Emergency dental guide
What to do when a dental problem feels urgent
This page helps Vancouver Island patients sort urgent symptoms from routine issues and find the right Nanaimo or Ladysmith resource quickly.
Common urgent dental signals
Use this as educational triage only. Severe symptoms, spreading swelling, fever, trauma, or trouble breathing need immediate medical attention.
Call a dental clinic promptly
Toothache that does not settle, broken tooth, lost filling or crown, gum swelling, biting pain, or dental injury usually warrants a clinic call.
Gather useful details
Before calling, note when symptoms started, pain level, swelling, injury details, medications, allergies, and whether the tooth is sensitive to hot or cold.
Know when it is not only dental
Facial swelling with fever, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or major trauma may require emergency medical care.
Nearby follow-up paths
After urgent symptoms are handled, many patients need prevention, restoration, or benefit help.