Calgary dentist answers the question, “Do you need emergency dental care?”
There are many different reasons that patients in Calgary, AB, and the surrounding area may require emergency dental care. The fact is, a dental emergency can strike at any time so knowing how to handle one can help you remain calm when the situation arises. At Calgary Dental Centers, we make every effort to accommodate last minute and same-day appointment requests so that you don’t have to live with the pain that often accompanies a dental emergency. If you have tooth pain, an injury, or another dental emergency, call us at (403) 768-1339 for an appointment. We also offer extended office hours and alternating Saturdays so we can do our best to get you treatment as quickly as possible.
Identifying dental emergencies
If you experience any of the following, you should call the office to request emergency dental care
- Knocked-out tooth
- Broken orthodontia
- Chipped/Cracked teeth
- Lost restoration such as filling or crown
- Toothache (if it persists even after brushing and flossing)
- Loose permanent tooth
- Abscess
Injuries and Accidents
Sports injuries and automobile accidents are among the most common cause of tooth injuries. Individuals who participate in sports should protect themselves by wearing a mouthguard. Even casual backyard games of soccer and basketball can lead to sports accidents. If you are in a car accident, it’s typically recommended that individuals get evaluated by a local emergency room to ensure there aren’t any significant physical injuries. As a follow-up, call Calgary Dental Center and schedule an appointment for evaluation of any tooth damage.
Toothaches
Sudden or severe toothaches are the driving factor for many Calgary residents to seek emergency dental care. At Calgary Dental Centers, our team is experienced enough to examine the teeth in question to determine the root cause of the pain. In some cases, it may be a small cavity that has grown and will now require root canal therapy. For others, it could be an exposed tooth root as a result of advancing gum disease.
It’s important to note that when a tooth infection is left untreated, it can eventually cause an abscess which is a major infection that can be extremely painful. If you suspect you may have an abscess, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
How to alleviate pain and treat the area while waiting for emergency dental care in Calgary
There are certain things you can do at home before coming into our Calgary office for an emergency appointment.
- If a tooth has been knocked-out, make sure to handle it by the crown and not the root. Gently rinse the tooth off and try to gently place it back in the socket. If you are unable to place it in the socket, place it in a glass of milk.
- If you have a toothache, over the counter pain relievers along with ice packs on the outside of the cheek can help alleviate pain and swelling.
- If you have lost a dental crown, try placing it back over the tooth and keeping it in place with over the counter denture adhesive.
Common treatments for a dental emergency
Knocked-out teeth
When a tooth has fallen out, it’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible. The best chance of saving the tooth occurs if it is re-implanted within an hour. If saving the tooth is not possible, options for replacing the tooth can be discussed.
Broken teeth
If a tooth has cracked or chipped, it can often be fixed with the help of cosmetic dental solutions such as bonding, crowns or veneers.
Infected teeth
If there is an infection, we will first determine the severity of the infection to come up with a plan for treating it. In many cases, root canal therapy can be done to remove the infected material and save the natural tooth structure. In some cases, we may have to extract the infected tooth, although we always make every attempt to save the natural tooth.
At Calgary Dental Centers, we understand that dental emergencies are never planned, and we do our best to keep you comfortable while providing prompt treatment. If you are experiencing tooth pain or another dental emergency, call us at (403) 768-1339.
