General Dentistry

Dental Emergencies

If you are in pain and believe it to be an emergency, don't hesitate to call our dental office at (604) 585-2345.

Dental Emergencies

Emergency Dentist in Surrey, BC

Have a dental emergency? Call (604) 585-2345 or walk in during office hours. The Dental Group at Central City accepts dental emergencies and walk-ins at our office inside Central City Shopping Centre in Surrey, BC. We are open seven days a week.

Go to a hospital emergency department or call 911 if you have: facial or jaw swelling together with fever, swelling that is spreading toward the eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that won’t stop, or a serious injury to the head, face or jaw.

Call (604) 585-2345 · Book: new patient toothache · Book: existing patient toothache

Quick facts
Emergency patients Accepted. New and existing patients, walk-ins welcome
Hours Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed–Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun 11 AM–4 PM
Location Unit 1117, 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2W1, inside Central City Shopping Centre, next to the Passport Office
Phone (604) 585-2345
Same-day care We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day.
After hours Outside office hours, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Ages Children and adults
Coverage Most dental plans accepted.

Is it a dental emergency?

Situation What to do
Swelling with fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, uncontrolled bleeding, serious head, face or jaw injury Go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.
Severe or persistent toothache · Knocked-out permanent tooth · Loose or displaced tooth after an injury · Broken tooth with pain · Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum · Lost crown Call us right away at (604) 585-2345 or come in during office hours.
Lost filling without pain · Small chip with no pain · Mild sensitivity Book an appointment soon. Book online

Not every dental problem is an emergency. If you aren’t sure, call us and describe your symptoms.

What to do right now

These are general first-aid steps until you can be seen. They are not a substitute for care from a dentist.

Severe toothache

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food.
  • Hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers may help; follow the label directions. Don’t place pain tablets directly against your gum.
  • Don’t ignore pain that fades. The cause is still there. See a dentist.

Knocked-out permanent tooth (time matters)

  1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
  2. If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Don’t scrub it or remove tissue.
  3. If you can, gently place it back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it. If you can’t, keep it moist in milk or in your cheek, not dry and not in plain water for long.
  4. Call us immediately. The sooner the tooth is treated, the better the chance of saving it.

A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back. Call us for advice.

Broken or cracked tooth

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Avoid chewing on that side and avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.
  • Call us. Even a break without pain can lead to infection or further damage.

Lost filling or crown

  • Keep the crown if you have it, and bring it with you.
  • A temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth until your visit. Don’t use household glue.
  • Avoid chewing on that side. Call us to arrange a repair.

Swelling or abscess

  • A swollen gum or a bump on the gum can mean an infection, which can spread. Call us the same day.
  • If swelling reaches your face or neck, or you have fever, trouble breathing or trouble swallowing, go to a hospital emergency department.

Cut or bleeding mouth

  • Rinse gently with warm water and press clean gauze against the area.
  • If bleeding doesn’t stop after about 10–15 minutes of steady pressure, or the injury is serious, go to the emergency department.

What happens at an emergency dental visit

  1. Quick assessment. We ask about your symptoms, medical history and medications.
  2. Exam and X-rays if needed. We find the cause of the problem. X-rays are taken when your dentist decides they are appropriate.
  3. Pain relief and stabilization. We relieve discomfort and protect the tooth when possible.
  4. Treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

Some emergencies are treated in the same visit and others need a follow-up. We’ll tell you what to expect before starting.

Why dental problems shouldn’t wait

Some dental problems get worse if left untreated. For example, a cavity that begins as mild sensitivity can reach the inner part of the tooth and may eventually need a root canal. An untreated infection can spread. Pain that goes away on its own does not mean the problem has gone.

New patients and existing patients

We welcome both. If you don’t have a dentist in Surrey, you can book as a new patient with a toothache. Existing patients can book here. Please bring photo ID, your insurance information and a list of your medications. You can download the Patient Intake Form, but don’t delay care to complete it.

What Emergency Dental Treatments May Be Available?

Emergency treatment depends on the underlying cause of the problem. The goal is to protect your oral health while choosing a treatment that is appropriate for the condition of the tooth.

Tooth-Coloured Fillings

When tooth decay or minor damage has affected a tooth, a filling may restore the damaged area.

The dentist removes the affected tissue when necessary, prepares the tooth, and places a suitable restorative material.

Not every damaged tooth can be treated with a filling. Extensive damage may require a different restoration.

Root Canal Treatment

If the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be recommended to address the problem and preserve the tooth.

During treatment, the dentist removes the affected pulp tissue, cleans and disinfects the root canal system, and seals it. A suitable final restoration may also be needed to protect the tooth.

Root canal treatment is not necessary for every toothache. The recommendation depends on the diagnosis and the extent of the damage.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers and protects a tooth that has been weakened or significantly damaged.

Crowns may be recommended after certain fractures, extensive decay, or root canal treatment when additional protection is needed.

The dentist will determine whether enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration.

Dental Extractions

Sometimes a tooth is too damaged or infected to be restored predictably. In such cases, extraction may be recommended.

The decision depends on the condition of the tooth, the supporting tissues, and whether a reasonable alternative exists.

If a tooth must be removed, your dentist can also discuss whether replacement is appropriate and which options may suit your needs.

You can explore the practice’s dental services to learn more about the types of general, restorative, and surgical care available.

When Should You Go to the Hospital Instead?

A dental clinic can assess many urgent problems involving teeth and gums. However, some symptoms require emergency medical care rather than waiting for a dental appointment.

Go to an emergency department or call 911 in Canada when appropriate if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Rapidly spreading swelling involving the face or neck
  • Severe facial trauma or a suspected jaw fracture
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness or signs of a serious head injury

A hospital emergency department can assess life-threatening conditions and serious injuries. It may not provide definitive treatment for every dental problem, so follow-up with a dentist may still be necessary.

If you are uncertain about the seriousness of your symptoms, describe them to a healthcare professional and seek emergency medical care when warning signs are present.

Related services at our Surrey office: CDCP coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Do you accept walk-in emergency patients?

Yes. We accept dental emergencies and walk-ins during office hours. Calling ahead at (604) 585-2345 helps us prepare.

Are you open on weekends?

Yes. We are open Saturday 9 AM–5 PM and Sunday 11 AM–4 PM. Weekday hours are Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM, Wed–Thu 9 AM–8 PM and Fri 9 AM–6 PM.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe or lasting toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, a loose tooth after injury, swelling or an abscess, a lost crown, or ongoing bleeding. Swelling with fever or trouble breathing or swallowing is a medical emergency; go to the hospital.

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Hold it by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty, try to place it back in the socket or keep it moist in milk, and call us right away. Time matters. Don’t put a baby tooth back in.

I have a toothache but it stopped hurting. Do I still need to be seen?

Yes. Pain can fade even when the cause, such as decay, a crack or an infection, is still there. A dental exam can find it.

Do I need to be an existing patient?

No. We see new patients with a toothache. You can book online or call.

Will you pull my tooth?

Not necessarily. Your dentist first finds the cause and explains your options. Treatment may include a filling, crown or root canal, and extraction is considered when a tooth can’t be restored.

Can you see children with dental emergencies?

We see children from about 12–18 months. See children’s dentistry.

Need an emergency dentist in Surrey?

Call (604) 585-2345 · Book: new patient toothache · Book: existing patient toothache

Unit 1117, 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2W1, inside Central City Shopping Centre, next to the Passport Office.