When a dental emergency occurs, whether it’s a cracked tooth, severe pain, or a broken crown, having a clear sense of what to do can be the difference between panic and control. Emergency dental care isn’t on most families’ minds until they absolutely require it, but preplanning puts everyone at ease and allows for quick, quality treatment when seconds matter.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to build a smart and simple dental emergency plan for your family, so you know exactly what to do when something unexpected happens.
Why Every Family Needs A Dental Emergency Plan?
Accidents happen all the time, especially if you have children, play sports, or just enjoy the occasional crunchy snack. But why is it a dentist emergency in the first place?
Some common dental emergencies are:
- Severe jaw or toothaches
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
- Lost crowns or fillings
- Gingival (gum) swelling or abscesses
- Soft tissue trauma to the mouth
In these cases, time is of the essence. Knowing what steps to take and having a trusted emergency dentist in SW Calgary, can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Step 1: Find An Emergency Dentist Before You Need One
Don’t wait until you’re in pain to start searching for help. Do your homework ahead of time:
- Research local clinics that offer emergency dental care
- Check their hours, are they open evenings or weekends?
- Save their contact information in your phone and write it down where your family can see it
- Confirm whether they accept your insurance or offer payment plans
Having a go-to emergency dentist near you ensures you’re never scrambling in a crisis.
Step 2: Create A Dental Emergency Kit
Just like a first aid kit, a dental emergency kit can be incredibly useful when the unexpected happens. Include:
- Gauze pads for bleeding
- Small container with a lid (for a knocked-out tooth)
- Pain relievers (as recommended by your dentist)
- Saline solution or clean water for rinsing
- Dental wax (great for broken braces or sharp wires)
- Ice pack
Keep the kit somewhere easily accessible at home, and consider making a smaller version for your car or diaper bag.
Step 3: Educate Your Family
A plan is only useful if everyone knows it. Talk with your family about:
- What a dental emergency looks like
- Who to call (list phone numbers and backup contacts)
- How to safely handle a knocked-out tooth (avoid touching the root, rinse gently, and keep it moist)
- What not to do (e.g., don’t ignore swelling, don’t wait out serious pain)
Even young kids can learn the basics of what to do if something goes wrong with their teeth.
Step 4: Regular Dental Visits Can Prevent Emergencies
While you can’t avoid every accident, routine dental care goes a long way in preventing emergencies:
- Early detection of cavities, cracks, or gum issues
- Advice on mouthguards for sports
- Monitoring dental development in kids
- Keeping crowns, fillings, and restorations in good shape
Seeing a trusted dentist in SW Calgary regularly helps keep small problems from becoming big emergencies.
Step 5: Stay Calm And Act Fast
When a dental emergency happens, keeping calm and acting quickly is key:
- Call your emergency dentist immediately
- Follow their instructions, some injuries require care within 30 minutes
- Use your emergency kit as needed
- Reassure them with calmness and kindness while you handle the situation.
Because Dental Emergencies Don’t Wait – We’re Here For You!
At Trinity Hills Dental, your family’s comfort and safety are always our top priorities. Whether it’s a dental emergency or routine care, we’re here when you need us. Don’t wait for the unexpected, schedule your family’s visit with Trinity Hills Dental today and get peace of mind knowing we’ve got your back!