Emergency Dental Care

Read more about the article Chipped a Tooth? Here’s How Emergency Dental Care Can Help

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 extraction may be needed if the damage is beyond repair.

Our team works swiftly and compassionately to relieve pain and restore your smile as efficiently as possible.

How Soon Should You See a Dentist?
Ideally, within the first few hours—especially if there’s pain, swelling, or bleeding. Even if you’re not in pain, it’s wise to book an appointment within 24–48 hours to avoid future complications like infections or bite misalignment.

At Expressions Dental™, we offer same-day emergency appointments, including evenings and Saturdays, to accommodate your urgent needs.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I ignore a small chip if it doesn’t hurt?
We don’t recommend it. Even a painless chip can worsen over time or become more prone to decay. It’s best to have it checked professionally.

2. Will insurance cover emergency treatment?
Most dental insurance plans in Alberta cover emergency visits and restorative procedures, especially if they’re medically necessary. We offer direct billing to most major providers to minimize hassle.

3. How long does emergency repair take?
Minor repairs like bonding can be completed in a single visit. More extensive treatments, such as crowns or root canals, may require two or more appointments.

4. What if the chipped tooth is a child’s baby tooth?
Still bring them in—while baby teeth are temporary, damage or infection can affect underlying adult teeth. We treat children with gentle care to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

5. Can I use dental cement from a pharmacy?
Temporary dental repair kits may help protect the tooth short-term but are not a substitute for professional care. Always follow up with a dentist as soon as possible.

Your Emergency is Our Priority
A chipped tooth doesn’t have to mean a permanent problem. With prompt treatment and compassionate care, we can help you restore your smile quickly and comfortably.
If you’re in Calgary and need immediate dental attention, Expressions Dental™ is here to help—early mornings, evenings, Saturdays, and even for after-hours emergencies.

Expressions Dental™ Calgary
📍 41 Crowfoot Rise NW, Calgary, AB
📞 (403) 252-7733
🌐 www.expressionsdental.ca
Smiles can break—but we’re here to help you fix them.

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Top teeth whitening myths you need to know!

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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 and relatively painless. A professional dentist uses protective gel for your gums to shield them from the whitening agent that can irritate the soft tissue. However, you might feel sensitivity after the procedure which will subside. In case you have pre-existing sensitivity, your dentist would recommend the right plan that suits your oral history.
For more information about Teeth Whitening in Calgary or for other dental procedures or if you are looking for an Emergency Dentist, consult Expressions Dental.
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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?

Dentist-Covid19

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 Call
A 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
● Uses high-speed suction that reduces aerosols by 95% whenever possible.
● Uses rubber dam that reduces aerosol by 70% whenever possible.

We know it is not easy right now. Post lockdown, many businesses have reopened, including dental practices. Pandemic or not, dentists are trained to regularly disinfect and will continue to do so. Returning to your dentist is purely a personal decision, but making an informed choice by assessing the hygiene protocols will save you from neglect that can cost more than just money.

Come to Expressions Dental for all your Dental Needs!

Our team of dental professionals follow stringent safety protocols and are always here to help you get the expert dental care you need in Calgary even during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Do you have questions about our safety procedures? Need more information? Interested in an appointment? You can contact us online or give us a call. See you soon!
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Read more about the article Visiting a Dentist If You Have a Broken Tooth

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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Read more about the article Treatment for Chipped or Broken Teeth

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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Read more about the article Managing and Preventing Dental Emergencies

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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Read more about the article Emergency Dental Services in Calgary

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.

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Expressions Dental™
Emergency Dental Care In Calgary
http://www.expressionsdental.ca
Call: +1 (403) 252 7733

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Read more about the article Fractured Tooth

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 general dentist can examine your tooth and recommend various treatments depending on the location and extent of the break.

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Read more about the article What to do if Tooth is pushed out of Position?

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.

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Read more about the article How to Handle Dental Emergencies?

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.

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