Dental emergencies can happen anytime, including late at night when many dental clinics are closed. Severe tooth pain, swelling, broken teeth, or bleeding can quickly become stressful and uncomfortable. Emergency dentistry in Calgary helps patients receive urgent dental care when unexpected dental problems happen after regular office hours.
Knowing what to do during a dental emergency can help reduce discomfort and protect your teeth until you can see a dentist. Quick action can also help stop the problem from becoming worse overnight.
Step 1: Stay Calm And Check The Problem
Dental emergencies can feel stressful, especially during the night. Staying calm can help you understand the problem and decide what to do next.
Try to:
- Check where the pain or injury is coming from
- Look for swelling or bleeding
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Avoid touching the injured area too much
Checking the problem carefully can help you explain your symptoms more clearly to the dentist. It can also help you understand how serious the problem might be.
Step 2: Understand If It Is A Dental Emergency
Some dental problems need quick treatment because they can become worse very fast.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked out teeth
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Dental infections
Knowing the signs of a dental emergency can help you decide when urgent treatment is needed. Fast treatment can also help lower the risk of bigger dental problems later.
Step 3: Manage Severe Tooth Pain
Severe tooth pain can make it hard to sleep, eat, or focus. Tooth pain can happen because of cavities, infection, or tooth damage.
Helpful steps include:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Floss gently around the tooth
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek
- Avoid very hot or cold foods
- Take pain medication if recommended
If the pain becomes worse or does not improve, emergency dental care may be needed quickly.
Step 4: Protect A Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth needs fast attention because quick action can improve the chance of saving the tooth.
Important steps include:
- Hold the tooth carefully from the top part
- Avoid touching the root
- Rinse the tooth gently if it is dirty
- Keep the tooth moist until you reach the dentist
A dentist checks whether the tooth can be placed back properly or if other treatment is needed. Quick treatment can also improve the chance of saving the tooth successfully.
Step 5: Handle A Broken Or Chipped Tooth
Broken or chipped teeth can sometimes cause pain, sharp edges, or sensitivity.
Helpful steps include:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Try to save the broken pieces of teeth
- Avoid chewing on the damaged side
- Use a cold compress for swelling
Even small cracks can become worse if they are left untreated for too long. A dental exam helps the dentist check the damage and decide the right treatment.
Step 6: Watch For Swelling Or Infection
Swelling in the gums or face can be a sign of infection. Dental infections should not be ignored because they can become more serious.
Helpful steps include:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid putting pressure on the swollen area
- Contact a dentist as soon as possible
Swelling, fever, or severe pain may need urgent dental care. Early treatment can help stop the infection from spreading further.
Step 7: Protect A Lost Filling Or Crown
Lost fillings or crowns can leave the tooth exposed and sensitive. Eating on the affected side can sometimes make discomfort worse.
Helpful steps include:
- Keep the area clean
- Avoid sticky or hard foods
- Save the crown if possible
- Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth
Temporary dental products from pharmacies may help protect the tooth until you visit the dentist. A dental visit can also help prevent more damage to the tooth.
Step 8: Contact Emergency Dental Care
Some dental problems should not wait until the next day. Severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or dental injuries need quick treatment from a dentist.
You should contact emergency dental care if you have:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Swelling in the face or gums
- Signs of infection
- A knocked-out tooth
- Trouble eating or speaking
If you are searching for emergency dentistry near you, quick treatment can help protect your teeth and lower discomfort during a dental emergency.
Support For Dental Emergencies
Inglewood Family Dental Emergency provides urgent dental care in a calm and comfortable setting. Contact our team today to book your emergency dental visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have severe tooth pain at night?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, avoid very hot or cold foods, and contact a dentist if the pain becomes severe or does not improve.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
In some cases, a knocked-out tooth can be saved if treatment happens quickly after the injury.
Is swelling in the gums a dental emergency?
Swelling can sometimes be a sign of infection and should be checked by a dentist as soon as possible.
Should I go to the dentist for a broken tooth?
Yes. Even small cracks or chips can become worse if treatment is delayed for too long.
