Chipped a Tooth? Here’s How Emergency Dental Care Can Help

It can happen in an instant—a crunch on a hard candy, an accidental elbow during a game, or an unexpected fall. Whatever the cause, a chipped tooth can be both painful and unsettling. If you're in Calgary and you've found yourself in this situation, it's important to know you're not alone—and more importantly, that help is readily available. At Expressions Dental™, we understand the urgency and discomfort that comes with dental emergencies. In this blog, we'll walk you through what to do if you chip a tooth, how emergency dental care can help, and what to expect during your visit. First Things First: Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency? Not all chipped teeth are created equal. Some may be minor and purely cosmetic, while others may involve nerve exposure, bleeding, or sharp pain. Here are signs you should seek emergency dental care right away: • Persistent pain or sensitivity to hot or cold • Bleeding around the affected tooth or gums • Swelling in the mouth or face • Sharp or jagged edges that may cut your tongue or cheeks • The tooth is loose, cracked deeply, or has broken off completely When in doubt, don't wait. Call an emergency dentist immediately to assess the severity. What to Do Right After You Chip a Tooth Here’s a simple action plan to follow: 1. Rinse Your Mouth Use warm water to clean the area gently. This helps remove any blood, food particles, or bacteria. 2. Apply a Cold Compress If there’s swelling, use a cold compress or ice pack on your cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time. 3. Control Bleeding (if any) Apply gentle pressure with a piece of clean gauze or cloth if the gum is bleeding. 4. Find and Save the Tooth Fragment If you can, retrieve any broken pieces and store them in a clean container of milk or saliva. Bring it with you to the clinic—your dentist may be able to reattach it. 5. Avoid Eating on That Side Stick to soft foods and avoid biting down on anything hard until you've seen your dentist. How Emergency Dentists Treat a Chipped Tooth At Expressions Dental™ Calgary, our emergency dentists take a tailored approach based on the location, size, and severity of the chip. Here’s how we might help: Minor Chips (Cosmetic) For small surface chips that don’t affect the tooth’s structure or nerves: • Dental bonding: A tooth-coloured resin is shaped and polished to restore the tooth’s appearance. • Smoothing: Sometimes, minor rough edges can simply be polished for comfort and aesthetics. Moderate Chips When more tooth structure is lost: • Composite fillings or onlays may be used to rebuild the tooth. • Porcelain veneers can restore front teeth with larger chips for a flawless look. Severe Chips or Fractures If the damage exposes the inner pulp: • Root canal treatment might be necessary to remove infected tissue. • Crowns are then used to protect and restore the tooth’s integrity. • In rare cases, tooth…

Top teeth whitening myths you need to know!

Expressions Dental offers a wide variety of dental services including, Emergency Dental Services, Wisdom Teeth Removal & Teeth Whitening in Calgary. As professional dentists, it concerns us that there are many myths that surround dental treatments. What worries us most is that many people resort to DIY ways to relieve their dental worries due to such misconceptions. One such treatment that attracts faulty facts is the teeth whitening procedure. We acknowledge that there are a lot of fad whitening treatments out there which contributes to the existing problem of myths so we want to take this opportunity to address the importance of seeing a professional dentist for all your whitening needs and bust of a few teeth whitening Myths. # Whitening will damage your teeth This is untrue. Teeth whitening does not 'corrode or melt' the enamel when the procedure is done correctly. Inappropriate proportions or leaving it for a long duration can give poor results. It is true that few experience sensitivity immediately after the whitening, that subsides after some time. However, the use of over the counter experiments and DIY whitening products could cause tooth damage. To avoid damage to the enamel, make sure you choose a professional dentist who uses safe and approved methods for teeth whitening. We offer many options for Teeth Whitening in Calgary, including ZOOM! In office whitening treatment and custom made take-home whitening kits designed for your teeth alone. # Teeth whitening is permanent Teeth Whitening results aren’t permanent. Post teeth whitening, you will be required to maintain the results via a proper diet. Drinking coffee, tea, and red wine can cause your teeth to turn yellow. Avoiding foods/habits that cause staining and following a dentist-recommended routine is required to keep your teeth white longer. Touch-ups are required to keep your shiny pearls white. # Whitening works on veneers & tooth restorations No, it does not. The teeth whitening procedure is supposed to be performed on natural teeth before you go for restorations or crowns. Porcelain restorations and veneers are then matched to your whitened teeth. So, if you are planning to get veneers, crowns, or fillings, consult your dentist if you can wait until after teeth whitening to do them. Otherwise, you may need to get them redone after your teeth are whitened. # All teeth whitening procedures deliver a Hollywood smile Each of us has a different mineral composition of teeth. So, comparing your results with others is unrealistic. Some of us have genetically yellow teeth, while others have deeply stained teeth due to use of antibiotics like tetracycline. So, your dentist should determine the best possible whitening plan that suits your oral history for the best possible results.Whitening isn't the only procedure your favorite star has invested in for the dazzling smile you see on screen. Ask your dentist if your teeth would require whitening alone or need other procedures like porcelain veneers for achieving that Hollywood smile. # The procedure is painful Advanced methods of teeth whitening are safe…

Is it safe to see the dentist during COVID-19? Yes!

