By Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, DDS – Jacksonport Dental, NE Calgary
Dental emergencies rarely announce themselves in advance. One moment everything feels fine and the next, you’re dealing with sudden pain, swelling, or a broken tooth that simply can’t wait.
As a family dentist serving NE Calgary, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“Is this really a dental emergency, or can it wait?”
This blog is designed to give you clear, practical guidance so you can make the right decision—quickly and confidently—when dental problems arise.
Why Knowing What Counts as a Dental Emergency Matters
Dental emergencies are not just about pain they’re about preventing permanent damage, avoiding infection, and protecting your overall health.
Delaying care in true emergencies can lead to:
- Tooth loss
- Spread of infection
- Increased treatment complexity and cost
- Serious health risks in rare but severe cases
At Jacksonport Dental, we want families in NE Calgary to feel informed and prepared—not panicked—when dental issues happen.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any oral health issue that:
- Causes severe pain
- Involves bleeding, infection, or swelling
- Risks permanent damage to teeth, gums, or jaw
- Affects your ability to eat, speak, or function normally
Let’s break this down clearly.
TRUE Dental Emergencies (Do NOT Wait)
If you or a family member experience any of the following, you should contact an emergency dentist in NE Calgary immediately.
1. Severe Toothache or Sudden Dental Pain
Persistent, intense tooth pain is often a sign of:
- Deep decay
- Dental abscess
- Nerve infection
- Cracked or fractured tooth
Pain that:
- Wakes you up at night
- Does not respond to painkillers
- Radiates to the jaw, ear, or head
…should never be ignored.
🔹 Why this is urgent: Infections can worsen quickly and spread beyond the tooth.
2. Swelling of the Face, Gums, or Jaw
Swelling especially when combined with pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing is a red flag.
Possible causes include:
- Dental abscess
- Gum infection
- Impacted tooth infection
🔹 Why this is urgent: Facial swelling may indicate a spreading infection that requires immediate treatment.
3. Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
A tooth that has been completely knocked out due to injury is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies.
⏱️ Best chance of saving the tooth: Within 30–60 minutes
What to do immediately:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse gently with water (do not scrub)
- Try placing it back in the socket or store it in cold milk
- Call an emergency dentist right away
4. Broken, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth with Pain
Not all chipped teeth are emergencies but cracks that cause pain, bleeding, or sharp edges are.
Common causes:
- Biting hard foods
- Accidents or falls
- Grinding or clenching
🔹 Why this is urgent: Cracks can expose the inner tooth layers, leading to infection or nerve damage.
5. Dental Abscess (Pus, Bad Taste, Fever)
An abscess is a serious infection that may present as:
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Constant throbbing pain
- Fever
- Bad taste or smell in the mouth
Never attempt to drain it yourself.
🔹 Why this is urgent: Untreated abscesses can spread infection to other parts of the body.
6. Uncontrolled Bleeding After Dental Trauma
Bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 10–15 minutes needs immediate attention—especially after:
- Trauma
- Tooth extraction complications
- Gum injury
Dental Problems That Are Urgent but Not Always Emergencies
These issues still need prompt care, but may not require immediate emergency treatment:
- Lost filling or crown (without pain)
- Mild tooth sensitivity
- Minor chipped tooth
- Food stuck between teeth
- Mild gum irritation
If you’re unsure, calling your dentist is always the best first step.
Dental Emergencies in Children: What Parents Should Know
Children are especially prone to dental injuries from:
- Sports
- Playgrounds
- Falls
Common pediatric dental emergencies include:
- Knocked-out baby or permanent teeth
- Broken teeth
- Lip or tongue injuries
- Severe toothaches
Tip for parents: Even baby teeth injuries should be evaluated to protect developing adult teeth underneath.
What to Do While You’re Waiting to See an Emergency Dentist
While you’re arranging care, these steps may help reduce discomfort:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relief (as directed)
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Do NOT apply aspirin directly to gums
These are temporary measures only, not solutions.
When Should You Go to the ER Instead of a Dentist?
Go to the emergency room if:
- You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling is affecting your airway
- You experience facial trauma with suspected jaw fracture
- There is heavy bleeding that won’t stop
For most dental-related pain and infections, however, an emergency dentist is the right choice.
Emergency Dental Care in NE Calgary at Jacksonport Dental
At Jacksonport Dental, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be—for both adults and children.
Our approach is:
- Calm
- Compassionate
- Clear and patient-focused
As your local family dental clinic in NE Calgary, our goal is always to:
- Relieve pain quickly
- Preserve natural teeth whenever possible
- Prevent future complications
- Help you feel safe and supported
How to Reduce Your Risk of Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies are preventable, these habits significantly lower your risk:
- Regular dental checkups
- Wearing mouthguards for sports
- Avoiding chewing ice or hard objects
- Addressing tooth pain early
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
Prevention is always easier—and more comfortable—than emergency treatment.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Richa Bhatnagar
If you remember just one thing, let it be this:
Pain, swelling, or trauma in the mouth is never something to “wait and see.”
When in doubt, it’s always better to call your dentist and ask. Early care often makes the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
If you or a family member are experiencing dental discomfort and aren’t sure what to do, my team and I at Jacksonport Dental are here to guide you.
Your smile—and your health—matter.
📍 Jacksonport Dental
124-3730, 104 Ave NE, Calgary AB T3N 0T1
📞 +1 403-815-3040
🌐 www.jacksonportdental.ca
