What Counts as a Dental Emergency? A Guide for Northeast Edmonton Families

Oct 29

4 min read

Dental problems rarely pick a convenient time. A tooth cracks on a Saturday, a filling falls out at dinner, or a child takes a hockey stick to the mouth. This guide from YEG Dental in Northeast Edmonton explains which situations need same-day care, which can wait a day or two, and what to do in the first hour.

Problems that need same-day care

Call us the same day if you have any of the following. Each one can get worse quickly, and early treatment usually means a simpler fix.

A knocked-out adult tooth. The tooth has the highest chance of being saved if it is back in place within about an hour.
A tooth that is loose, pushed out of position or badly cracked after an injury.
Severe, constant toothache, especially with swelling, fever or a bad taste in the mouth. These can be signs of an abscess, which is an infection that needs treatment.
Swelling of the face, gums or jaw.
Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm pressure.
A broken tooth with a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, or with the nerve exposed and sensitive to air.

Problems that can usually wait a day or two

These still need an appointment, but you can book the next available slot rather than coming in immediately.

A small chip with no pain.
A lost filling or crown that is not causing pain. Keep the crown if you still have it.
Mild sensitivity to hot or cold that comes and goes.
A broken retainer, nightguard or denture.
Food stuck between teeth that floss will not remove.

When to go to the hospital instead

A dental clinic is the right place for most mouth injuries, but go to an emergency department or call 911 if swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, if you suspect a broken jaw, if there was a head injury or loss of consciousness, or if bleeding is heavy and will not slow down. Once you are stable, we can take over the dental side of your care.

What to do in the first hour

Knocked-out tooth

Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline for a few seconds. Do not scrub it. If you can, place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or in your cheek and come straight in. Baby teeth are not put back in, but the child should still be seen.

Toothache or swelling

Rinse with warm salt water. Take the over-the-counter pain relief you normally use, following the package directions. Do not place pain medication directly on the gum, which can burn the tissue. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek helps with swelling. Call us so we can see you the same day.

Broken or chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces. If an edge is sharp, a small piece of dental wax over it protects your tongue until your visit.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the crown in a small bag. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can hold it in place for a day or two. Avoid chewing on that side.

What same-day care at YEG Dental looks like

Our clinic at 3363 153 Ave NW, near Manning Town Centre, keeps time in the schedule for urgent visits. When you call, the team will ask a few questions about the problem and tell you when to come in. The first visit focuses on three things: stopping the pain, protecting the tooth and making a plan. That may mean a temporary filling, a prescription for infection, smoothing a sharp edge or starting a root canal, with any longer treatment booked for a follow-up visit.

YEG Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, so emergency visits are billed at the same rates as any other appointment, and we can submit to most dental insurance plans on your behalf. If you are not sure whether your problem is urgent, call anyway. It is always better to ask.

Frequently asked questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

Calling first is better. It lets us prepare for you and tell you the fastest time to arrive, which is often sooner than a walk-in would be seen.

Do you see emergency patients who are not existing patients?

Yes. New patients in Northeast Edmonton and the surrounding communities are welcome for urgent care, and we keep your records on file afterward.

What if the emergency happens when the clinic is closed?

Call the clinic number and follow the instructions on the message. If the situation involves breathing, heavy bleeding or a possible broken jaw, go to the nearest emergency department first.

Clinical review: Dr. Joshua Luebbert, YEG Dental. This article is general information and does not replace an examination.