Introduction
When dental trouble strikes, especially unexpectedly, it can feel overwhelming. But when you’re searching for “Calgary dentist” and you’re dealing with sudden, severe pain or trauma — you need clear guidance, fast. At The Star Dental in Calgary, we specialise in urgent dental care and are ready to help you navigate a dental emergency with confidence, compassion and speed.
In this comprehensive guide you’ll learn:
What constitutes a dental emergency
Why acting quickly matters
Immediate steps you can take before you get to our clinic
How our team at The Star Dental supports you
Preventive tips to avoid emergencies in the future
Let’s ensure you’re prepared — because when it comes to your teeth, minutes can make a difference.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue is an emergency, but many problems that appear minor can rapidly escalate into serious health risks. According to local Calgary emergency-dentistry providers, a dental emergency is a “time-sensitive dental issue that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, stop ongoing pain or bleeding, or prevent further damage to your smile.”
Common emergency situations
Here are the types of issues that typically require urgent attention:
A tooth knocked out (avulsed) or dislodged.
Cracked, broken or chipped teeth causing pain or sharp edges.
Severe, persistent toothache, especially with swelling, fever or sensitivity.
Lost or broken restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges) exposing sensitive tooth structure.
Bleeding from the mouth, trauma to the face/jaw, or signs of an infection/spread.
If you’re asking yourself “Is this urgent?” — and the answer involves pain, swelling, trauma or sudden change in your mouth — then treat it as an emergency until proven otherwise.
Why Acting Fast Matters
Time is more than just money when it comes to dental emergencies — it can affect the outcome. Here’s why:
1. Saving the tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, the chance of successful re‐implantation declines rapidly with time. Research shows that many teeth cannot be saved if they are left out of the socket for more than ~60 minutes.
2. Preventing infection and complications
Delaying treatment for e.g. a cracked tooth or a deep cavity can allow bacteria to invade the pulp or bone, leading to abscesses, systemic spread or the need for extraction.
3. Reducing pain and trauma
Immediate intervention helps control pain, limit swelling and reduce anxiety. A patient treated quickly is more comfortable and often has simpler, less expensive treatment.
4. Lower cost & better outcomes
Emergencies that are caught early often require less invasive treatment. Waiting can mean root canals, extractions, implants — instead of a simple repair. Local Calgary clinics emphasise the risk of “waiting = worse, more expensive.”
In short: when you have a dental emergency in Calgary, don’t procrastinate.
What to Do Immediately: Your Emergency Action Plan
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, here’s what you should do before arriving at our clinic — or any dentist in Calgary.
Step 1: Stay calm and assess the situation
Take a deep breath. Determine if you can safely handle the next steps. If there’s uncontrollable bleeding, trouble breathing, or head/neck trauma, call 911 or head to the nearest hospital.
Step 2: Handle the immediate symptom
Bleeding: Place clean gauze or a soft cloth over the area and apply gentle pressure for 10-20 minutes.
Swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, 10–15 minutes at a time.
Pain: You may take over-the-counter pain relief (according to the product instructions and your medical history). Avoid heat in a swelling/infective situation — cold is better.
Step 3: If a tooth is knocked out or dislodged
Handle the tooth by the crown (top surface), not the root.
Rinse gently if dirty (do not scrub).
Either: attempt to reposition it into the socket if possible and you are comfortable doing so; OR place it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist.
Call your dentist immediately (ideally within an hour) for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Step 4: Protect the area until treatment
If a filling or crown has fallen out, cover the exposed tooth with sugar-free gum or dental cement (available from a pharmacy) to reduce sensitivity.
Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods. Eat soft, cool foods.
Maintain good, gentle oral hygiene — but avoid flossing aggressively around the injured area.
Step 5: Contact The Star Dental immediately
Call our clinic in Calgary, explain the issue: e.g., “I have a knocked-out tooth,” or “I cracked a tooth and it’s bleeding,” etc. We’ll prioritise you and guide you on arrival instructions, what to bring (e.g. the tooth, if applicable), and what to expect.
Why Choose The Star Dental for Your Emergency in Calgary
At The Star Dental, we understand dental emergencies disrupt your life — and we are committed to providing fast, high-quality care. Here’s what sets us apart:
Rapid response – Our Calgary emergency dental team will see you as quickly as possible to relieve pain and stabilise the issue.
Advanced technology & expertise – We use modern diagnostic tools, have skilled dentists experienced in trauma, restorations and emergency treatment.
Compassionate care – We aim not just to fix the problem, but to calm your concerns, explain clearly what’s happening and map the steps ahead.
All new patients welcomed – You don’t need to be a regular patient to get emergency care.
Convenient Calgary location – Strategically placed for easy access when you need it.
Focus on long-term outcomes – After stabilising the immediate issue, we help you plan for lasting oral health (restorations, preventive care, follow-up).
When time matters, The Star Dental is your trusted partner in Calgary for emergency dental care.
How to Get Help Right Now
If you are in Calgary and facing a dental emergency:
Stay calm and follow the immediate steps above.
Contact The Star Dental, let us know you’re in an emergency and describe exactly what’s wrong.
Come in as instructed, or follow any interim guidance by phone.
We’ll assess the situation, relieve your pain, stabilise the condition, and then plan the necessary treatment (repair, restoration, follow-up).
Preventive Note: For Your Future Smile Health
Getting through an emergency is one important moment — but it’s just as vital to protect your smile long term. At The Star Dental, we encourage you to schedule regular cleanings, keep aware of warning signs (like sensitivity or chips), maintain a healthy diet (low in sugary, acidic snacks), and invest in protective gear when needed (sports mouthguards, night guards for grinding). Taking these steps now means fewer emergencies later — less pain, less cost, and a smile you can trust.
Conclusion
A dental emergency in Calgary doesn’t have to become a life-altering crisis — with decisive action and expert care, you can navigate it smoothly and preserve your smile. Choosing The Star Dental means choosing speed, skill and compassion when it matters most.
If you’re experiencing an urgent dental issue — don’t wait. Reach out to us now, get the right care, and get back to feeling like yourself again.
The Star Dental – Your trusted emergency dentist in Calgary.
Contact us today for immediate help.
FAQs: What Patients Ask Us
Q: How do I know if I should call right away or wait?
A: If you’re facing severe pain, visible trauma (crack, chip, knocked out tooth), swelling, bleeding, or an exposed nerve — treat it as urgent. If you’re unsure, call us for guidance.
Q: Can I go to a hospital ER for a dental emergency?
A: While hospitals can manage pain or infection in extreme cases (e.g., facial swelling inhibiting breathing), most dental clinics are best equipped for definitive dental treatment (re-implantation, fillings, crowns).
Q: What should I bring when I come to the appointment?
A: Bring any broken parts (tooth fragment, crown), your ID, dental insurance info (if applicable), and list of medications/allergies. Arrive promptly.
Q: Will this be covered by insurance?
A: Coverage varies by plan and by procedure. Emergency treatment might first address pain/infection, and then further appointments may be needed. Our team can discuss costs and financial options with you.
Q: Can I prevent dental emergencies?
A: Yes — while you can’t eliminate all risks, you can reduce them significantly:
Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
Avoid biting extremely hard objects (ice, hard candies).
Maintain regular dental check-ups to catch issues early.
Practice good oral hygiene (brushing/flossing) so underlying problems don’t escalate.
