Emergency Dentist in NW Calgary
Same-day relief for unexpected dental pain or injury. Call us first and we will get you in fast.
About Emergency Dental Care at Bow River Dental
Dental emergencies are unpredictable, but our response is not. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Calgary, our NW Calgary clinic keeps appointment slots open six days a week so you never have to wait long for relief. Walk-ins are welcome, and we bill most insurance plans directly.
Whether it is a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, a lost crown or a sports injury, our goal is to ease your pain quickly, protect your tooth and give you a clear plan for what comes next. You do not need to be an existing patient, and we welcome new patients of all ages.
Our clinic at 4411 16 Ave NW, Suite 110 is a convenient option for patients from Montgomery, Varsity, Parkdale, University Heights, Bowness and nearby NW Calgary neighbourhoods. Free parking is available.
Dental Emergencies We Treat
Severe Toothache and Tooth Abscess
A throbbing toothache, pain when you bite or a swollen, tender area near a tooth can point to a deep cavity, a cracked tooth or an infection. An infected tooth rarely settles on its own. We find the cause, relieve the pain and, when the nerve is affected, may recommend Root Canal Therapy to save the tooth.
Broken, Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A broken tooth can be sharp, sensitive and open to infection. We assess the damage and protect the tooth. If it needs rebuilding, Crowns & Bridges can restore its strength, shape and natural appearance.
Knocked-Out or Loose Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is time sensitive, and the sooner you are seen, the better the chance of saving it. Call us right away and come in, since walk-ins are welcome. Please do not wait for a routine appointment.
Lost Filling or Lost Crown
A missing filling or crown leaves the tooth exposed to pain and further decay. We can protect the tooth and replace the restoration, including Tooth-Coloured Fillings that blend in with your natural smile.
Wisdom Tooth Pain and Infection
Swollen gums at the back of the mouth, jaw stiffness and pain around a wisdom tooth are common reasons for urgent visits. We can check the area, ease the discomfort and talk through whether Tooth & Wisdom Tooth Extraction is the right next step.
Sports and Accident Injuries
Falls, collisions and sports impacts can chip, loosen or dislodge teeth and injure the lips and gums. We see these injuries quickly, and once you have healed we can talk about protecting your smile in future with Night Guards & Sports Guards.
Dental Emergency or Emergency Room?
Most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist, who can treat the cause of the problem. Some situations need hospital care first. For problems that need attention soon but are not sudden, see our Urgent Dental Care page.
Call Us Right Away For
- A severe or lasting toothache
- A broken, chipped or cracked tooth
- A knocked-out or loose tooth
- A lost filling or crown
- A swollen gum or a bump on the gum
Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911 For
- Swelling of the face, mouth or neck that makes breathing or swallowing difficult
- A suspected broken or dislocated jaw
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- A head injury with confusion or loss of consciousness
- Fever with spreading facial swelling
If you are unsure, call us. If our office is closed and your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room.
What to Do While You Wait for Your Appointment
- Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to remove trapped food and hold a cold compress against your cheek. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum.
- Broken tooth: Rinse with warm water, keep any fragments and use a cold compress on your cheek to limit swelling.
- Bleeding: Press clean gauze against the area for about 10 minutes.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Visit
- 1Call or walk in. Tell us your symptoms so we can find the earliest time to see you.
- 2Quick assessment. Dr. Tanya Khattra and our team examine the area and, when needed, take X-rays to find the cause.
- 3Pain relief first. We ease your pain and protect the tooth before anything else.
- 4Clear options and costs. We explain your options and the cost before treatment begins.
- 5A plan for what comes next. If more treatment is needed, we book it and explain aftercare.
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Dental Emergencies
- Same-day appointments and emergency walk-ins welcome
- Open six days a week, with extended evening hours and Saturday appointments
- Direct insurance billing for most plans
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Sedation options to help anxious patients feel at ease
- A family clinic that welcomes new patients of all ages
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location
- A 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Cost of Emergency Dental Care
The cost of an emergency dental visit depends on what is causing the problem and the treatment you need, so one price cannot fit every situation. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your options and costs before you decide how to proceed. We bill most insurance plans directly and welcome eligible patients using the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Contact us at 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any sudden problem with your teeth, gums or mouth that involves severe pain, bleeding, swelling, infection or tooth damage. Common examples include a severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, a lost filling or crown and an abscess. If you are unsure, call us and we will help you decide.
Do you take emergency walk-ins in NW Calgary?
Yes. Bow River Dental welcomes emergency walk-ins and also offers same-day appointments, and you do not need to be an existing patient. Calling ahead helps us prepare and find the earliest time for you. We are open Monday to Saturday, with our latest hours on Tuesday and Wednesday until 8 PM, and closed on Sundays.
Should I go to an emergency dentist or the emergency room for a toothache?
For most toothaches, broken teeth and lost fillings, an emergency dentist is the better choice because a dentist can treat the cause of the problem. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a suspected broken jaw, bleeding that will not stop or a serious head injury.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Pick the tooth up by the crown and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently if it is dirty, then place it back in the socket or store it in milk. Come in right away, because the sooner a knocked-out permanent tooth is treated, the better the chance of saving it. Never put a baby tooth back in the socket.
How much does an emergency dentist visit cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the problem and the treatment needed, so an accurate estimate is only possible after we examine you. We follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, bill most insurance plans directly and welcome eligible patients using the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Book Your Emergency Appointment
In pain or worried about an injury? Call Bow River Dental now or book online, and we will find the earliest appointment for you.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
Looking for a new dentist? We'd love to meet you.
We're welcoming patients of all ages to our family dental clinic in NW Calgary. Book your first visit online — most appointments available the same week.