Dental pain has a way of catching you off guard. One day, everything feels normal, and the next, you are searching “emergency dentist in Surrey” late at night, wondering if that cracked tooth or throbbing ache can wait. At Rosemary Heights Dental in Surrey, we know that dental emergencies rarely arrive at convenient times, and they can be stressful, painful, and confusing.

Our goal is to help you understand what constitutes a dental emergency, what you can monitor at home, and when you should call us immediately. We will also walk you through what happens during an emergency visit so you feel prepared before you even step through the door.

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving sudden pain, trauma, swelling, or bleeding in your mouth that you cannot manage on your own or that appears to be worsening instead of improving. If something feels urgent to you, it is always appropriate to call so we can guide you. Common dental emergencies include:

• Severe or persistent toothache that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain relief
• A tooth that has been knocked out or badly loosened
• Broken or fractured teeth, especially if they are sharp or painful
• Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
• Dental abscesses or possible infections (often with throbbing pain or a bad taste)
• Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop with gentle pressure

Even issues like a lost filling or cracked crown can become urgent if they cause pain or leave sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheeks. If you are near Morgan Crossing, Grandview Corners, or the wider South Surrey area and are unsure, the safest option is to contact our office.

What to do before you arrive

Knowing what to do in the moment can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel on your way to the dentist. Here are some simple steps you can take while you contact our office.

If a tooth has been knocked out

• Handle the tooth by the crown only, not the root.
• If it is dirty, gently rinse it with water – do not scrub it.
• If possible, try to place the tooth back in the socket and gently bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
• If you cannot do this, keep the tooth moist in milk or in your own saliva in a clean container.
• Call us right away so we can advise you on the timing of your visit. The sooner a tooth is seen by our dentist in Surrey, the better the chances it may be able to be treated. Outcomes depend on several factors, so we will discuss realistic expectations with you upon your arrival.

If you have swelling or an abscess

• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in the swollen area to help with discomfort.
• Stay upright rather than lying flat, which can sometimes worsen throbbing.
• Do not apply aspirin directly to the gums, as it can irritate or burn the soft tissue.
• If swelling is spreading quickly, you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or you feel unwell with fever or chills, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

If you have a broken tooth, filling, or crown

• Rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water to remove debris.
• If there are sharp edges, dental wax (sometimes found at pharmacies) can help protect your cheeks or tongue.
• Avoid chewing on that side until we have examined the tooth.
• Keep any broken pieces you find and bring them with you.

If you have a severe toothache

• Rinse with warm salt water to help cleanse the area.
• Do not put the pills or a heating pad on your sore tooth area.
• Over-the-counter pain relief, as directed by the package or your pharmacist, may provide short-term relief.
• Call our office so we can fast!

About Rosemary Heights Dental: We believe in compassionate, judgment-free care – especially in urgent situations. Our understanding team is here to help you feel better fast. Learn more about us here.

Real Words From Local Smiles

“After my previous dentist retired, I chose Dr. Barnes based on strong recommendations. I was grateful to be seen on short notice for a dental emergency. Dr. Barnes proved to be exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. The office is spacious and modern, and the staff are both pleasant and welcoming.” – Debbie M.

Not Sure If It’s Urgent? Just Ask.

Even if you’re not certain it’s an emergency, we’re happy to talk it through with you. Quick answers can give you peace of mind and help prevent bigger problems down the road.

FAQs

How do I prevent dental emergencies?
While accidents occur, you can protect your teeth by avoiding common risks. Never bite ice or chew hard foods (like nuts/candy) too quickly, as this can cause cracks. Also, stop using your teeth as tools for opening packages. Crucially, always wear a mouthguard during sports to absorb impact and shield your teeth from injury.

Can I go to the ER for dental pain in Surrey?
You can, but ERs aren’t equipped for dental care. For toothaches, broken teeth, or swelling, it’s better to call an emergency dentist in Surrey. We can offer timely, personalized, and targeted care and help relieve pain quickly. You can visit our Emergency Dentistry page to learn more about what constitutes a dental emergency and how we can help!

Do you see children for dental emergencies?

Yes, our emergency dentist in Surrey can support children seeking urgent care, and we personalize our approach based on the child’s age and comfort level. Parents and guardians are welcome in the clinic to help the child feel secure. If your child has severe swelling, trauma, or bleeding that does not slow with pressure, call us right away at (778) 200-8398!

How do I know if this is a real emergency or something that can wait?

Suppose you experience severe pain, facial swelling, persistent bleeding, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or trauma to the teeth or jaw. In such cases, you should always contact our emergency dental clinic for an urgent assessment. Even intermittent pain can signal a developing crack or infection that benefits greatly from early intervention. Now and always, you can trust that our caring team here to support you every step of the way!

Can you help with the tooth pain that comes and goes?

Often, yes. “On-and-off” pain can signal various issues, including a cracked tooth, early nerve inflammation, sinus-related sensitivity, or nighttime clenching. Our emergency dentist in Surrey uses focused exams and X-rays to quickly identify the cause, relieve your immediate discomfort, and discuss treatment options. Connect with us immediately at (778) 200-8398!