Dental emergencies can be stressful and disorienting. At Westlock Family Dental, we understand that urgent dental concerns require a prompt response, and we encourage patients to contact our Westlock clinic as soon as possible so our team can assess the situation and discuss available options.
A dental emergency is any situation involving sudden or significant dental pain, injury, infection, or damage that requires prompt attention. While not all dental concerns require immediate treatment, many benefit from early assessment to prevent the situation from worsening.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency during clinic hours, contact Westlock Family Dental directly so our team can discuss your concern, assess urgency, and advise on the next steps. Emergency appointment availability may vary depending on the nature of the concern and clinic scheduling.
Dental emergencies vary in nature and severity. Situations that may warrant urgent dental attention include:
This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure whether your situation requires urgent attention, contact our clinic and our team will help you determine the appropriate next step.
When you call Westlock Family Dental with an urgent concern, our team will ask about your symptoms, the nature of the concern, and how long you have been experiencing it. This helps us assess the urgency of your situation and advise on whether an emergency appointment, a scheduled appointment, or another course of action is most appropriate.
If an emergency appointment is available and appropriate, your dentist will conduct a clinical assessment to identify the source and extent of the concern. Findings will be explained clearly, and available treatment options will be discussed before any care proceeds.
Treatment provided at an emergency appointment will depend on the nature and severity of the concern. In some cases, the focus of an emergency visit may be on addressing immediate discomfort or stabilizing the situation, with further treatment planned at a follow-up appointment. Your dentist will advise on the most appropriate course of action based on clinical findings.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency outside of clinic hours, we recommend contacting your nearest hospital emergency department or an after-hours dental service for guidance. For situations involving severe swelling, difficulty breathing, significant bleeding, or major trauma, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency room.
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, time is an important factor. Handle the tooth by the crown — the visible part — and avoid touching the root. If possible, gently rinse the tooth without scrubbing and keep it moist by placing it back in the socket, between the cheek and gum, or in a small container of milk. Contact our clinic immediately. Note that this guidance applies to permanent teeth — a knocked-out primary tooth in a child is generally not reimplanted and should be assessed by a dentist.
If a tooth has cracked or broken, rinse your mouth gently with warm water and contact the clinic. If there is swelling, a cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek may help manage discomfort while you wait for your appointment. Avoid placing pressure on the affected tooth.
If a crown or other restoration has come loose or fallen out, contact the clinic to arrange an assessment. In some cases, a temporary dental cement available at pharmacies may be used to protect the tooth in the interim — your dentist can advise on whether this is appropriate for your situation.
A dental abscess is an infection that can develop around the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. Signs may include significant pain, swelling, fever, or a visible pimple-like bump on the gum. Dental infections can worsen without treatment and in some cases may require medical attention. Contact the clinic promptly if you suspect an abscess or infection.
Aftercare following an emergency dental appointment will depend on the nature of the treatment provided. Your dentist will provide specific instructions based on your situation, which may include:
It is important to attend any recommended follow-up appointments following an emergency visit. Emergency treatment is often focused on addressing the immediate concern, and follow-up care may be necessary to fully restore the affected tooth or area.
Emergency appointment availability at Westlock Family Dental may vary depending on clinic scheduling and the nature of the concern. Contacting the clinic as early as possible gives our team the best opportunity to assess your situation and arrange appropriate care.
If you are experiencing severe swelling, difficulty breathing, significant trauma, or any situation you believe may be life threatening, do not wait — call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Dental emergencies involving the airway or significant swelling of the face and neck require immediate medical attention.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency or have an urgent concern, contact Westlock Family Dental as soon as possible. Our team will assess your situation and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
