Dental emergencies can strike at any time, and when they do, they often bring a wave of panic. Whether it’s a tooth knocked out during a soccer game, a severe toothache that wakes you up at night, or a broken tooth from biting down on something hard, a dental emergency can cause a lot of stress. The key, however, is to stay calm and act quickly.
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we’re here to help guide you through those moments of panic. As a local family dentist in Calgary, we see a variety of dental emergencies every week from families in Skyview, Saddleridge, Martindale, Redstone, and beyond. With a little knowledge and the right steps, you can save your smile and prevent bigger problems down the road.
Let’s dive into what constitutes a dental emergency and how you can handle these situations until you can see a professional.
🚨 What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency isn’t just about pain—it’s about situations where immediate care can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth, preventing further injury, or even protecting your overall health. Here are the most common dental emergencies you should be aware of:
1. Severe Toothaches
- A throbbing, constant pain can be a sign of infection, an abscess, or tooth decay. It’s often worse at night or when you’re lying down.
- What to do: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever until you can get to the dentist.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
- Losing a tooth due to trauma (like a fall or sports injury) is a serious emergency.
- What to do: Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with water, and try to place it back into the socket if possible. If not, store it in a container of milk or your own saliva and call us immediately. The sooner you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
3. Broken or Chipped Tooth
- Whether it’s a small chip or a complete fracture, a broken tooth requires prompt attention to avoid infection or further damage.
- What to do: Save any broken pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress for swelling. You might also want to cover the broken tooth with dental wax or a sugar-free gum temporarily until you can visit the clinic.
4. Injury to Soft Tissues (Gums, Lips, Cheeks)
- Biting your lip or cheek, or sustaining an injury to your soft tissues can lead to excessive bleeding and discomfort.
- What to do: Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes, seek emergency care.
5. Lost or Damaged Filling/Crown
- If you lose a filling or crown, it can leave your tooth vulnerable to damage, infection, or discomfort.
- What to do: Keep the filling or crown and call us. We may be able to repair it right away, or in some cases, we’ll recommend a temporary solution until your next appointment.
6. Swelling in the Face or Gums
- Swelling can be a sign of a serious infection, such as an abscess, and needs immediate care to prevent it from spreading.
- What to do: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and call us right away. Do not attempt to drain an abscess at home, as it can worsen the infection.
🧠 How to Handle a Dental Emergency: Tips from Dr. Richa Bhatnagar
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we always emphasize the importance of staying calm and acting swiftly during a dental emergency. Here are a few tips from Dr. Richa Bhatnagar that could help in those critical first moments:
- Don’t Panic: It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but remember that we can often help if you take action right away. We’re here to guide you.
- Know When to Go to the ER vs. the Dentist:
- If you experience a broken jaw, severe head or neck injury, or difficulty breathing, head to the nearest emergency room.
- For tooth pain, chipped or knocked-out teeth, or gum injuries, call your dentist immediately.
- If you experience a broken jaw, severe head or neck injury, or difficulty breathing, head to the nearest emergency room.
- Avoid Home Remedies: It might be tempting to use home remedies (like aspirin on a sore tooth or DIY tooth repairs), but they often cause more harm than good. Let the professionals handle it.
- Have Emergency Contact Information Ready: Always keep your dentist’s number in your phone, so you can quickly reach out if a dental emergency occurs.
🏥 ER or Dentist? Where Should You Go for a Dental Emergency?
In cases of extreme trauma, such as a broken jaw or severe bleeding, the emergency room is the best place to go. However, for most dental emergencies—like a knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, or severe toothache—calling your dentist is the best first step.
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we prioritize emergency patients and will do our best to see you as soon as possible. If you’re unable to reach us right away, go to the ER, but be sure to contact our clinic as soon as you can afterward to schedule follow-up care.
💬 Dr. Richa Bhatnagar’s Advice for Families:
“Dental emergencies often happen at the most inconvenient times—especially for families with kids who are active in sports. That’s why I always recommend keeping our contact information on hand and discussing dental emergencies with your family. If you act quickly, you can avoid much bigger problems later.”
💡 Final Thoughts on Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone—whether it’s a child playing sports or an adult experiencing sudden tooth pain. The key is to stay calm, know what to do, and contact your dentist immediately for advice and care.
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we understand the stress that comes with a dental emergency, and we’re committed to providing fast, effective, and compassionate care when you need it the most. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call us at +1 403-815-3040.
