Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?

There are many different reasons that patients in Calgary, Alberta, and the surrounding area may require emergency dental care. A dental emergency can strike 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. We also offer extended office hours and alternating Saturdays so we can treat you 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 causes 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 be evaluated by a local emergency room to ensure no significant physical injuries. As a follow-up, call Calgary Dental Centers and schedule an appointment to evaluate 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 has the experience 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 due to advancing gum disease.

It’s important to note that when a tooth infection is left untreated, it can eventually cause an abscess, a major infection that can be extremely painful. If you suspect you may have an abscess, it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible.

How to alleviate pain and treat the area while waiting for emergency dental care

You can do certain things at home before coming into our Calgary office for an emergency appointment.

1. If your tooth is knocked out, hold it only by the crown. Do not touch the root. Rinse the tooth and try to place it back in the socket gently. If you are unable to place it in the socket, put it in a glass of milk
2. If you are experiencing a toothache, over-the-counter pain relievers along with ice packs on the outside of the cheek can help alleviate pain and swelling
3. 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, seeking treatment as quickly as possible is important. The tooth can be saved if it is re-inserted 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 treatment plan. 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 remove 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, so we keep you comfortable while providing prompt treatment. If you experience tooth pain or any other dental emergency, call us at (403) 768-1339.