Looking for an Emergency Dentist Near Me? 5 Things You Should Know Before a Crisis Hits
Published July 9, 2026
Need immediate help? Call us now for a same-day emergency appointment. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we prioritize dental emergencies to get you out of pain and back to your life today.
We’ve all been there. It’s 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, or maybe mid-afternoon on a Saturday, and suddenly, ouch. Whether it’s a sharp pain while sipping coffee or a tooth that took a hit during a local pickleball match, a dental crisis doesn’t wait for a convenient time.
When you're frantically searching for an emergency dentist near me, the last thing you want is a complicated phone tree or a "we can see you in three weeks" response. You need a dentist in Salt Lake City who understands that when you’re in pain, every minute feels like an hour.
Here are 5 things you need to know to handle a dental crisis like a pro.
1. Know What Actually Counts as an Emergency
Not every tooth ache requires a 2:00 AM wake-up call, but some things simply cannot wait. If you are experiencing any of the following, you need to see a professional immediately:
- A Knocked-Out Tooth: Time is of the essence! We have a narrow window to save the tooth.
- Severe, Throbbing Pain: This often indicates an infection or abscess that needs urgent attention.
- A Cracked or Fractured Tooth: Especially if there are sharp edges or intense sensitivity.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: If your gums or mouth won't stop bleeding after an injury.
- Lost Crown or Filling: This can leave the sensitive inner parts of your tooth exposed and painful.
2. Time is Your Best Friend (Especially with CEREC)
In the old days, a broken tooth meant a temporary crown and weeks of waiting for a lab. Not anymore. As a leading cosmetic dentist in Salt Lake City, we utilize same day crowns using CEREC technology. This means we can scan, design, and mill your permanent, high-quality porcelain crown right here in the office. You walk in with a crisis and walk out with a permanent fix in a single visit.
3. Don't Let "Dental Fear" Stop You
We know that for many, the "emergency" isn't just the tooth, it's the anxiety of the chair. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we’ve designed our entire experience to be the opposite of a scary clinic. We offer sedation dentistry in Utah for those who need to "tune out" during their procedure. Plus, every room features ceiling-mounted TVs and noise-canceling headphones to help you relax.
4. Check Your Insurance and Medicaid Options Early
Financial stress shouldn't add to your physical pain. We pride ourselves on being a highly accessible Medicaid dentist in Utah. Whether you are looking for a family dentist in Salt Lake City that accepts your employer-provided plan or you need a provider that understands Medicaid benefits, we are here to help. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile, regardless of their budget.
5. Have Your "Dental Home" Ready
The best way to handle an emergency is to already have a relationship with a team you trust. Whether you visit our dentists in Riverton or our dentists in Murray, having your records on file makes a crisis much smoother. From routine cleanings to complex all on 4 dental implants or dental implants in Utah, being a regular patient means we know your history before you even walk through the door.
Meet Dr. Todd Vincent
When you visit Salt Flats Dentistry, you’re in the expert hands of Dr. Todd Vincent. Dr. Vincent (please, call him Todd!) grew up right here in the shadows of the Wasatch Range. After completing his rigorous clinical training with honors, he returned home with a mission: to provide high-tech dental care with a small-town, neighborly feel.
When he’s not busy perfecting porcelain veneers or helping patients regain confidence with dentures, you’ll likely find him mountain biking in Park City or struggling to keep his lawn as green as his neighbors'. He’s a firm believer that a dentist should be someone you’d enjoy grabbing a coffee with: not someone you're afraid to see.
What Our Patients Say
"I was absolutely terrified of the dentist after a bad experience years ago. When my front tooth chipped right before a wedding, I was in a total panic. I found Salt Flats and they got me in the same day. Dr. Vincent and the staff were so kind: they gave me headphones and really took the time to make sure I wasn't anxious. I left with a perfect new tooth and zero stress. Best emergency dentist near me, hands down!" : Sarah J., Murray resident
Ready to get the care you deserve?
Don't wait for the pain to get worse. Whether it's an emergency or just time for a check-up, we're ready for you.
Book Your Appointment Now | View Our Locations
Salt Flats Dentistry - Riverton
12345 S Redwood Rd, Riverton, UT 84065
(801) 555-0123
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Salt Flats Dentistry - Murray
5678 S State St, Murray, UT 84107
(801) 555-0199
Mon - Sat: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
FAQ: Common Emergency Questions
Q: Do you accept Medicaid for emergencies?
A: Yes! We are a proud medicaid dentist in Utah and accept Medicaid at specific locations. Give us a call and we can verify your coverage instantly.
Q: Can you really do a crown in one day?
A: Absolutely. Thanks to our digital scanners and on-site milling, our same day crowns are ready in about two hours. No messy impressions, no temporary caps.
Q: What if I don't have insurance?
A: We offer flexible payment plans and transparent pricing. Our goal is to make sure your dental health doesn't break the bank.