Dental emergencies occur when there is an accident which results in damage to one or more teeth and/or soft tissues or when dental pain is unbearable. Dental pain is often an indication of an infection brewing and must be seen as soon as possible.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of regular business hours?
When you have a dental trauma or a painful tooth outside of regular hours, you will have to find an after-hours dentist to assist you in solving your immediate problem. Emergency dentists do exist, but keep in mind that any dentist who is open can see and treat your dental emergency if they have the scheduling capacity. Lotus Dental Wellness routinely holds appointment space for this reason.
To find an emergency dentist in west Edmonton you may not have to look far, if you can see your regular dentist for an emergency appointment. Some clinics do operate into the evening on certain days of the week, so we recommend starting by checking in with your current dentist in westside Edmonton to see if they are available.
If your regular dentist is not available, or you are not near to it, start searching for an emergency dentist on the internet and call to confirm their availability before you leave to see them. Remember: when you have a dental emergency the best dental clinic for you is the one that can see you first.
Common Dental Emergencies
The most common dental emergencies seen by your dentist in west Edmonton are chips, cracks and breaks to teeth as well as knocked-out teeth and dental infections. Teeth that have cracked or broken through their core typically require a root canal to allow the natural tooth to stay. In this case, the tooth would be filled with a rubbery substance and capped with a dental crown.
Teeth that have been knocked out have the potential to be reset in the mouth, if seen fast enough (within a half hour of injury). If the tooth cannot be reset, your dentist can inform you of your replacement options. If you are seeing an emergency dentist and lose a tooth, consider returning to your regular dentist in westside Edmonton for further treatment such as a dental implant or bridge.
Getting to the Dentist
There will be some time before you see your dentist, so knowing how to manage your symptoms until you arrive is important. If you are bleeding, find a clean piece of gauze or fabric to put pressure on the wound and encourage clotting. If your pain is internal, such as an infection, only use cold compresses. Hot compresses will encourage bleeding, inflammation and pain.
You can rinse your mouth regularly with cold water and hold ice chips in the mouth to dull the pain as needed.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
The very best way to prevent dental emergencies is to expect the best and prepare for the worst. In other words, not all dental emergencies are preventable, but we should take all reasonable steps to decrease the chance of their occurrence. We can take our oral health seriously by brushing and flossing daily and seeing our dentist regularly for dental checkups. We can wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect our teeth while playing contact sports. Finally, we can ensure that in the case of an accident we are prepared with a fully stocked First-Aid Kit. We recommend keeping a kit in your home, at work, and in each of your family’s vehicles.
How much does it cost to see an emergency dentist in West Edmonton?
All dentists in Edmonton are encouraged to consider the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Although not all dental clinics in west Edmonton restrict their fees to the Fee Guide, it provides both the dentist and the patient a place of reference. Patients should check with their insurance company to determine what the final cost will be – this is called a predetermination of coverage. This provides an informed estimate as to what you can expect your fees to be. Your dentist in west Edmonton may direct-bill your insurance company and may accept a variety of insurance plans including: Alberta Works (ADSC), Veterans Coverage, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), First Nations Dental Coverage, Assistance for Seniors (DASP), and Child Health Benefits.
Don’t Delay
Serious injury can result from dental infections that are not managed within a short timeframe. Never dismiss dental pain that stops abruptly. It could be a sign that your tooth is dead and requires root canal or extraction. Pain while moving the jaw, chewing, redness, inflammation and a bad taste in the mouth are all signs of a dental infection. Lotus Dental Wellness is available to help address your dental emergency during our regular operating hours. Contact our clinic to inquire.