The coronavirus pandemic has altered the world around us. Preventive protocols like physical distancing and covering mouth are now important to avoid the risk of Covid-19 infection. But, it is also important to maintain oral health. A cleaner and healthy mouth contribute to minimizing the chances of viral infections as it is well known that a healthy body is less prone to any infections. The pandemic has pushed many to neglect their oral health concerns and as the world starts to unlock, the question still persists- Is it safe to see the dentist during COVID-19? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), there has not been one single reported case of COVID-19 transmission associated with dental offices so far. Just like any of us using masks on daily basis, washing hands, using sanitizers, disinfecting surfaces, the dentists to have already put all preventive protocols in action to ensure safety for their staff and patients. All safe dental offices have geared the patient & staff interaction to be straightforward and predictable by minimizing contact wherever possible, by using PPE kits and minimizing chairside adjustments, etc. Efficiency in all aspects of treatment and operations has now become critical. So, why neglect oral health when all the infection control procedures are in place! The dental community has been issued safety guidelines to follow, but here are a few things you can do to overcome the hesitation of seeing your dentists during the pandemic.Yes, Please.Before you make an appointment, here are a few questions you may ask to overcome the apprehension: If patients are screened over the phone before their visit.If the practice limits the number of people allowed in the waiting room at one time.If they disinfect all surfaces including telephones, the EFTPOS machine, door handles, etc.If all instruments/tools are sterilized after each patient.If the staff have enough personal protective equipment?If both staff and patients wear masks at all times?If they have removed high contact items in the reception area like, magazines & toys.If they have adjusted seating in the reception area to facilitate social distancing. If the answer to all of these questions is “yes,” it means the dental office is doing everything to provide a safe environment & hence, you can feel at ease going to the dentist’s office.Your CallA safe dental practice puts infection control measures in action and you can see it for yourself in the initial visit. It's then your choice to go ahead or not. So, here's a list of everything you need to observe before you make an informed decision. A safe dental practice:● Records your detailed travel history and medical history.● Sterilizes instruments for each and every patient.● Uses disposable suction tips and instruments.● Disinfects the dental chair, instrument panels, dental light unit and benchtops between every appointment.● Places protective barriers over surfaces such as a headrest, x-ray units, etc.● Uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)● Requests patients to undertake a 30-second preoperational antimicrobial mouth rinse with a 0.1% hydrogen peroxide solution before treatment●…

Visiting a Dentist If You Have a Broken Tooth

Do you have a broken tooth? If yes, do not let the problem linger for long. Some people assume that a broken tooth isn’t much of a problem especially if there is no pain. But a broken tooth can wreak havoc on your physical health. The problem must be addressed with a dentist in a timely manner.

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Treatment for Chipped or Broken Teeth

One common dental emergency is chipped or broken teeth. You may crack, chip, or break your teeth due to an unforeseen accident or injury. You can exercise caution while playing sports or during any other recreational activities, but it is highly unlikely that you will be able to completely protect yourself from getting hurt or damaging your tooth. If you happen to face such a situation, there are dental options to restore your chipped or broken teeth and restore your smile.

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Managing and Preventing Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies happen all the time. Dentists deal with emergency dental care, like broken teeth, severely painful mouth injuries, lost dental crowns, etc. every day. In such emergency cases, there are some important things that you can do for immediate dental attention. When dental emergencies happen, a quick prevention and response from your end might make a big difference. During dental emergencies, it is obvious that the first person to call will be your family dentist.

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Emergency Dental Services in Calgary

Have a dental emergency? Call At +1 (403) 252 7733 You can’t predict when an emergency will strike. Unforeseen accidents and disorders can send you reeling with dental pain. If you are experiencing anything from mild tooth discomfort to painful throbbing, contact Expressions Dental™ and we will try to attend to emergency patients immediately and emergency dental treatment may be given on the same day. Powered by: Expressions Dental™ Emergency Dental Care In Calgary http://www.expressionsdental.ca Call: +1 (403) 252 7733

