When it comes to your teeth, emergencies can strike when you least expect them. Whether you have a sudden toothache or have a broken tooth due to a sports injury, these kinds of situations can be stressful and painful. Which is why knowing how to recognize and address them promptly is important. We see many types of urgent dental problems that need to be treated immediately.
Here in this blog, we shall guide you through the top five most common dental emergencies and reveal to you what constitutes a dental emergency.
1. Toothaches That Won’t Go Away
A toothache may not initially appear to be an emergency, but it can turn dangerous very fast. If you notice a sharp, aching pain or a persistent dull pain, you may have an infection or decay in a tooth. Toothaches may also result from a cracked tooth, gum disease, or an object lodged between your teeth.
What should you do? Rinse your mouth with warm water, use dental floss to remove any food, and take a pain reliever if needed. But don’t ignore the pain; you should see a dentist in SW Calgary right away. Don’t neglect a toothache, because a toothache can turn into bigger problems.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
Maybe only a small accident leads to a chipped or broken tooth. This is one of the most frequent emergencies we see. It can happen while playing sports, eating something hard, or even from an unexpected fall. A broken tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, or bleeding, depending on how deep the damage goes.
If this happens, rinse your mouth, save any pieces of the tooth if possible, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Then, visit your dental clinic as soon as you can. Many cases like this are handled quickly and effectively through emergency dentistry in SW Calgary, often with bonding or a crown to restore your smile.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is an emergency and needs quick action. Whether it’s from a hit to the face or an injury during a game, a tooth that’s been completely knocked out can sometimes be saved if you act fast.
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root. Rinse it gently without scrubbing and try to place it back in the socket if you can. If that’s not possible, put it in milk or a tooth preservation kit and bring it with you to your dental clinic. Getting to the dentist within 30 minutes for emergency dental treatment gives you the best chance of saving the tooth.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
Fillings and crowns are meant to protect your teeth, but they can fall out over time or due to biting on something hard. When this happens, the exposed tooth can become very sensitive to temperature and pressure. It can even lead to pain or infection if not treated soon.
If you lose a filling or crown, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. A temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) can help cover the area until you get to a dentist near you. Don’t delay—this is an emergency that requires quick care.
5. Abscess or Swelling
A dental abscess is a serious infection that often shows up as a painful bump on your gums. It may also come with swelling in the face, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth. This is a red flag that bacteria are spreading, and it can even affect your overall health.
Dental emergency symptoms like this should never be ignored. Rinse your mouth with salt water to ease the pain and contact a dentist immediately. Infections can become dangerous if not treated fast, and you may need antibiotics or drainage.
Don’t Wait: Know When to Act
It’s not always easy to tell what counts as an emergency. But if you’re in pain, bleeding, or have a tooth that’s been damaged or knocked out, don’t wait. Knowing what qualifies as a dental emergency can make all the difference in saving your smile.
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to be safe and check in with a dental team. Having a clinic in mind before an emergency strikes can help you get the care you need quickly.
Dental Care When You Need It Most
Dental emergencies don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, which is why having access to a dentist open on weekends can be a real lifesaver. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or an unexpected injury, weekend hours mean you can get the care you need without waiting for regular working hours. This flexibility helps reduce pain and prevent problems from getting worse, giving you peace of mind when urgent dental issues arise.
Choose Care You Can Count On—Cedarbrae Family Dental Is Here to Help!
When it comes to dental emergencies, time matters. At Cedarbrae Family Dental, we’re here to support you and your family during urgent moments. Our caring team provides quick help for pain, injury, or infection, so you don’t have to wait and suffer. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or a painful abscess, we’ll provide effective care to get you the relief you need fast.
If you’re facing a dental emergency, give us a call. We’re proud to be a trusted clinic for families looking for safe, reliable care. And yes, we’re also open on weekends—because dental problems don’t follow a schedule.
Don’t let a dental emergency ruin your day—reach out to Cedarbrae Family Dental and get the help you need, when you need it most. Call us today or book online for fast, friendly care.