Looking For an Emergency Dentist Near Me? Here Are 5 Things You Should Know Before a Crisis Hits
Published May 19, 2026
🚨 DENTAL EMERGENCY? Call us right now at Salt Flats Dentistry! We offer same-day emergency exams for new and existing patients. Whether you're in Murray, Riverton, or SLC, we’ll get you out of pain TODAY.
Nothing ruins a Tuesday afternoon quite like a sudden, throbbing toothache or a chipped front tooth right before a big meeting. When the panic sets in, the first thing most of us do is pull out our phones and type "emergency dentist near me" into Google.
But here’s the thing: in a crisis, you don't want to just go to any dentist. You want someone who understands that you’re likely stressed, in pain, and maybe even a little bit scared of the bill. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we’ve seen it all, and we’ve built our practice around making these stressful moments as smooth as possible.
Before you find yourself in a dental bind, here are 5 things you should know about handling a crisis in Salt Lake City.
1. Know What Counts as a "True" Emergency
Not every dental issue requires a 2:00 AM phone call, but some definitely do. If you are experiencing any of the following, you need to see a dentist in Salt Lake City immediately:
- Knocked-out tooth: Time is of the essence (you usually have about an hour to save it!).
- Abscess or severe swelling: This could indicate an infection that might spread to other parts of your body.
- Uncontrollable bleeding: Especially after an injury or a previous procedure.
- Fractured or broken tooth: Especially if the "pink" part of the tooth (the nerve) is exposed and causing sharp pain.
If you just have a dull ache or a lost filling that doesn't hurt, we still want to see you soon, but you might be able to wait until our doors open in the morning.
2. Immediate First Aid Can Save Your Smile
If a tooth gets knocked out, don't panic. Pick it up by the crown (the white part), never the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water, don’t scrub it! If you can, try to place it back in the socket. If that's not happening, pop it into a small container of milk or tucked inside your cheek to keep it moist.
For severe pain or swelling, a cold compress on the outside of your cheek and a warm salt-water rinse can help manage things until you get to our office.
3. Technology Makes Emergency Repairs Faster (and Better)
In the old days, a broken tooth meant a temporary crown and weeks of waiting. Not anymore. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we use Cerec technology to provide same day crowns.
We use digital scanners, so no more "goop" in your mouth, to create a 3D model of your tooth. We mill the permanent crown right here in the office while you wait. You walk in with a broken tooth and walk out with a permanent, beautiful restoration in a single visit. It’s efficient, modern, and exactly what you need when you're in a hurry.
4. Don’t Let Anxiety Stop You from Getting Help
We know that for many of our neighbors in Utah, the fear of the dentist is just as bad as the toothache itself. If you've been avoiding the "emergency dentist near me" because you're worried about the drill, we’ve got you covered.
Our offices are designed for comfort. We offer:
- 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: For those who need a little extra help relaxing, we offer sedation options that allow you to literally sleep through your appointment.
5. We Are Insurance and Medicaid Friendly
One of the biggest barriers to emergency care is the "How much is this going to cost?" question. We believe high-quality dental care should be accessible to everyone in our community. That’s why we are a proud Medicaid dentist in Utah, and we accept a wide range of private insurance providers.
Whether you’re looking for Dentists in Murray or need a family dentist in Salt Lake City, we’ll work with you to maximize your benefits and find a payment plan that fits your budget. No judgment, just help.
Meet Your Local Expert: Dr. Todd Vincent
Dr. Todd Vincent (or "Dr. Vincent" as most patients call him) is the heart behind Salt Flats Dentistry. A proud Utah local, Dr. Vincent grew up right here in the valley and is passionate about providing gentle, high-tech care to his neighbors. When he isn't busy perfecting smiles with porcelain veneers or all on 4 dental implants, you’ll likely find him mountain biking in the Wasatch Range or spending time with his family at a local park. He knows that dental visits can be scary, which is why he’s committed to a "comfort-first" philosophy for every patient who walks through our doors.
Our Locations & Hours
Need to find us? We have several convenient locations throughout the Salt Lake Valley to serve you:
- Bangerter Highway Location: View Map & Hours
- Murray/Cottonwood: Serving the heart of the valley.
- Riverton/Herriman: Modern care for the growing south end.
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Emergency appointments available daily!)
Ready to get out of pain? Book Your Emergency Visit Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do you take walk-ins for emergencies?
A: While we prefer you call ahead so we can prepare a room for you, we do our absolute best to accommodate emergency walk-ins during normal business hours.
Q: Is an emergency visit covered by Medicaid?
A: Yes! As a Medicaid dentist in Utah, we accept Medicaid for emergency exams and many necessary treatments. Please bring your card with you!
Q: What if I don't have insurance?
A: Don't let that stop you. We offer affordable self-pay rates and flexible financing options like CareCredit to help you get the care you need without the financial stress.
Q: Can you do a same-day extraction?
A: Yes, in many cases, if a tooth cannot be saved, we can perform the extraction and discuss replacement options like dental implants in Utah in the same visit.