Emergency Dentistry – Edmonton, AB
Getting You the Fast, Pain-Relieving Care You Need
Dental emergencies always seem to happen at moments when you least expect them, making them shocking and difficult to handle. That’s why we recommend that our patients keep our number programmed in their phone, so you can reach us in a moment’s notice. When you call, our team will provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance and schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible for emergency dentistry in Edmonton, AB.
Why Choose Sherbrooke Family Dental for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Appointments for Emergency Patients
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We Accept
Dental Insurance - Oral Conscious Sedation Available
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
It can be hard to think clearly in an emergency situation. When you call us, we’ll make sure that you take all of the proper steps and measures to reduce your risk of causing additional damage to your smile. We also schedule same-day emergency appointments for our patients in need of emergency care, so you won’t have to worry about sitting around in pain and wondering how bad the damage really is. Below, we’ve outlined some helpful advice for you to take as you’re making your way to our dental office.
Toothaches
Toothaches are often a result of infections hidden deep below the enamel of your teeth. To clean the area, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. To help with your pain, you can take an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, or place a cold compress on the outside of your mouth for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
If you’re able to locate the broken-off piece of your tooth, pick it up, rinse it off, and store it in a safe container to bring with you to your appointment. If the damage has created a jagged or sharp edge on your tooth, you can place a piece of orthodontic wax over it to keep it from scraping or irritating your oral tissues.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is of the essence, so quickly pick up your tooth, being sure to only handle it by the biting surface, and gently rinse it under a cool stream of water. To keep it viable, store it in a sealable container of milk or saline and bring it to your appointment.
Lost Filling/Crown
If you’re able to locate your restoration, pick it up and clean it under a stream of tap water. You can temporarily place it back on your damaged tooth using a dab of toothpaste or denture adhesive. Remember that this is only a temporary solution, and in order to prevent an infection from developing, you’ll need to visit us in a timely manner so we can repair or replace your filling or crown.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Our team is always ready to serve as your emergency dental office in Edmonton when you face an oral health crisis — all you have to do is give us a call , and we will leap into action. However, we are sure that you would prefer to avoid such an unpleasant situation in the first place. To that end, we have put together a list of some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of tooth damage.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
It is recommended that everyone visits their dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. These appointments allow us to spot oral health problems while they are still in their early stages, so we can treat them in a timely manner and hopefully prevent dental emergencies in Edmonton. Additionally, professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, which can reduce the risk of decay.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque buildup on the teeth, thereby lowering the chances that decay will occur. Here are some general best practices for at-home oral hygiene:
- Brush twice a day. Be sure to clean along the gumline and the backs of your teeth. Always use a soft-bristled brush.
- Floss once a day. Be gentle with the floss, never snapping it between your teeth. If you are unsure of proper flossing technique, ask our team for coaching.
Watch What You Eat
When bacteria in your mouth consume sugar, they produce harmful acid that can damage teeth. Therefore, it is best to limit your intake of sweet treats, such as candy, dessert, and sugary beverages. Also, keep in mind that even sugar-free drinks, like diet soda and artificially sweetened sports drinks, can be highly acidic. Your diet should be centered around nutrients that are beneficial for oral and overall health. Vegetables, some types of fruit, and dairy products can all support a healthy smile.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you play sports, you should always wear a mouthguard while you are on the court or field. This can prevent tooth damage and soft tissue injuries. Over-the-counter mouthguards provide moderate protection, but a custom guard from a dentist is a more comfortable and more effective option.
If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you may need a different type of mouthguard — one that is specifically designed to prevent your upper and lower teeth from causing mutual harm.
Do Not Use Your Teeth as a Tool
It can be tempting to use your teeth to open packages, cut the tags off of clothing, or even pry the cap off of beverages. However, doing so is unwise. You could easily break or chip a tooth. Even if that does not happen, you are still placing your teeth under stress and causing premature wear and tear. Carrying a small pair of scissors or a knife with you may help you to avoid using your teeth as a tool.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Before we can outline the details of the cost of your emergency treatment, we’ll need to first find out how to fix the issue that’s causing you pain or discomfort. We won’t be able to do this until we’ve conducted a thorough examination of your mouth. Based on our findings, we’ll then outline a custom treatment plan for you and walk you through insurance coverage and financing options. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask one of our professionals.
No Two Dental Emergencies Are the Same
The cost of a dental emergency varies on numerous factors, but the initial visit with an emergency dentist is actually relatively inexpensive. During this appointment, our team will take the time to assess your oral health and determine what further treatment you need to restore your smile. Until you come to our practice to have the issue examined, it is nearly impossible to predict the overall cost. Some of the more common solutions to dental emergencies include the following:
- Root canal therapy
- Extractions
- Dental crowns
- TMJ treatment
- And more!
You can have peace-of-mind knowing that our committed team will thoroughly explain our findings, recommended treatment plan, and the estimated cost ahead of time so you aren’t met with any unnecessary surprises.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Most of the time, dental insurance plans offer some form of coverage for dental emergency situations. In some plans, at least one yearly emergency exam may be fully covered, while common services associated with tooth pain, like root canal therapy and extractions, can receive partial coverage, anywhere from 50% to 80%. It’s important to note that every plan is different and yearly maximums usually come into effect. Before committing to treatment, confirm what is covered with your insurance company. Our team is happy to help you in the process!
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save Your Wallet
Not all dental emergencies are in your control. For instance, unexpected, unavoidable accidents can occur. However, by taking some preventive measures, many oral health issues can be avoided, and you can save thousands of dollars over the years.
Always be on the lookout for changes in your mouth. New oral pain or visible changes can indicate that there is an issue that needs to be addressed. By taking care of dental problems immediately, you can prevent them from becoming serious and turning into an emergency. The longer you wait, the more the issue is likely to cost. For example, by coming to the practice for root canal therapy now, you may be able to avoid the cost and hassle of needing and extraction and replacement tooth later on. You can save yourself discomfort, time, and money!
TMJ/TMD Therapy
Are you experiencing jaw tenderness, nightly teeth grinding, or lockjaw? These are all signs that you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD. We offer multiple therapy options, such as BOTOX injections and occlusal adjustments, to help relieve stress from your jaw joints and address the underlying cause of your condition. To learn more, contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment.