Weekend Dental Emergencies Explained

Dental problems don’t keep office hours. When something goes wrong on a Saturday or Sunday, here’s how to tell what’s urgent and how to reach us.

When to head straight to the emergency room

Some symptoms can’t wait for a return call. Go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911, if you have:

  • Severe facial swelling, especially with a fever

  • Trouble breathing or swallowing

  • Bleeding that won’t stop with firm pressure

  • Significant trauma to your face or head

How to reach us after hours

For other dental emergencies, call our main line at 403-381-1155, even on weekends. Our phone system will walk you through your options, including contacting the dentist when it’s urgent. Include your name, phone number, a brief description of the problem and the best time to reach you. Dr. Conner Hendry handles our emergency care, and our team will help you sort out next steps.

What to do with a knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth is a race against the clock. Teeth put back within about 30 minutes have the best chance of surviving.

Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root, and rinse it briefly with milk if it’s dirty. Gently press it back into the socket, or keep it in milk or tucked between your cheek and gum. Never store it in water or let it dry out. Then call us right away. If you can’t reach help quickly, go to an emergency department.

Don’t put a baby tooth back in, since that can damage the adult tooth underneath, but do have it checked.

If an adult tooth can’t be saved, you still have options. Dental implants replace both the root and the visible tooth, and they look and feel like natural teeth.

Problems that can usually wait until Monday

These can usually wait until we open:

  • A lost filling or crown that isn’t causing severe pain

  • A chipped tooth that doesn’t hurt

Leave a message and we’ll follow up. Until then, rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress and avoid chewing on that side.

Emergency care for new patients and kids

You don’t need to be a current patient to call. We provide emergency care for new patients and children, accept insurance assignment and participate in the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Joel Harding