Emergency Dentist in Esquimalt, BC
What Our Patients Say
Same-Day Care When It Matters Most
Available After Hours
Dental emergencies don't follow a schedule. If something goes wrong outside of regular office hours, call us. We have an after-hours line so you can reach someone when the office is closed and get the guidance you need right away.
Care for New and Existing Patients
You don't need to be an existing patient at Highrock Dental to call for emergency care. If you're in pain and need to be seen, call us. We welcome anyone who needs help, regardless of whether they've visited us before.
A Calm, Compassionate Approach
A dental emergency is stressful enough without feeling rushed or dismissed when you arrive. When you come in for emergency care at Highrock Dental, we take the time to listen to what happened, understand what you're feeling, and make sure you're comfortable before any treatment begins. If you feel anxious, tell us. We'll adjust our approach and make sure you feel informed and at ease throughout your visit.
Insurance and Payments
What Counts as a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency is any situation involving sudden pain, injury, infection, or damage to your teeth or gums that needs prompt attention. Common emergencies we treat include:
- Severe toothache or throbbing pain that won't subside
- A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- A tooth that has been knocked loose or completely displaced
- A lost filling or crown that is causing discomfort or leaving the tooth exposed
- A dental abscess or infection causing swelling in the face, jaw, or gums
- Soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums
- A broken or damaged dental appliance causing pain or injury
If you're unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, call us anyway. We'd rather help you assess it over the phone than have you waiting in discomfort.
What to Do Before You Arrive
For some emergencies, the steps you take before reaching the office can make a real difference to the outcome. Here is what to do in the most common situations.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical. The sooner a knocked-out tooth is reimplanted, the better the chance of saving it.
- Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue
- If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it there gently
- If reimplantation isn't possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a cup of milk or holding it between your cheek and gum
- Call us immediately and come in as quickly as you can
A Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
- Save any pieces of the tooth if possible and bring them with you
- Avoid chewing on the affected side until you've been seen
A Lost Filling or Crown
- Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with warm water
- Dental cement or sugar-free gum can be used as a temporary measure to cover the exposed tooth until you're seen. Avoid using regular adhesives
- Avoid chewing on the affected side and call us to book a same-day appointment
A Dental Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is a serious infection that can spread if left untreated. Signs include persistent throbbing pain, swelling in the face or jaw, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth.
- Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to help manage discomfort
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed and call us right away
- If swelling is severe or you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to your nearest emergency room immediately
A Soft Tissue Injury
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to any bleeding area
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the face to manage swelling
- If bleeding does not stop within 15 to 20 minutes, go to your nearest emergency room
Meet Our Doctor
200+
Kois
UBC
A Comprehensive Approach to Care
Invested in the Long Term
What to Expect at Your Emergency Appointment
Call Us
Describe your symptoms when you call so we can prepare for your arrival and advise you on any immediate steps to take before you get here.
Assessment
Your dentist examines the affected area thoroughly, takes any imaging needed to understand what's happening beneath the surface, and explains what they find in plain language.
Pain Relief First
Getting you comfortable is the first priority. We address your pain before moving into a longer-term treatment plan so you can think clearly about your options.
A Clear Plan
Once you're comfortable, your dentist walks you through what happened, what needs to be done, and what your options are. Some emergencies can be fully resolved in a single visit. Others may require a follow-up appointment for definitive treatment. Either way, you'll leave knowing exactly what comes next.
What to Expect
A Thorough Exam
Know What to Expect
We Show You What We See
A Relationship, Not a Transaction
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to manage pain before my emergency appointment?
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort until you're seen. For swelling, a cold compress applied to the outside of the face in short intervals can provide some relief. Avoid applying heat or placing aspirin directly on the gum tissue. Call us if your pain is severe or if your symptoms are getting worse.
Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency?
It can be, depending on how much discomfort you're in and how exposed the tooth is. A lost filling or crown leaves the tooth vulnerable to further damage and sensitivity. We recommend calling us promptly so we can assess the situation and get you seen as soon as possible.
How much will emergency treatment cost?
The cost depends on what treatment is needed. We give you a clear estimate before any work begins and will review your insurance benefits with you so there are no surprises. Financing options are available if needed.
What if I need treatment that can't be completed in a single visit?
Some emergencies, such as a severely damaged tooth or an infection requiring multiple steps to treat, may need more than one appointment. We'll stabilise the situation at your first visit and schedule follow-up care at a time that works for you.
Will emergency treatment be painful?
Getting you comfortable is the first thing we do when you arrive. We ensure you are fully numb before any treatment begins and take a calm, careful approach throughout. If you feel anxious, let us know and we'll make sure you feel supported from the moment you sit down.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
It depends on how quickly you act. A permanent tooth that is reimplanted within 30 minutes has the best chance of survival. Keep the tooth moist, handle it by the crown, and call us immediately. We'll guide you through the next steps on the phone.
What if my emergency is severe such as significant facial swelling or difficulty breathing?
If you are experiencing severe swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, go to your nearest emergency room immediately. These symptoms can indicate a spreading infection that requires urgent medical attention beyond the scope of a dental office.
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency?
We do our best to see emergency patients the same day they call. When you contact us, we'll find the earliest available time and advise you on what to do in the meantime.
Do I need to be an existing patient to receive emergency care?
No. We welcome anyone who needs help, whether they've visited Highrock Dental before or not.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Call our after-hours line. We'll help you assess the situation, advise you on what to do before you come in, and arrange care as quickly as possible.
Location
Located on the third floor, two floors above the Esquimalt Public Library. Enter the doors between the library and the coffee shop, take the elevator to the third floor. The office is located to the left when you get out of the elevator. You can access the elevators from the parking garage, take the elevators to the third floor.
503 Park Pl #302, Esquimalt, BC V9A 6Z9- Underground parking in designated stalls in garage off Park Place.
- Above ground parking lot off Fraser St. at $1.50/hr.
- 2hr Free Parking in Public Lot west of Memorial Park.
