Can an Emergency Dentist Near Me Really Save a Knocked-Out Tooth? Find Out Here
Published June 15, 2026
Need Help Right Now? Call us immediately! If you’re facing a dental emergency in the Salt Lake Valley, we offer Same-Day Emergency Appointments to get you out of pain and save your smile. New patients and Medicaid are always welcome.
If you’ve just had a tooth knocked out, your heart is probably racing. Whether it happened during a Saturday morning soccer game in Riverton or a bike ride near Murray, the clock is officially ticking. You might be frantically searching for an "emergency dentist near me," and the short answer is: Yes, we can often save your tooth, but you need to act within the next 60 minutes.
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we specialize in high-tech, high-comfort emergency care. From same-day crowns to gentle extractions, we’re here to help you navigate a dental crisis without the stress.
5 Steps to Take in the First 60 Minutes
When a permanent tooth is knocked out, the ligaments and tissues attached to the root are still alive for a short window. If you follow these steps, your chances of a successful "replant" by a dentist in Salt Lake City skyrocket.
1. Find the Tooth and Pick It Up by the Crown
This is the most critical rule: Never touch the root. The root contains delicate fibers necessary for the tooth to reattach to your jaw. Always pick it up by the "crown", the white part you use to chew.
2. Rinse (But Don't Scrub!)
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with cool water or milk. Do not use soap, chemicals, or toothpaste. Definitely do not scrub it with a cloth or brush, as this will kill the living cells on the root.
3. Try to Reinsert It
If possible, gently guide the tooth back into its socket. Hold it in place by biting down softly on a piece of clean gauze or a soft cloth. This keeps the root "home" and moist.
4. Keep It Moist at All Costs
If the tooth won’t go back into the socket, don't force it. Instead, you must keep it wet. The best options are:
- A small container of cold milk.
- Your own saliva (tucking it inside your cheek, though be careful not to swallow it!).
- An emergency tooth preservation kit.
Do not store the tooth in plain tap water; the chlorine can damage the root cells.
5. Get to Salt Flats Dentistry Immediately
Call us while you are on your way. Whether you are looking for Dentists in Murray or Dentists in Riverton, our offices are equipped with the latest 3D imaging to assess the damage the moment you walk through the door.
Why Speed Matters for Your Smile
A tooth that has been out of the mouth for more than an hour has a much lower chance of survival. However, even if the tooth cannot be saved, modern dentistry offers incredible permanent solutions.
As a leading cosmetic dentist in Salt Lake City, we provide options like:
- Dental Implants Utah: A permanent, natural-looking replacement for a lost tooth.
- Same-Day Crowns: Using CEREC technology, we can often restore a damaged tooth in a single visit.
- Porcelain Veneers: To fix chips or cracks that happen during the trauma.
Stress-Free Emergency Care
We know that a dental emergency is terrifying. That’s why we’ve designed our practice to be the most comfortable family dentist in Salt Lake City.
When you arrive at our modern dental operatory, you won't just find drills and X-rays. You'll find:
- Noise-canceling headphones to drown out the sounds of the clinic.
- Ceiling-mounted TVs so you can catch up on your favorite show while we work.
- Sedation Dentistry Utah: If you’re feeling anxious, we offer options to help you relax or even "sleep" through the procedure.
Meet Your Dentist: Dr. Todd Vincent
Dr. Todd Vincent (or "Dr. Vincent" as his patients call him) grew up right here in the West Valley area. He understands the local community because he’s a part of it. After completing his rigorous dental training, he returned home with a mission to make high-quality care accessible to everyone, including those who rely on Medicaid or who have avoided the dentist for years due to fear.
When he isn’t saving teeth, Dr. Vincent is likely out on the trails or spending time with his family. His "neighbor-first" approach means you’ll get honest advice and gentle treatment every time you sit in his chair.
What Our Patients Say
"I was in a total panic when my son took a baseball to the face. I searched for an emergency dentist near me and found Salt Flats. They got us in within 20 minutes. Dr. Vincent was so calm and actually saved the tooth! I can’t thank them enough for being so kind to my nervous kid." , Sarah M., Riverton
Emergency Dentistry FAQ
Q: Do you accept Medicaid?
A: Yes! We are a proud Medicaid dentist in Utah. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile, regardless of their insurance provider.
Q: What if the tooth can't be saved?
A: If the tooth is too damaged, we offer several restorative options. From All-on-4 dental implants for full-arch restoration to high-quality dentures, we will find a solution that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Q: How much does an emergency visit cost?
A: We pride ourselves on being transparent and insurance-friendly. We’ll provide a clear breakdown of costs before we start any work.
Find a Location Near You
We have multiple convenient locations across the Salt Lake Valley to ensure you're never far from help.
- Bangerter Office: View Details
- Cottonwood Office: View Details
- Herriman Office: View Details
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Emergency line available after hours.
Phone: (Call your local office for immediate triage)
Don’t wait! Every minute counts in a dental emergency. Schedule your consultation or call us now to save your smile.