Emergency Dentistry Near You
A dental emergency can happen without warning. Severe pain, swelling, a broken tooth, or an injury to the mouth may require prompt attention to prevent the problem from becoming more difficult to manage. At Allendale Dental, we provide emergency dentistry in Edmonton to assess urgent dental concerns and determine the appropriate next steps.
If you are dealing with an urgent dental concern and need emergency dentistry near you, call Allendale Dental at (780) 434-1313. Dr. Alex McPherson and our team can assess the problem, explain what may be causing your symptoms, and advise you on the care you may need.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Some dental problems can wait for a regular appointment, while others should be checked as soon as possible. Contact our clinic if you have:
- Severe or Ongoing Tooth Pain: Persistent discomfort that does not settle or interferes with daily activities.
- Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: A permanent tooth that has been completely displaced from its socket.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: A tooth that has developed a significant crack or has broken.
- Facial or Dental Swelling: Swelling affecting the face, gums, or jaw.
- Persistent Bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop.
- Dental Abscess: An abscess or other signs that may indicate an infection.
- Loose or Dislodged Tooth: A tooth that becomes loose or partially displaced following an injury.
- Damaged Filling or Crown: A broken restoration that causes significant discomfort.
- Mouth Injury: An injury involving the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues.
If you have severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or another potentially life-threatening medical concern, seek emergency medical care immediately. At Allendale Dental, we provide emergency dentistry in Edmonton for urgent dental concerns that require prompt assessment.
What Should You Do During a Dental Emergency?
Your first step should be to contact our clinic so we can understand what happened and advise you based on your symptoms. The appropriate steps can vary depending on the type and severity of the emergency.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. If necessary, rinse it gently without scrubbing. Try to place it back into the socket if you can. If you cannot, keep it in milk and contact us as soon as possible.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Gently rinse your mouth with water. Keep any pieces of the tooth you find and avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth has been examined.
Dental Swelling
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face if swelling is present. Do not place aspirin directly on your gums or the affected tooth.
Lost Filling or Crown
Keep the area clean and avoid hard or sticky foods. If a crown has come off completely, bring it with you to your appointment.
What to Expect at an Emergency Appointment
When you arrive, our priority is to identify the source of the problem and determine what requires immediate attention.
Your visit may include:
1. Reviewing Your Symptoms
We will ask when the problem started, what symptoms you are experiencing, and whether an injury was involved.
2. Examining the Area
Dr. McPherson will examine the affected tooth, gums, and surrounding tissues.
3. Taking Dental X-Rays When Needed
X-rays may be used to identify decay, infection, fractures, or concerns below the gumline that may not be visible during a visual examination.
4. Providing Immediate Care
Treatment depends on what we find. Care may focus on controlling bleeding, addressing an infection, repairing a damaged tooth, or helping manage discomfort.
5. Planning Follow-Up Care
Some emergencies may be addressed during the same visit, while others may require another appointment after the immediate concern has been stabilized.
Common Dental Emergencies
Different dental emergencies can have different causes and treatment needs.
Severe Toothache
Decay, infection, a cracked tooth, or another dental concern may cause persistent tooth pain. An examination can help determine the underlying cause.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A permanent tooth that has been knocked out requires prompt attention. Contact a dental clinic as soon as possible so the tooth and surrounding area can be assessed.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A crack can range from a small chip to deeper damage involving the inside of the tooth. Treatment depends on how much of the tooth has been affected.
Dental Abscess
An abscess is an infection that may cause swelling, pain, or a bad taste in the mouth. It should be assessed promptly because dental infections can spread.
Lost Filling or Crown
A missing restoration can leave the tooth sensitive or more exposed to further damage. Avoid chewing on the affected area and arrange an appointment.
Why Prompt Dental Care Matters
Some dental problems can become more difficult to manage when treatment is delayed. An infection may progress, a cracked tooth may break further, or an injured tooth may require more extensive treatment.
If you need an emergency dentistry near you, contacting a dental clinic promptly can help determine how urgent the problem is and what steps you should take before your appointment. At Allendale Dental, we focus on the immediate concern first and then explain whether additional treatment may be needed.
Common Questions About Dental Exams in Edmonton
What causes toothache?
A toothache can have several causes, including decay, infection, a cracked tooth, gum problems, or damage to an existing filling or crown. An examination may be needed to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
What should I do if my permanent tooth is knocked out?
Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. Gently rinse it if needed and try to place it back into the socket. If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk and contact a dentist right away.
Can a cracked tooth wait for a regular appointment?
It depends on the severity of the crack. If you have significant pain, swelling, bleeding, or part of the tooth has broken away, contact our clinic promptly. Even a smaller crack should be assessed before it becomes worse.
What can I do for dental pain before my appointment?
A cold compress applied to the outside of your face may help with swelling or discomfort. Follow the directions on any over-the-counter medication you normally use safely, and avoid placing medication directly against the gums or tooth.
Is a lost filling considered an emergency?
A lost filling may not always require immediate treatment, but the tooth should still be examined. Contact our clinic sooner if the area is painful, sharp, or particularly sensitive.
When should I go to a hospital instead of a dentist?
Seek emergency medical care if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, serious facial trauma, or other symptoms that may be life-threatening.