The Complete Guide to Dental Emergencies in Calgary: What to Do and Where to Get Help
Introduction
Dental emergencies are never convenient. They can happen during a hockey game, at work, or late at night when most dental offices are closed. The pain, bleeding, or shock can leave you wondering — what do I do now?
This guide is designed to give Calgary patients a clear, step-by-step resource for handling dental emergencies. From toothaches to knocked-out teeth, we’ll explain what to do immediately, when to see an emergency dentist, and how Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary can provide same-day care when you need it most.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires urgent care, but some situations demand immediate attention. Here are the most common dental emergencies:
Severe Toothache – Pain that lingers or worsens, especially with swelling or fever.
Knocked-Out Tooth – Needs to be treated within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
Broken or Chipped Tooth – Especially if it exposes the inner layers or causes pain.
Dental Abscess – Swelling, pus, or fever indicate a dangerous infection.
Wisdom Tooth Pain – Severe or infected wisdom teeth often require extraction.
Broken Crown or Filling – Exposed teeth are at risk of decay and infection.
Sports Injuries – From knocked-out teeth to soft tissue damage.
Pediatric Dental Emergencies – Kids are especially prone to falls and accidents.
Weekend/Emergency Hour Emergencies – When pain strikes outside regular business hours.
When to Go to the ER vs. an Emergency Dentist
Go to the ER if you have:
Facial swelling affecting breathing or vision.
Severe bleeding that won’t stop.
Head or jaw trauma along with dental injury.
See an emergency dentist for:
Toothaches, abscesses, or infections.
Knocked-out, broken, or chipped teeth.
Lost crowns, fillings, or broken dentures.
Wisdom tooth pain and swelling.
First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies
Toothache
Rinse with warm salt water.
Take OTC pain relievers.
Apply a cold compress.
Avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Pick it up by the crown only.
Rinse gently (do not scrub).
Reinsert if possible.
If not, store in milk or saliva.
Broken Tooth
Rinse mouth with warm water.
Save broken pieces.
Cover sharp edges with wax or gum.
Dental Abscess
Rinse with salt water.
Apply cold compress.
Take pain relievers.
Seek emergency care immediately.
Soft Tissue Injury
Rinse with clean water.
Apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding.
Use cold compress to reduce swelling.
What to Expect at the Emergency Dentist
When you arrive at Inglewood Family Dental Emergency, our team will:
Examine and Diagnose – Using X-rays if needed.
Provide Pain Relief – Local anesthesia or medication to keep you comfortable.
Treat the Problem – Whether it’s a filling, root canal, crown, extraction, or repair.
Create a Follow-Up Plan – To restore long-term health and prevent recurrence.
FAQs About Dental Emergencies
1. How do I know if my problem is an emergency?
If you’re in severe pain, bleeding, or swelling, or if you’ve lost a tooth, it’s an emergency.
2. Can I wait until Monday to see a dentist?
Some issues can wait, but abscesses, knocked-out teeth, and severe pain should never be delayed.
3. Are emergency dental visits more expensive?
Costs depend on treatment, but we keep pricing transparent and accept insurance, including CDCP.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Emergencies
Brush twice a day and floss daily.
Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups.
Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports.
Don’t chew ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy.
Address dental problems early before they escalate.
Why Choose Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary
We’re not just any dental clinic — we’re Calgary’s dedicated emergency dental team:
Same-Day Appointments: We prioritize emergencies.
Extended Evening & Weekend Hours: Care when you need it most.
Comprehensive Services: From root canals to extractions and pediatric emergencies.
Compassionate Care: We treat patients of all ages with a gentle, reassuring approach.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies are stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether it’s a toothache, an abscess, or a sports injury, knowing what to do — and where to go — can make all the difference.
➡️ Call Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary today. We’re here evenings, weekends, and same-day for urgent care when you need it most.
👨⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh is a general dentist in Calgary and the owner of Inglewood Family Dental Emergency. With over 10 years of private practice experience and a teaching role at the University of Alberta School of Dentistry, he brings both clinical expertise and academic knowledge to every patient interaction.
