First: dental emergencies don't go to the hospital ER
Hospital emergency departments do not do dental work (no fillings, no extractions, no root canals). At best you'll get painkillers and antibiotics, then a referral to a dentist. For tooth problems, go straight to a dentist. Skip the ER detour.
Exceptions: major facial trauma (car accident, assault), broken jaw, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing. Those go to the ER or call 9-1-1.
What counts as a real dental emergency
- Knocked-out tooth: the golden window is 30–60 minutes. Hold it by the crown (not the root), keep it in milk or saline, and get to a dentist immediately. The faster it's replanted, the better the odds.
- Severe tooth pain that painkillers can't control
- Facial swelling, especially if spreading or with fever: possible spreading infection, get seen promptly
- Broken tooth with sharp edges cutting your mouth or exposed pulp
- Loose or displaced tooth after trauma
- Bleeding after extraction that won't stop after 30 minutes of biting gauze
Where to go in Greater Vancouver
- Have a regular dentist: call them directly. Many clinics hold same-day emergency slots.
- No regular dentist: search "emergency dentist near me". Greater Vancouver has several clinics that take emergencies without appointments.
- BC Dental Association: bcdental.org has a find-a-dentist search by area.
- Not sure: call 8-1-1. A nurse will point you in the right direction.
Cost: MSP does not cover dental
The trap many newcomers fall into: MSP does not cover dental treatment. Dental care is essentially all out of pocket. An emergency dental exam typically starts at CAD 100–200; root canals, extractions, and implants cost much more. Ask about pricing (and payment plans) before you go.
If you have extended health benefits through work (e.g. Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife), many plans cover part of dental costs. Check your plan before your visit. Low-income families can look into the BC Healthy Kids Program (partial coverage under 19).
Knocked-out tooth: first aid steps
- Find the tooth. Hold it by the crown only, never the root
- If dirty, rinse gently with water for 10 seconds. Do not scrub
- Try putting it back in the socket (adults only; don't try with children who might swallow it)
- If it won't go back, keep it in cold milk. No milk? Use saline. Last resort: hold it in your mouth (don't swallow)
- Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes. Don't wrap it in tissue; the root will dry out and die
Information current as of 2026-10-03.