7 Mistakes You’re Making in a Dental Crisis (And How an Emergency Dentist Near Me Can Help)
Published June 20, 2026
🚀 EMERGENCY SPECIAL: In a dental crisis? We offer same-day appointments and walk-in availability for emergencies! Call Us Now to get out of pain today.
We’ve all been there. You’re enjoying a nice dinner at your favorite spot in Salt Lake City when, crunch, you realize that wasn't a crouton. It was your tooth. Or maybe it’s 2:00 AM, and a dull ache has turned into a pounding throb that won't let you sleep.
Dental emergencies are scary, but what you do in the first hour can be the difference between saving a tooth and needing dental implants in Utah. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we see patients from Murray to Riverton who make the same few mistakes during a crisis.
If you're searching for an emergency dentist near me, read this first so you don't make your situation worse!
1. The "Wait and See" Approach
This is the #1 mistake. Many people think, "If I just sleep on it, maybe it'll stop hurting." Unfortunately, dental pain is a red flag that your body is waving frantically. Whether it's a cracked tooth or a deep infection, waiting usually leads to more expensive treatments like all on 4 dental implants or extractions later on.
The Fix: Call us immediately. We specialize in same day crowns and urgent care to stop the problem before it spreads.
2. Playing "DIY Dentist" (The Super Glue Mistake)
Please, we beg of you: put the super glue down. We’ve seen patients try to glue a crown back on or even "file down" a sharp edge themselves. Household adhesives are toxic and can cause permanent damage to your tooth’s structure.
The Fix: If a crown falls off, clean it gently and put it in a plastic bag. We can often re-cement it properly in minutes.
3. Putting Aspirin Directly on the Gums
There’s an old wives' tale that placing an aspirin tablet right next to a hurting tooth will kill the pain faster. This is a myth! Aspirin is an acid; leaving it against your soft tissues will cause a chemical burn on your gums.
The Fix: Swallow the pain reliever as directed. If the pain is still too much, ask us about sedation dentistry in Utah options to keep you comfortable during your visit.
4. Mishandling a Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth gets knocked out during a game at the park or an accident, time is everything. A common mistake is touching the root or letting the tooth dry out.
The Fix:
- Pick it up by the "crown" (the white part).
- Gently rinse it with water (no soap!).
- Try to place it back in the socket.
- If it won't stay, put it in a small container of milk or saliva and get to a dentist in Salt Lake City within 30 minutes.
5. Heading to the Hospital ER Instead of the Dentist
Most hospital ERs are not equipped with dental tools. They can give you antibiotics or pain meds, but they cannot fix the underlying dental issue. You'll likely end up with a huge hospital bill and still need to see us the next day.
The Fix: Save time and money by calling an emergency dentist first. We have the digital scanners and 3D X-rays needed to actually fix the problem.
6. Using Heat Instead of Cold for Swelling
If your face is swelling up, your instinct might be to use a warm compress. Heat actually draws more blood to the area and can make an infection or inflammation worse.
The Fix: Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the outside of your cheek. Apply it for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off.
7. Worrying About Insurance Before Calling
Many patients delay care because they aren't sure if their insurance is accepted. We are a very insurance-friendly office and are proud to be a Medicaid dentist in Utah. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile, regardless of their financial situation.
The Fix: Don't let fear of the bill stop you. We offer transparent pricing and work with Medicaid and most major providers.
Why Choose Salt Flats Dentistry for Your Emergency?
We know that a dental crisis is stressful. That’s why we’ve designed our offices in Murray, Riverton, and Salt Lake City to be as relaxing as possible.
- Same-Day Service: We prioritize emergencies so you aren't stuck in pain.
- Comfort First: We offer noise-canceling headphones, ceiling-mounted TVs, and sedation dentistry in Utah to ease your anxiety.
- Modern Tech: With our digital scanners, we can often provide same day crowns or evaluate you for porcelain veneers and dentures quickly.
Meet Dr. Todd Vincent
Dr. Todd Vincent (or just Dr. Vincent as most call him!) is the heart of Salt Flats Dentistry. A local who grew up right here in the valley, he’s spent his career mastering the art of gentle dentistry. When he’s not saving teeth, you can usually find him hiking the Wasatch trails or spending time with his family. He’s known for his "community-first" approach and making sure every patient feels like a neighbor, not just a chart number.
Find Us Nearby
We have multiple locations to serve you across the valley:
- Bangerter Office: View Details
- Cottonwood Office: View Details
- Herriman Office: View Details
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: By Appointment
Phone: (Call your nearest location for immediate help!)
FAQ: Common Dental Emergency Questions
Q: Does Medicaid cover emergency dental visits?
A: Yes! As a Medicaid dentist in Utah, we accept Medicaid for many urgent procedures. Check out our Medicaid guide for more details.
Q: Can you fix a chipped tooth with a veneer?
A: Absolutely. While we focus on the emergency first, we can later use porcelain veneers or bonding to make your smile look better than it did before the accident.
Q: What if I’m terrified of the dentist?
A: You aren't alone! We specialize in treating anxious patients. From a friendly greeting at our modern reception area to full sedation, we've got you covered.
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