Fractured Tooth

Even though our teeth are extraordinarily strong, they might chip, or break. Biting something very hard, being hit or punched on the mouth or face or falling are some of the causes of fractured teeth. When your teeth chip or break, it doesn’t hurt. You might not even perceive the damage caused. Minor fractures of the tooth might not cause any pain, but if a larger piece of tooth chips off, it can be very painful. This is because the underlying nerve is damaged and if this is exposed to cold or hot drinks or foods, air and saliva, it can cause extreme discomfort. Pain caused by a cracked or a broken tooth can either be constant or it might be periodic. Some people feel this pain while chewing something as it exerts pressure on the teeth. What Can You Do? Fractured or cracked tooth – A fractured or a cracked tooth cannot be treated at home. You’ll have to seek your dentist’s help. A tooth might only hurt while you eat or there’s a change in the temperature of your mouth (after drinking something cold or hot). If you are experiencing a continuous pain, it can be a case of damaged blood vessels or nerves. Broken tooth – In case of broken teeth, visit your dentist immediately. Your dentist will be able to understand the cause of the breakage, whether it is caused due to cavities and if the nerve is injured. Treatment: Different tests are performed in the mouth to determine if a tooth fracture is present. In some instances, dental X-rays can help to diagnose, locate, and measure the extent of tooth fractures. A serious fracture is one that exposes both the dentin and the pulp tissue and should be treated promptly. Serious injuries may make the tooth displaced and loose, and cause the gums to bleed. To prevent the loose tooth from falling out completely, the dentist can splint the loose tooth by bonding it to the adjacent teeth to help stabilize it while the underlying bone and gums heal. Because of the high risk of pulp infection after the exposure of the pulp to the oral environment, a root canal procedure may need to be performed during the first visit. Alternatively, the dentist may elect to only apply a sedative dressing on the splinted tooth to help calm the tooth pain. The tooth will then be reevaluated in two to four weeks to determine if a root canal procedure is necessary. If the tooth appears to have recovered and is stable in the mouth, the splint is removed at that time and a filling or crown is placed to restore the fractured tooth. The most serious injuries involve vertical, diagonal, or horizontal fractures of the tooth roots. In most instances, a fracture of the tooth root leaves the injured tooth very loose and unable to be restored with dental work, thus necessitating tooth extraction. If you experience injury to your tooth, contact Expressions Dental. Our…

What to do if Tooth is pushed out of Position?

If your tooth is loosened and pushed out of position, call your dentist right away for an emergency dental appointment. In the meantime, you can follow these steps to prevent further damage: Attempt to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure, but do not force the tooth. Bite down to keep the tooth from moving. Bite gently on gauze to keep tooth in place, and/or prepare soft orthodontic wax molded over several teeth to temporarily stabilize teeth. Eat soft food and avoid disturbing the tooth while eating. Your dentist may splint the tooth in place to the two healthy teeth next to the loose tooth. If the tooth has come out and you can't place it back into socket then save it carefully. Do not touch the root of the tooth. To protect the tooth, keep it in moist condition by immersing it in saline solution or milk. Do not try to clean the tooth by rubbing of it. Once your tooth has been repositioned, you need to take special care to brush your teeth gently for a few weeks. You also need to make sure that you take medications as prescribed by your dentist in order to prevent infection. Try to avoid chewing with the tooth and, watch for signs of infection such as swelling or redness. What to do when a baby tooth is pushed out of position For a baby tooth that has been moved out of its normal position, the dentist will possibly has to remove the tooth to prevent further damage to the developing adult tooth that is forming underneath it Your dentist may recommend a children’s pain killer to relieve pain. Keep your child on a soft diet for 2 weeks to prevent further damage. Contact us at Expressions Dental if you have any other questions or if symptoms get worse.

How to Handle Dental Emergencies?

After a tooth accident or trauma, it may take time to reach your dental provider’s office in an emergency. Here are some tips that could possibly save your teeth in the meantime, and at the very least, could help prevent further damage. Cracks or fracture – Gently rinse your mouth and protect the area. Do not apply topical pain killers. Avoid eating or drinking cold foods and beverages until the tooth has been repaired by your dentist. Knocked out tooth – Do not touch the root. Pick it up by crown and rinse it. If possible, insert the tooth back into the socket and bite down to hold it in place. Loose tooth – If your tooth is loosened and pushed out of position, attempt to reposition it to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure, but don’t force it. Toothaches – Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put pain killer on the aching tooth or gum tissues. For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments. Injured mouth – Injuries inside the mouth include tears or cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations to the cheek, lips, or tongue. The wound should be cleaned immediately with warm salt water. If bleeding, apply pressure with a moist gauze or tea bag for 15-20 minutes. Soft tissue trauma – Apply a cold compress to the traumatized area to reduce swelling. Jaw fracture – If you can’t open your jaws properly or your teeth do not come together normally you should be screened at the hospital emergency department for a possible jaw fracture. Lost fillings or crowns – When a crown has fallen out and there is some pain, take a cotton swab and some clove oil and apply it on the sensitive area. Broken braces – If a wire of your brace sticks out or even breaks, you can use a soft object to return it to its original position. If that’s difficult, you can cover the end with either some orthodontic wax, a piece of gauze or a cotton ball before you rush to your orthodontist. Never attempt to cut the wire because that may lead to swallowing the pieces or inhaling the broken pieces to your lungs. Contact emergency dentist in Calgary for help.