Stampede is one of Calgary’s favourite times of the year. Between rodeos, concerts, midway treats, and long days spent outdoors, it’s also a time when dental emergencies tend to increase. Every year, dentists see a spike in chipped, cracked, and broken teeth during and immediately after Stampede festivities.
In case of a cracked tooth or other dental issues, knowing what to do next can help save your tooth and prevent further damage.
If you’re searching for emergency dental treatment in Calgary during or after Stampede week, here’s what you should know!
When Stampede Fun Takes an Unexpected Turn
Stampede week is one of Calgary’s most exciting times of the year, but all that excitement can sometimes come with a few unexpected bumps and bruises. Between rodeos, midway treats, outdoor activities, late nights, and packed schedules, the demand for emergency dental treatment in Calgary tends to increase during and shortly after the festivities.
Whether it’s from the rodeo, an accidental slip-and-fall or discovering that a particular snack was tougher than it looked, we often see an increase in chipped, cracked, and broken teeth this time of year. Sometimes having a little too much fun can leave more than just your cowboy boots feeling worse for wear!
When Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Not every chipped tooth causes immediate pain, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. You should contact a dentist right away if you experience:
- A tooth that is cracked or broken
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling around the tooth or gums
- Bleeding that does not stop
- A tooth that feels loose after an injury
Even small cracks can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, potentially leading to infection or more extensive damage over time.
What Happens During an Emergency Dental Visit?
The first step in emergency dental treatment in Calgary is identifying the extent of the damage. At Luna Dental, we use digital imaging and a comprehensive examination to determine the best course of action and recommend treatment that supports your long-term oral health.
Treatment will depend on how much of the tooth has been affected.
Minor Damage May Only Need a Filling
If only a small portion of the tooth is chipped and the underlying structure remains healthy, a filling may be enough to restore the tooth.
Dental fillings can repair minor damage, strengthen the area, and blend naturally with your smile. Early treatment often prevents a small problem from becoming a larger one.
Learn more about dental fillings:
Larger Breaks May Require a Crown
When more significant damage has occurred, a crown may be recommended. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, helping restore strength, appearance, and function.
This option is often used when a tooth has lost a large amount of structure but can still be preserved.
Inlays and Onlays
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown, an inlay or onlay may be recommended. These custom restorations help preserve more of your natural tooth while providing added strength and protection.
Not sure which option is right for you? Our team at Luna Dental can guide you during your consultation to determine which option best supports your long-term oral health!
Damage to the Nerve May Need a Root Canal
Sometimes a crack or fracture extends deeper into the tooth and affects the pulp, where the nerve and blood supply are located.
Signs this may have happened include:
- Ongoing tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity
- Swelling
- Increased discomfort when chewing
In these situations, root canal treatment can remove the damaged tissue and help save the natural tooth. A crown is often placed afterward to protect the tooth long-term.
Severe Damage May Lead to Extraction
While preserving natural teeth is always our priority, there are situations where a tooth is too badly damaged to restore. If this occurs, extraction may be the healthiest option.
If a tooth must be removed, our team will discuss replacement options and create a plan that supports your long-term oral health.
Get Back to Enjoying Stampede with Help from Luna Dental
If you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth during Stampede, don’t wait to have it assessed.
Many dental injuries may seem manageable at first, but delaying treatment can make them more complicated to treat. What begins as a small crack or chip can develop into an infection, a larger fracture, or even tooth loss. This is especially common during Stampede, when busy schedules can make it tempting to put off a dental visit.
Seeking emergency dental treatment in Calgary as soon as possible gives your dentist the best opportunity to preserve the tooth, relieve discomfort, and avoid more extensive treatment later. Whether your injury happened at a Stampede event or during a summer activity, prompt care can make a significant difference in your outcome.
Book your appointment with our team at Luna Dental today!