What to do when a dental problem occurs at the spur of the moment? A dental emergency may be less than convenient. These events never take place during regular hours. Most of the time, a high level of pain, swelling, and a broken tooth can be quite frightening. When faced with these scenarios, quick action can save your teeth and health. If you already have a trusted dentist in Coquitlam, you will know what steps to take during a dental emergency. Receiving care promptly can help reduce pain and infection while limiting long-term damage.
Dental emergencies are not just about pain. Some issues can spread infection or cause permanent tooth loss if left untreated. Acting at the right time makes a big difference.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem that needs quick care to stop pain, bleeding, or infection. These problems should not wait for a regular appointment.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe toothache that does not go away
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- Broken, cracked, or knocked-out teeth
- Bleeding that does not stop.
- Signs of infection, such as pus or fever
If you notice any of these signs, calling an Emergency dentist in Coquitlam, BC is the safest choice.
Tooth Pain That Should Never Be Ignored
Tooth pain can start small but become serious fast. Pain that keeps you awake, spreads to your jaw, or feels sharp and constant often means something deeper is wrong.
Possible causes include:
- Deep cavities
- Infected tooth roots
- Cracked teeth
- Gum infections
When pain does not improve with basic care, an emergency dentist near you can find the cause and stop it from getting worse.
When Swelling Becomes Dangerous
Swelling is your body’s response to infection or injury. Swelling in the mouth or face is a warning sign and should be treated quickly.
Call for emergency care if:
- Swelling makes it hard to open your mouth.
- Your face looks uneven or puffy.
- Pain increases along with swelling
In some cases, untreated swelling can spread infection to other parts of the body. Quick action helps prevent serious health risks.
Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth Need Fast Action
Accidents can happen while eating, playing sports, or falling. A broken or knocked-out tooth should always be treated as an emergency.
If a tooth is knocked out:
- Pick it up by the top, not the root.
- Rinse gently with water.
- Try to place it back or keep it in milk.
- Seek help immediately
Fast care increases the chance of saving the tooth.
When Is a 24-Hour Emergency Dental Extraction Needed?
Sometimes, a tooth cannot be saved and must be removed to stop pain or infection. A 24-hour emergency dental extraction may be needed when:
- Infection has spread deep into the tooth.
- Severe decay has destroyed most of the tooth.
- Swelling and pain are getting worse quickly.
Delaying extraction in these cases can cause more pain and health problems.
Bleeding That Will Not Stop
Bleeding after a dental injury or procedure should slow down within a short time. If bleeding continues, it may be a sign of serious damage.
Seek emergency care if:
- Bleeding lasts longer than 20–30 minutes.
- Blood fills the mouth quickly.
- Pressure does not help stop it.
An emergency dental walk-in option can help control bleeding and prevent complications.
Dental Emergencies vs Non-Emergencies
| Situation | Emergency? |
| Severe tooth pain | Yes |
| Mild tooth sensitivity | No |
| Swelling with pain | Yes |
| Small chip with no pain | No |
| Bleeding that won’t stop | Yes |
This table helps you decide when immediate care is needed.
What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist
While waiting for emergency care, small steps can help reduce pain and prevent damage.
Helpful steps include:
- Rinsing with warm salt water
- Using a cold pack for swelling
- Avoid chewing on the painful side.
- Taking pain relief if safe to do so
These steps are temporary and not a replacement for professional care.
Why Delaying Dental Care Can Lead to Bigger Problems
Putting off emergency dental care can turn a small issue into a serious problem. Infections can spread, pain can increase, and treatment can become more complex.
Early care often means:
- Less pain
- Shorter treatment time
- Lower risk of tooth loss
Knowing when to call helps protect your smile and health.
Get Emergency Dental Care When It Matters Most!
Never ignore dental emergencies in life. Taking action early can reduce discomfort, guard against infection, and maintain a nice smile. When you or your family member faces a sudden dental problem, you should immediately seek help. Whenever you require support, contact Lincoln Dental Center for emergency dental care that you can trust. Get help when you need it most.
FAQs
How do I know if my tooth pain is an emergency?
If the pain is severe, constant, or comes with swelling, it should be checked right away.
Is it possible to walk in unannounced during an emergency?
Many clinics offer emergency dental walk-in care.
Is gastric swelling always a sign of infection?
Swelling doesn’t always mean infection, but it usually means something needs to be checked out.
What if my emergency occurs during the night?
Emergency services are available to help when pain cannot wait, outside of medics’ normal hours.