What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem that needs attention right away to relieve pain, protect a tooth or stop an infection from spreading. Common signs include:
- A severe or persistent toothache
- A broken, chipped or fractured tooth
- A knocked-out or partly dislodged tooth
- A lost filling or crown
- Swelling in the gums, face or jaw
- Bleeding or aching gums
- A dental abscess, which can bring a foul taste, fever or swollen glands
- Injuries to the teeth or gums from sports or accidents
- Something stuck between your teeth that you cannot remove
If you are not sure whether your problem is an emergency, call us. We would rather hear from you early than have a small problem turn into a bigger one.
What to Do Right Now
Until you can see an emergency dentist, these general steps can help. Always call us as soon as you can.
- Knocked-out tooth: If you can, gently place the tooth back into its socket. If that is not possible, keep it in a container of milk or salt water and come to the office quickly, ideally within an hour, bringing the tooth with you.
- Chipped or broken tooth: Find the broken piece, wrap it in wet gauze and bring it with you.
- Lost filling or crown: Rinse your mouth with warm water and call us. A temporary dental product from the pharmacy can cover the area until your visit.
- Severe toothache: Rinse with warm water and call us. Do not wait for the pain to settle on its own.
- Swollen jaw: Swelling with fever, a bad taste, or trouble breathing or swallowing needs prompt care. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.
Emergency Dental Care We Provide
These are the treatments we most often provide for emergency patients at our South Edmonton office:
- Emergency fillings: For a severe toothache or a broken tooth, a tooth-coloured filling can protect the tooth. Learn more about tooth-coloured fillings.
- Tooth extractions: If a tooth has an abscess or has been partly dislodged, it may need to be removed. We will discuss replacement options such as crowns and bridges or dental implants.
- Emergency root canal: A root canal treats infection or inflammation inside the tooth, relieves pain and can save the tooth from extraction. See our root canal treatment page.
- Bleeding gums: Severely bleeding gums may call for a professional cleaning and a careful check for gum disease.
- Broken dentures: Dentures can crack when dropped or when you bite something hard. We will repair them promptly.
Children's Dental Emergencies
Children are more prone to dental accidents than adults, and our dentists are comfortable caring for them. The emergencies we see most often in children include:
- A knocked-out tooth
- A broken or chipped tooth
- A dental infection in the gums, teeth or bone
- Orthodontic problems, such as a wire poking into the cheek or gums, or a loose bracket
If your child has a dental accident, call us right away. Our parent FAQs also answer common questions about children's teeth.
Same-Day Appointments and Walk-Ins
In a dental emergency an appointment is not required. Walk-ins are welcome, and same-day emergency appointments are available. Our promise is to get you in within two hours during business hours.
Our office hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Because we are open evenings and weekends, you do not have to wait until the next working day to get help.
Feeling Anxious? We Can Help
Many people dread a dental emergency because they are already nervous about the dentist. We offer laughing gas and sedation options, and our team is trained to keep every visit calm and comfortable. See our sedation dentistry page for details.
Costs, Insurance and Payment
- Free cost estimates, so you know what to expect before treatment
- Direct billing to all major insurance plans and government plans
- Instant financing with easy monthly payment plans if you are not covered
- Our fees follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide
Emergency Dentist or Urgent Dental Care?
These two pages cover different needs. Our emergency dentist service is for sudden problems such as trauma, a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, swelling or bleeding, where you want to be seen the same day. Our urgent dental care service covers treatments that need prompt attention but are planned, such as root canal treatment and wisdom teeth removal. If you are unsure which applies to you, call us and we will point you in the right direction.
What to Bring to Your Emergency Visit
- Any tooth or broken tooth pieces, stored in milk, salt water or wet gauze
- Your insurance information, if you have it
- A list of medications you take and any allergies
- Photo ID
Why Choose Heritage Valley Dental for Emergencies?
- Open seven days a week, including weeknights until 8:00 pm
- Walk-ins welcome and same-day appointments available
- Gentle, family-friendly care for every age
- Laughing gas and sedation options for anxious patients
- Direct billing, free estimates and instant financing
- Convenient location in Heritage Valley, South Edmonton
