Dental emergencies can strike at any time. You could get a severe toothache at night or break a tooth on the weekend. You want to take care of that problem right away, and, during these emergencies, you cannot always wait for the business hours when the clinic can see you. That’s why it is important to know how to find an emergency dentist open late or on weekends.
In this guide, we will explain what you need to do, where to look, and how to get emergency dentistry near you as fast as possible.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry can be simply defined as the immediate care of urgent issues. Some common examples of why you would go in for emergency dental care include the following
- Severe toothache that will not go away
- A broken or chipped tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Swelling in the mouth or gums
- Dental abscess or infection
- Lost filling or crown that causes pain
If you leave these problems too long without treatment, they could get worse or end up causing you more pain. That’s why emergency dentistry in SE Calgary is important.
How to Find an Emergency Dentist Open Late or on Weekends
When faced with a dental emergency, you want to get fast assistance. Here are the best ways to get emergency dental help
1. Search Online for “Dentist Near You”
You can Google “dentist near you” or “emergency dentistry near you,” and it will show you dental clinics providing end-to-end service in your area. Most dental clinics will show business hours, some even if they are open late and on weekends.
2. Call Your Regular Dentist
If you have a family dentist in SE Calgary, you can call their clinic. Also, some dentists have after-hours phone lines and/or emergency instructions. They can probably even provide you with the emergency dental services that you can trust, even if they are not currently open.
3. Check 24-Hour Dental Hotlines
Certain areas have hotlines connecting patients to emergency dentists in their area. In many cases, these emergency services can help locate a same-day dental emergency appointment.
4. Visit an Urgent Care Center or Hospital
If you cannot locate or find a dentist immediately and your pain is extreme, you can always visit an urgent care centre or emergency room. The medical professional there may be able to prescribe you some medicine to minimize the pain and hopefully reduce the infection until you can see a dentist.
When Do You Need a Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointment?
Not all dental problems need immediate care. But some situations do require a same-day dental emergency appointment.
| Dental Problem | Do You Need Same-Day Care? |
| Knocked-out tooth | Yes, see a dentist right away |
| Severe toothache | Yes, to stop pain and infection |
| Broken tooth with sharp edges | Yes, to prevent more damage |
| Lost filling or crown without pain | Not always same-day, but soon |
| Mild sensitivity | Can’t wait for a regular appointment |
If you are unsure, it is always safer to call a dentist.
What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Dental Services
While you search for care, there are some measures you can take to manage your symptoms
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce the bacteria
- Apply a cold compress to the face if there is swelling
- If you have knocked out a tooth, place it in milk and take it to your dentist
These tips will not substitute treatment but could be useful in alleviating pain until your appointment.
Benefits of Finding Emergency Dentistry Near You
Having access to emergency dentistry near you provides many benefits
- Faster treatment for pain and infection
- Lower chance of lasting problems or damage to your oral health
- Less need for more complex, costly treatments in the future
- Peace of mind that emergency help is available 7 days a week and you can go anytime you need help.
When you can access emergency dental care close by, you can get pain relief that much quicker.
How to Be Prepared for Future Dental Emergencies
Instead of waiting for a dental emergency, be ready ahead of time:
- Save the phone number of a dentist who provides emergency dental services
- Ask your regular dentist near you about their after-hours options, such as if they offer emergency services outside of regular hours
- Keep emergency dental items at home, such as dental gauze, over-the-counter pain relievers, and ice packs.
- Have a plan for transportation if you need urgent care on a night or weekend
Being ready ahead of time can help reduce stress when unforeseen dental concerns arise.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that dental emergencies can occur, and there are times when you can’t wait on for the treatment. When you have a dental emergency such as an infection or severe pain, or a knocked-out tooth, then being able to see a dentist the same day is very important.
The best thing you can do is to plan before a dental emergency occurs to protect your teeth and your health as well. Save an emergency dentist contact information so that you and your family will always be prepared.
Get Relief From Tooth Pain With Emergency Dental Care!
Concept Dentistry offers multiple dental treatments to people of all ages, including children, seniors and adults. Our team provides preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care in a safe as well as comfortable environment. Whether you require a regular checkup, dental treatment for tooth pain, or dental emergency services, we can help. Call our clinic today to schedule an appointment.
