Emergency Dentist Near You: What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Emergency Dentist Near You

When Pain Strikes or Something Breaks Know Where to Turn in Sherwood Park


There’s no warning for a broken tooth, a sudden ache, or swelling that seems to double in size overnight. Dental emergencies can happen at the worst possible time — after hours, during weekends, or when you’re not even sure where to go.

At Granada Dental, we treat emergency dental situations in Sherwood Park every day. Our team is ready for the unexpected. This article will help you know what truly qualifies as an emergency, what you should do next, and how we can help you feel better fast.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

It’s not always clear whether your dental issue is urgent or just inconvenient. A dental emergency is typically defined as:

  • Sudden, severe pain that doesn’t go away

  • Bleeding that won’t stop

  • A tooth that’s been knocked out or broken

  • Swelling in your face or gums that spreads or worsens

  • Signs of infection, like pus or fever

  • A broken crown or filling that’s causing pain or risk of injury

If it’s affecting your ability to eat, speak, sleep, or focus — you shouldn’t wait.

Common Dental Emergencies We See at Granada Dental


1. Severe Toothache

Persistent, pulsing tooth pain is often a sign of deep decay, trauma, or an abscess. Even if the pain comes and goes, it usually means something serious is developing beneath the surface.

We often see patients who’ve tried to wait it out, only to have pain escalate overnight or over the weekend. In many cases, treatment is simpler — and less expensive — if you act early.

2. Swelling or Abscess

Swelling in the face, jaw, or around a tooth can mean infection. Left untreated, infections can spread to other parts of the body and become dangerous.

Signs of a possible abscess:

  • A painful lump on your gum

  • Fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes

  • A bad taste or odor in the mouth

Prompt drainage and antibiotics are often needed.

3. Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth

Dental trauma is common — especially for children, athletes, or anyone who takes a spill at the wrong angle. A tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or completely knocked out needs immediate care to prevent nerve damage or loss of the tooth.

We frequently treat:

  • Sports injuries

  • Playground falls

  • Bike or scooter accidents

  • Chipped teeth from biting hard foods

If you can find the tooth and get to us within 30–60 minutes, there’s a good chance we can save it.

Emergency Dentist Near You

4. Lost Crown or Filling

It might not hurt — yet — but losing a filling or crown exposes the vulnerable parts of your tooth. That can quickly lead to sensitivity, decay, or fracture.

Don’t wait for the pain to set in. Let us re-cement it or replace it before complications arise.

5. Gum Injury or Uncontrolled Bleeding

Gums that bleed after brushing are often signs of gingivitis. But if your gums are bleeding heavily after trauma or a procedure, or bleeding doesn’t stop with pressure, that’s an emergency.

What Isn’t Always an Emergency

Some dental problems can feel urgent but don’t need same-day treatment. These include:

  • Minor tooth sensitivity

  • Small chips or cosmetic cracks

  • Lost fillings with no pain

  • Discomfort that goes away with pain relievers

When in doubt, call. At Granada Dental, we can assess symptoms over the phone and let you know if same-day care is needed — or schedule you in quickly.

Should I Go to the ER or the Dentist?

Hospitals aren’t equipped to treat dental problems unless there’s life-threatening infection or trauma. If you go to the ER for a toothache, you’ll likely get pain meds or antibiotics — and be told to follow up with a dentist.

Come to Granada Dental for:

  • Broken teeth

  • Abscesses

  • Severe pain

  • Swelling around the jaw or cheek

  • Dental injuries involving gums, lips, or tongue

Go to the ER if:

  • You have trouble breathing or swallowing

  • Swelling affects your eye or neck

  • You’ve had a traumatic injury involving facial bones

  • You can’t stop heavy bleeding

We also work with physicians and hospitals to coordinate care when both dental and medical attention are needed.

What to Do Before You Arrive

While you’re getting to us, here are a few quick steps you can take:

Knocked-Out Tooth:

  • Rinse the tooth gently (no scrubbing)

  • Try to place it back in the socket

  • If that’s not possible, keep it in milk or your cheek pocket

Swelling:

  • Apply a cold compress

  • Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin)

Broken Tooth or Crown:

  • Rinse with warm water

  • Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum

  • Save any broken pieces

What to Expect at Granada Dental During an Emergency

We’re ready when you need us. Our Sherwood Park clinic reserves time for emergency visits daily.

When you arrive:

    1. You’ll be seen quickly — usually same-day

    2. We’ll relieve your pain or stabilize your injury

    3. We’ll take any necessary X-rays or scans

    4. You’ll get a clear explanation of your options

  1. If needed, we’ll schedule follow-up care and coordinate insurance

Whether you’re in for a broken crown or a dental abscess, you’ll be treated with calm professionalism and personal care.

Why Granada Dental?

Emergencies aren’t just about dental skills — they’re about responsiveness, empathy, and speed.

We’ve built our practice around:

  • Same-day appointments

  • Walk-in availability during business hours

  • 30+ years of trusted dental care

  • Direct billing to most insurance providers

  • Family-friendly, judgment-free environment

Whether you’re an existing patient or brand new to our practice, you’ll get fast, focused attention that puts your health first.

Insurance and Emergency Dental Costs

Emergency exams, X-rays, and procedures are often covered under dental insurance. We:

  • Offer direct billing

  • Provide pre-approval support for emergency care

  • Offer transparent pricing for uninsured patients

  • Can stage treatments or offer short-term solutions when needed

No surprises. Just relief and answers.

Emergency Dentistry for Sherwood Park Families

From hockey injuries to abscesses that show up on a Saturday morning, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here for you when it happens.

We regularly serve:

  • Parents whose kids need quick care after sports or play

  • Busy professionals who can’t ignore that toothache any longer

  • Seniors with broken crowns or dentures

  • Newcomers without a regular dentist

You don’t need to wait for an appointment weeks away. You don’t need to suffer through the weekend. Help is right here.

Don’t Wait. Call Granada Dental.

If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, bleeding, or a broken tooth, don’t wait and wonder.

Call (780) 464-6266 or visit granadadental.ca and tell us what’s going on. We’ll take it from there  fast, calm, and without judgment.