do not attempt to put a baby tooth back into the socket. Contact a dental professional for guidance instead.
What If My Tooth Is Broken or Cracked?
A broken or cracked tooth can range from a minor chip to a significant fracture involving the inner layers of the tooth.
If you break a tooth:
- Rinse your mouth gently with water.
- If there is swelling, a cold compress can be applied to the outside of the face.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- If you have the broken piece of tooth, keep it and bring it with you to your dental appointment.
- Contact a dentist for an assessment.
A crack or fracture may not always be visible, even when it is causing significant pain. Your dentist can examine the tooth and determine what treatment may be appropriate.
What About a Severe Toothache?
Tooth pain should not simply be ignored, particularly when it is severe, persistent, or getting worse.
A toothache can have several possible causes, including decay, a cracked tooth, inflammation of the dental pulp, infection, or problems involving the surrounding tissues.
While temporarily managing discomfort may help you get through the day, pain medication does not treat the underlying dental problem.
If you have significant or ongoing tooth pain, contact a dental office to arrange an assessment.
Is Dental Swelling an Emergency?
Swelling around a tooth or in the gums can sometimes be a sign of infection and should be assessed by a dentist.
Pay particular attention to swelling accompanied by:
- Severe tooth pain
- Fever
- A bad taste or drainage in the mouth
- Increasing facial swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling significantly unwell
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing facial swelling, or other signs of a potentially serious infection require urgent medical attention. In these situations, going to an emergency department or calling 911 may be appropriate rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.
What Can I Do While Waiting to See a Dentist?
If you are waiting for an emergency dental appointment, there are a few simple steps that may help:
- Keep the area clean by gently rinsing your mouth with water.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the face if there is swelling.
- Avoid very hot, cold, hard, or sugary foods if they aggravate the tooth.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Do not place aspirin directly on your gums or tooth.
- Follow the directions on any over-the-counter pain medication you take and check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure whether it is appropriate for you.
These steps are temporary measures — they are not a substitute for professional dental care.
When Should I Call an Emergency Dentist?
A good rule is that new, severe, worsening, or unexplained dental pain should not be ignored.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, it is reasonable to contact a dental office and explain your symptoms. A dental professional can help determine how quickly you should be seen.
At Columbia Square Dental, we provide dental care for patients in New Westminster, Burnaby, Surrey, and surrounding communities. Our convenient Columbia Square location is close to transit, making it easier to access dental care when you need it.
Emergency Dental Care in New Westminster BC
When a dental emergency happens, you do not have to figure everything out on your own.
Whether you are dealing with sudden tooth pain, a broken tooth, dental trauma, or swelling, getting the problem assessed promptly can help you understand what is happening and what treatment options are available.
If you are looking for emergency dental care in New Westminster BC, Columbia Square Dental is here to help. Contact our team to discuss your dental emergency and determine the next appropriate step.
Don’t wait for dental pain to become unbearable. If something doesn’t feel right, give us a call.
Columbia Square Dental
Serving New Westminster, Burnaby, Surrey & surrounding communities
Conveniently located in New Westminster near Columbia Square and SkyTrain, we provide general, emergency, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic dental care for individuals and families.
Call (604) 529-9393 or contact us online to book emergency dental care. We are accepting new patients.
