If you’re experiencing sudden tooth pain or a dental emergency in the Fort Union area, you need help quickly and you need to know who to call. Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly — from biting something too hard to waking up with swelling or breaking a tooth during the day. The good news is that Abundant Dental Care’s Fort Union dental office provides same-day and next-day emergency appointments to relieve pain and protect your oral health.
This guide answers the questions patients in Cottonwood Heights, Fort Union, and surrounding neighborhoods ask most often, including how to know if it’s a true dental emergency, when to call a dentist versus 911, how to manage symptoms at home, and what to expect during an emergency appointment.
1. What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
People commonly search for “Is tooth pain a dental emergency?”, “Do I go to the ER or dentist?”, or “Is swelling serious?” A dental emergency is any issue that needs immediate professional care to stop pain, prevent infection, or save a tooth.
You should contact an emergency dentist if you are experiencing severe or persistent tooth pain, gum or facial swelling, a cracked or broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, an abscess or infection, or a lost crown or filling that exposes the tooth. To learn more about urgent symptoms, review our detailed emergency dentistry services page, which outlines the most common conditions treated at Abundant Dental Care.
2. When Should You Call 911 Instead of a Dentist?
Most dental emergencies should be handled by a dentist rather than an ER, since emergency rooms rarely have dental providers and can only offer temporary relief. However, 911 is the right call if you are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads toward the throat or eyes, a fever over 101°F with rapidly increasing swelling, uncontrolled bleeding for more than 15 minutes, severe facial trauma, a suspected broken jaw, or allergic reactions involving swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
A simple guideline is this: if the problem involves breathing, bleeding, fever, or major trauma, call 911. If the issue involves teeth, gums, or oral pain, contact an emergency dentist.
3. What To Do Before You Reach the Fort Union Dentist
Taking the right steps before your appointment can make a meaningful difference.
For severe tooth pain, gently rinse with warm salt water, apply a cold compress, and avoid chewing on the affected side. If a tooth breaks or chips, save any fragments, avoid extreme temperatures, and cover sharp edges with dental wax. In cases where a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown, lightly rinse it without scrubbing, reinsert it if possible, or store it in milk to keep the root viable.
To reduce your risk of emergencies long-term, maintaining consistent preventive care is essential. Abundant Dental Care’s general dentistry services help stop issues before they become urgent through routine cleanings, exams, and early treatment.
4. Emergency Dental Care at Abundant Dental Care Fort Union
The Fort Union clinic provides same-day emergency appointments designed to relieve pain quickly. Services include digital imaging for fast diagnosis, treatment for infections and swelling, repair of broken or chipped teeth, composite fillings, dental bonding, crowns, root canal therapy, extractions when necessary, and emergency care for children.
You can find address details, hours of operation, and scheduling options on our dedicated Fort Union dental office page.
Fort Union Office
7101 S Highland Dr #107, Cottonwood Heights, UT
Phone: (801) 272-8051
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–7pm | Sat 8am–2pm
5. What to Expect During a Fort Union Emergency Visit
Patients often wonder whether their appointment will involve extraction or more advanced care. During your visit, the dentist will first perform a focused pain assessment, followed by diagnostic imaging to evaluate the cause. Common solutions include dental bonding or fillings for broken teeth, crown placement for compromised structure, or a root canal treatment if the nerve is infected or inflamed.
If the tooth cannot be saved and replacement options are needed, your dentist may discuss long-term solutions such as dental implants.
6. Emergency Dentistry for Children in Fort Union
Children often experience dental emergencies due to falls, sports, or sudden pain. Our children’s dentistry team provides gentle, efficient care for pediatric emergencies and works to help young patients remain calm throughout treatment.
7. How To Prevent Dental Emergencies in the Future
People often ask how to avoid unexpected dental issues. Prevention includes maintaining twice-yearly cleanings, treating small cavities early, replacing worn crowns or fillings, avoiding chewing ice or very hard foods, wearing a mouthguard for sports, and using a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth. Regular preventive care remains the most effective way to avoid painful emergencies.
8. When You’re Unsure, Call the Fort Union Emergency Dentist
If you’re not certain whether your situation is urgent, it’s always best to speak with a professional. The Fort Union team can evaluate symptoms over the phone and help determine whether you need immediate care. Many local residents also read our patient reviews to understand how our team handles urgent visits and dental emergencies.
Dental Emergency? Call Now!
For fast relief, expert care, and same-day emergency dentistry near Cottonwood Heights and the Fort Union area, Abundant Dental Care offers prompt, compassionate service designed to protect your oral health. To schedule a same-day visit, contact the Fort Union office at (801) 272-8051 or book online through the Fort Union location page.
