If you are experiencing a severe dental emergency causing bleeding and /or difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital’s emergency department.
Emergency or Urgent dental care after hours and/or when clinics are closed.
If you are experiencing a severe dental emergency causing uncontrollable bleeding and /or difficulty breathing, call 911 and go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
If you are experiencing a dental urgency and need to see a dentist, call our clinics at (403) 272-7272 or (403) 287-6453. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail giving us your name, date of birth, and the nature of the urgency. If you don’t get a response within the hour, please call Emergency Dental at (587) 351-2243.
Emergency Dental Services at Calgary Dental Centers
When problems arise with the smile, you must seek the care and attention of an emergency dentist “near me.” Emergency dental services are just one of many offerings at Calgary Dental Centers of Calgary, Alberta. Our dentists are here to help with same-day appointments to relieve you of pain or discomfort. Knowing what a dental emergency is and when to seek immediate care is critical in many situations where teeth are damaged or knocked out.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
The team at Calgary Dental Centers in Calgary, Alberta, refers to a dental emergency as a time-sensitive dental issue that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop ongoing pain or bleeding, or prevent further damage to your smile.
Knocked out tooth. For example, if you have a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence. The faster you can get into our practice for an emergency dentist, the better chance we have of saving your tooth.
Severe toothache. If you are experiencing severe dental pain, this is also considered a dental emergency. Our team can provide you with the care and treatment you need to get out of pain and on the road to recovery. This may include services such as root canal therapy or fillings. Once the cause of the toothache is determined and officially diagnosed, the dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment to find relief and restore oral health.
Lost or broken restorations. Restorations such as fillings that are lost or loose can leave a tooth exposed and at risk of infection, so replacement is necessary as soon as possible to protect the smile.
What If I Am Unsure If I Have a Dental Emergency?
If you are not sure whether or not your situation is considered a dental emergency, please call our office, and we will be happy to advise you. We understand that visiting an emergency dentist “near me” is critical when time is of the essence. At Calgary Dental Centers, we provide urgent dental care for new and established patients in our facilities. Call today to request more information about our emergency dental services.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
What should I do if I knock out a tooth, and how quickly do I need treatment?
You must act quickly if you have a tooth knocked out. When handing a tooth that has been knocked out, handle it gently by the crown (never handle the tooth by its exposed roots). You will then gently rinse the tooth in clean, cool water and then (if possible) try placing the tooth back in its socket. If you cannot do this, submerge it in milk or saliva and call our office to see how quickly we can get you in. Quick action can mean the difference between keeping or losing the tooth.
How can I tell if my toothache is a true dental emergency?
A minor toothache might resolve on its own, but if you experience severe, persistent pain, swelling, fever, or sensitivity to hot and cold that lasts more than a day, it’s an emergency. These symptoms could indicate an abscess, infection, or nerve damage requiring immediate treatment to prevent serious complications like tooth loss or systemic infection.
Can a broken filling or crown wait, or does it require emergency care?
A broken filling or crown may not always be painful, but it exposes the tooth to bacteria, increasing the risk of decay or infection. If you experience pain, sensitivity, or sharp edges that could injure your tongue or cheek, it’s best to get seen as soon as possible. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can help protect the tooth until you reach the dentist.
What should I do if I have a soft tissue injury in my mouth?
Due to the rich blood supply, bites, cuts, or punctures to the lips, tongue, or gums can bleed heavily. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop bleeding, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding persists beyond 15-20 minutes, seek emergency dental or medical care, as stitches may be required.
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency, or do I need to see a dentist?
Hospital ERs can help relieve pain and infections, but they typically don’t perform dental procedures like extractions or root canals. If you have a severe dental issue, it’s best to see an emergency dentist. However, for life-threatening complications like facial swelling that impairs breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, or trauma involving head injuries, seek emergency medical care immediately.
What are the signs of a serious oral infection that requires urgent care?
Signs of a serious infection include intense pain, swelling, fever, pus drainage, bad taste, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. A spreading infection (abscess) can move into the jawbone or bloodstream, leading to dangerous complications. Call an emergency dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Delaying treatment could be life-threatening.
How can I manage dental pain at home until I see an emergency dentist?
For temporary relief, rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen), and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Clove oil can help numb pain naturally. Avoid applying aspirin directly to gums, as it can cause burns. If pain worsens or swelling spreads, seek emergency care. Home remedies are not a substitute for professional treatment.
Dr. Hanif Asaria is a dentist who serves the area of Calgary, who is devoted to helping people get the smile of their dreams. He graduated in 1989 with a DDS at the Canadian University of Alberta. He is a member of the Alberta Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. He has over 28 years of experience in the areas of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.
