How to Handle Dental Emergencies: What to Do Before You Reach Us



Stay Calm, Act Fast

Dental emergencies can happen anytime — whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or broken crown. Knowing what to do before you reach your dentist can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

At Marinaside Dental in Yaletown, Vancouver, our team provides fast, reliable emergency dental care for families across Vancouver. Here’s what to do while you’re on your way.

Common Dental Emergencies

Call your dentist right away if you experience any of the following:

  • Knocked-out (avulsed) or chipped tooth
  • Severe toothache or dental abscess (infection)
  • Lost filling or crown
  • Object lodged between teeth
  • Gum, lip, or tongue injury (soft tissue trauma)
  • Facial swelling or jaw pain that may indicate infection

Prompt attention helps reduce pain, prevent complications, and save your natural teeth.

Immediate Steps to Take

Knocked-Out Tooth

  • Handle the tooth carefully by the crown, not the root.
  • If dirty, rinse gently with water — do not scrub or remove tissue fragments.
  • Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place.
  • If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva and call your dentist immediately. Teeth have the best chance of being saved within 30–60 minutes.

Severe Toothache or Abscess

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area.
  • Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling.
  • Do not place aspirin directly on the gums—it can burn soft tissue.
  • Contact your dentist promptly; untreated infections can spread and cause serious health risks.

Lost Filling or Crown

  • Keep the crown or filling and bring it with you.
  • You can apply temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) to cover the area.
  • Avoid chewing on that side until repaired to prevent further damage.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

  • Gently use dental floss to remove the object.
  • Never use sharp tools like pins or toothpicks — they can injure gums or enamel.

We’re Here When You Need Us

At Marinaside Dental Vancouver, we understand that dental pain or injury can’t wait. We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible and provide compassionate, expert care for all urgent cases — from cracked teeth to infections.

Our Yaletown dentists are experienced in managing pain, controlling infection, and preserving your oral health.

Don’t Wait — Call Your Dentist

Delaying care can make emergencies worse. If you experience sudden pain, trauma, or swelling, contact Marinaside Dental Vancouver right away.

Visit: marinasidedental.com
Call: 604-685-5456

We’ll guide you over the phone and ensure you’re seen as quickly as possible.


Parth Naik, BDS, MAS, DDS Anshika Taneja, BDS, DDS Kim Kent, DMD Leila Ghavamzadeh, DDS Joyce Grou, DDS
(604) 685-5456
179 Davie St, Unit 205
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1

Office Hours

Monday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
By appointment only