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.