7 Mistakes You’re Making in a Dental Crisis (And How an Emergency Dentist Near Me Can Help)
Published June 24, 2026
If you’re currently holding a cold compress to your face or searching frantically for an emergency dentist near me, take a deep breath. You’re in the right place. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we know that a dental crisis doesn’t follow a schedule. Whether it's a chipped tooth before a big meeting in Murray or a sudden midnight toothache in Riverton, the goal is the same: stop the pain and save your smile.
Need help right now? We offer same day crowns and emergency appointments to get you back on your feet. Call us immediately at our Salt Lake City locations to see a dentist today.
When panic sets in, it’s easy to make a snap decision that could turn a simple fix into a permanent problem. Here are the 7 most common mistakes we see patients make during a dental emergency, and what you should do instead.
1. The "Wait and See" Strategy
The biggest mistake is ignoring the pain and hoping it goes away. A toothache is your body’s alarm system. If you wait, a small cavity that could have been handled with a simple filling might turn into a full-blown infection requiring an extraction or all-on-4 dental implants.
What to do: If it hurts, call us. We are a leading dentist Salt Lake City residents trust for fast, honest assessments.
2. Reaching for the Super Glue
It sounds like a "life hack," but putting household glue on a lost crown or a broken tooth is a recipe for disaster. The chemicals in super glue are toxic to your living tooth pulp and can cause irreversible damage. Plus, it makes it nearly impossible for us to clean the tooth properly when you finally get to the chair.
What to do: Keep the crown or tooth fragment in a small container. If you have a loose crown, you can use a tiny dab of toothpaste or over-the-counter dental cement as a temporary hold until you reach our office.
3. Aspirin directly on the Gums
This is an old-school myth that won't die. Placing an aspirin tablet directly against a hurting tooth or gum won't stop the pain, it will actually cause a chemical burn on your soft tissues.
What to do: Swallow your pain relievers (like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen) as directed on the bottle. For the local site, a gentle warm salt water rinse is much safer and more effective at keeping the area clean.
4. Scrubbing a Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, your window to save it is about 60 minutes. Many people try to "clean" the tooth by scrubbing it with soap or a brush. This kills the living cells on the root that are necessary for the tooth to reattach.
What to do:
- Pick it up by the crown (the white part), never the root.
- Gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty.
- Try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in a small cup of cold milk and get to an emergency dentist near me immediately.
5. Using Heat for Swelling
If your face is swelling, your first instinct might be a warm compress. Stop! Heat draws blood to the area, which can actually increase the pressure and the pain of an infection.
What to do: Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This helps manage inflammation while you're on your way to see us.
6. Sucking Through a Straw After an Injury
If you have a bleeding site or a recently pulled tooth, the last thing you want to do is create suction. Sucking through a straw, smoking, or even aggressive spitting can dislodge the blood clot (leading to the dreaded "dry socket").
What to do: Drink directly from a cup and be very gentle when rinsing. If you’re worried about the look of a missing tooth after an emergency extraction, ask us about high-quality dentures or permanent implants.
7. Thinking You Can’t Afford the Visit
Many people avoid the dentist during a crisis because they are worried about the bill. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we believe everyone deserves a healthy smile. We are a proud Medicaid dentist Utah provider, and we accept a wide range of insurance plans to make sure your emergency care is affordable.
Meet Dr. Todd Vincent
When you visit us in a crisis, you'll likely meet Dr. Todd Vincent. Dr. Vincent (or "Dr. Todd" to his regular patients) grew up right here in the Salt Lake Valley. He’s known for his calm, neighborly approach, perfect for when you're feeling stressed about a broken tooth. When he isn't using our advanced digital scanners to craft same day crowns, you can usually find him hiking the local trails or spending time with his family. He’s committed to making sure every patient feels like a neighbor, not a number.
Why Choose Salt Flats Dentistry?
We’ve designed our offices to be the antidote to dental anxiety. If the thought of a dental drill makes your heart race, don't worry. We offer sedation dentistry Utah patients love because it lets you literally sleep through your procedure.
- Comfort First: We provide noise-canceling headphones and ceiling TVs in every room.
- Cutting Edge: Our 3D X-rays and digital scanners mean no messy impressions and faster appointments.
- Convenient Locations: Whether you need dentists in Riverton, dentists in Murray, or care in the heart of SLC, we have a location near you.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood | 6364 S Highland Dr, Ste 101, SLC | (801) 278-7171 |
| Herriman | 5542 W Main St, Ste 300, Herriman | (801) 302-8989 |
| Bangerter | 13422 S Bangerter Pkwy, Ste 101, Draper | (801) 501-7667 |
Don’t Wait, Schedule Your Visit Now!
A dental emergency only gets worse with time. Click the button below or call one of our offices to get seen today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
Generally, anything that involves severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, or a facial swelling is an emergency. If you are unsure, it's always safer to call.
Do you accept Medicaid for emergency visits?
Yes! As a Medicaid dentist Utah residents rely on, we accept Medicaid at our locations. We can help you navigate your benefits to ensure you get the care you need.
Can you fix a chipped tooth the same day?
In many cases, yes! With our Cerec technology, we can often provide same day crowns or porcelain veneers to restore your smile in a single visit.
What if I’m terrified of the dentist?
You aren't alone. We specialize in sedation dentistry Utah and offer a variety of comfort options like noise-canceling headphones to make your visit as stress-free as possible.