Calgary Emergency Dental Care

Emergency dental care is offered during regular office hours. Any patient  (current or new) who is in pain, will be seen that day! After hours, Dr. Ewart may be reached at 403 253-1248.

No one plans for a dental emergency, thus we make every effort to accommodate our patients' needs. 

Dental emergencies can take many shapes and forms. Should you experience any of the following:
  • Bleeding within the mouth
  • Severe pain
  • Tooth loss
  • Trauma to the mouth or face
  • Swelling of the mouth or face
  • Swelling/bumps/knots seen in the gums
  
immediately contact our office or any after hours Calgary emergency dental clinic.

Below are a list of some of the more common causes of dental emergencies:

Tooth Ache:
A dental cavity is the most common cause of a toothache. A cavity is a hole in the outermost layers of the tooth. These layers, the white enamel and the yellow dentin layer below, serve to protect the inner living tooth tissue, called the pulp. The pulp is where the nerves and blood vessels reside. Cavities are caused when bacteria in the mouth convert simple sugars into acid. The acid and saliva dissolve the enamel and dentin. 

Often a cavity is not noticed by a patient until they deepen and collect food debris. The pulp of the tooth can become irritated by the bacterial toxins and, reactive to hot, cold, sour or sweet, thus causing toothaches. Unchecked, the pulpal injury may result in the death of the pulp tissue, creating a dental abscess or tooth infection. a small swelling or gum blister may be present near the affected tooth. Tooth abscesses are a very serious dental emergency and must be treated immediately. Erupting wisdom teeth and periodontal (gum) disease can also cause significant pain and discomfort and should be evaluated promptly.

    
Knocked-out Tooth
To maximize the possibility of successfully reinserting a tooth which has been knocked out, the following steps must be followed:
  • Retrieve the tooth, handling it carefully on the crown (white) part of the tooth, being very careful not to touch or damage the roots. The tooth may be cleaned gently in water, taking care not to scub, as that may cause further damage. (Be sure that the sink is closed!)
  • Carefully attempt to reposition the tooth in the original socket and then slowly and gently bite down to hold it in place.
  • Alternatively, place the tooth in a small container filled with milk. 
  • Call our office during our regular office hours. If the office is closed, immediately call/attend at any Calgary Emergency Dental Clinic. Quick dental attention will greatly increase the tooth's survival.

Tissue Injury and Facial Pain
Lacerations, puncture wounds, tears in the lips, cheek mouth and tonque should be assessed immediately, either at the dental office or the Emergency room.
  • Clean the injury with warm water. If the tonque or lip is bleeding, gently apply pressure with gauze. 
  • Cold compresses may reduce swelling.
  • A cut in the mouth may appear to be bleeding more heavily due to the presence of saliva.
  • Pain should never be treated with aspirin or ibuprofen as they are anticoagulants and will inhibit the clotting, thereby increasing bleeding. It is permissible to take acetaminophen or tylenol, as directed. 
    
Chipped, Cracked or Fractured Teeth
A fractured or cracked tooth usually requires immediate dental attention, as damage may have occurred to the internal tooth structure as well as the outside of the tooth. Pain may or may not be present. The extent of the damage will then be assessed and a diagnosis as to whether or not the tooth can be saved. 
  • After arranging a dental appointment, carefully rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • A cold compress may be applied if the tooth fracture was the result of a trauma.
  • Acetaminohen (never aspirin/advil) may be taken as directed to reduce pain.
  • Do not apply painkiller to the site, even a product like Orajel, as they can burn the gum tissue around the tooth.
Once you arrive at our office we will take an x-ray to determine the state of the tooth. If it appears that the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) has been damaged, endodontic treatment may be recommended. If the pulp is healthy, a crown may be recommended. A simple resin restoration may suffice, if the fractured tooth has sufficient structure.   


Problems with Temporary Restorations
Should a temporary restoration become loose, or fall off, try to put it back in place with vaseline, chapstick, toothpaste or denture adhesive. This should keep it in place until you return to our office.


Lost Fillings
A lost or broken filling, may be uncomfortable, but is not an emergency, unless pain or discomfort occurs with it. A small piece of sugarless gum may be placed on the site, until you are able to arrange a dental appointment.