7 Mistakes You’re Making in a Dental Crisis: How an Emergency Dentist Near Me Can Help
Published June 4, 2026
FLASH OFFER: Facing a dental emergency? Don’t wait. We offer same-day emergency appointments to get you out of pain fast! Call our Riverton office at +1-385-533-9393 or our Cottonwood location now.
We’ve all been there. You’re enjoying a late-night snack or playing a weekend game at the park when, crunch, something goes wrong. A tooth chips, a crown pops off, or a sudden, throbbing ache starts radiating through your jaw.
In the heat of a dental crisis, panic often takes the driver’s seat. But making the wrong move can turn a simple fix into a permanent (and expensive) problem. As your local dentist in Salt Lake City, we’ve seen it all.
Here are the seven most common mistakes people make during a dental emergency and how finding an emergency dentist near me can save your smile.
1. The "Wait and See" Approach
The biggest mistake is ignoring the pain. Dental pain isn't like a sore muscle; it rarely gets better on its own. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp sensitivity, your body is sending a red flag. Waiting even 24 hours can allow an infection to spread or a small crack to become a full-blown fracture.
2. Playing "DIY Dentist" with Super Glue
It sounds like a quick fix, but never, ever use household glue to reattach a broken tooth or a lost crown. Super glue contains chemicals that can kill the living tissue inside your tooth and irritate your gums. Plus, it makes it nearly impossible for us to clean and properly bond the restoration later. If you lose a crown, keep it in a safe container and bring it to us! We use same day crowns technology (Cerec) to get you fixed up in a single visit.
3. Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth by the Root
If a tooth gets knocked out during a hike in the Wasatch or a local sports game, time is of the essence. Mistake: Picking it up by the root. Solution: Always pick it up by the crown (the white chewing surface). Rinse it gently with water, don’t scrub, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in a cup of milk while you rush to see us.
4. Putting Aspirin Directly on the Gums
This is an old wives' tale that causes more harm than good. Placing an aspirin tablet against a painful tooth or on your gums can cause a chemical burn on your soft tissues. Instead, swallow the pain reliever as directed or use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to manage swelling.
5. Heading to the Emergency Room First
Unless you have a broken jaw, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty breathing, the ER is usually the wrong move for a dental crisis. Hospital ERs are rarely equipped with dental tools and typically only provide antibiotics or pain meds before telling you to see a family dentist in Salt Lake City. Save time and money by calling us first, we have the 3D X-rays and digital scanners needed to diagnose and treat the root cause on the spot.
6. Panicking Over the Cost
Many people delay emergency care because they worry about the bill. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we believe high-quality care should be accessible. We are a proudly Medicaid dentist in Utah, and we accept Medicaid at specific locations like our Bangerter/Riverton office. We also offer flexible payment options and CareCredit to ensure you don't have to choose between your wallet and your health.
7. Letting Dental Anxiety Stop You
If the thought of the dentist makes your heart race, an emergency only adds to the stress. We’ve designed our practice to be a "fear-free zone." From noise-canceling headphones and ceiling TVs to sedation dentistry in Utah, we make sure you are comfortable. In many cases, you can literally sleep through the procedure while we save your tooth.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Todd Vincent
When you visit us during a crisis, you're in the hands of a local who cares. Dr. Todd Vincent is a proud Utah native who grew up in Brigham City. After serving a mission in Guatemala and earning his DDS from Creighton University, he returned home to build a practice focused on compassion.
When he’s not saving smiles, Dr. Vincent is a true family man with five kids. As an Eagle Scout, he loves the Utah outdoors, you’ll likely find him camping, boating, or working on a woodworking project. He understands that a dental emergency is a disruption to your life, and he treats every patient like a member of his own family.
What Our Patients Say
"I had a tooth break and needed an emergency appointment. They were able to fit me in within 24 hours and then when my temporary crown broke, they were able to rush my permanent crown... they did an amazing job and made me feel so comfortable. Highly recommend!" , Katie Martin, Verified Patient
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do you accept Medicaid for emergencies?
A: Yes! We are a leading medicaid dentist in Utah. Our Riverton location specifically focuses on providing top-tier care to the Medicaid community.
Q: Can I get my tooth fixed the same day?
A: Often, yes! Thanks to our Cerec technology, we can provide same day crowns and other restorative treatments without the need for multiple visits or "goopy" impressions.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We have convenient offices in Riverton, Cottonwood, and Herriman. Check our locations page for the one nearest you.
Q: What if I need more than just a filling?
A: We provide comprehensive care. If a tooth cannot be saved, we offer advanced solutions like dental implants in Utah, including all on 4 dental implants for full-mouth restorations.
Don't Wait: Get Help Now!
A dental crisis doesn't have to be a disaster. Whether you need a cosmetic dentist in Salt Lake City to fix a chipped veneer or a family dentist to help your child after a playground fall, we are here for you.
- Riverton (Bangerter): 3816 13400 S #200, Riverton, UT | +1-385-533-9393
- Cottonwood: 6364 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT | +1-385-257-9393