Orem’s Most Common Dental Emergencies (And How to Avoid Them)

Dental emergencies don’t always come with flashing warning lights—but that doesn’t make them any less urgent or painful. At Canyon Gate Dental, we’ve seen just about everything, from chipped teeth during a backyard game to painful infections that started as small cavities.

If you live in Orem, Utah, here are five surprisingly common dental emergencies we see all the time—plus expert tips on how you can prevent them.

1. 🏀 Cracked or Broken Teeth from Everyday Accidents

You might assume a broken tooth only happens in a car accident or major fall. Not true. In Orem, we regularly treat cracked or fractured teeth caused by:

• Biting into hard foods like popcorn kernels or ice
• Contact sports (especially basketball and soccer)
• Teeth grinding during sleep

✅ Prevention Tips:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects (ice, pens, fingernails)
• Wear a custom mouthguard for sports
• Ask us about a nightguard if you grind your teeth

2. 🦷 Severe Toothaches That Could Have Been Fillings

Many patients ignore a dull ache until it turns into a raging, sleepless-night kind of pain. Often, these toothaches are the result of untreated cavities that could’ve been handled with a simple filling.

✅ Prevention Tips:

• Keep up with twice-a-year cleanings and exams
• Don’t delay when you feel even mild discomfort
• Schedule regular appointments with your Orem emergency dental care team at Canyon Gate Dental

3. 🤕 Abscesses and Infections That Escalate Fast

A dental abscess is a painful pocket of infection that forms when bacteria reach the root of the tooth. These can cause swelling, fever, and in some cases, spread into the jaw or bloodstream.

✅ Prevention Tips:

• Treat cavities early
• Never ignore swollen gums, pus, or facial swelling
• If you suspect an infection, seek Orem urgent dental care immediately

4. ⚠️ Knocked-Out Teeth During Sports or Play

This one is more common than you think—especially in kids and teens. A fall off a bike, a rough basketball rebound, or even a backyard trampoline mishap can knock out a tooth.

✅ Prevention Tips:

• Always use a properly fitted mouthguard during sports
• Supervise high-risk play activities
• Know how to preserve a knocked-out tooth: keep it in milk or saliva, and call us ASAP

5. 💥 Broken Fillings or Crowns at the Worst Time

You’re eating dinner and suddenly—crunch—you’ve cracked an old filling or crown. This is not only uncomfortable, it also exposes sensitive inner parts of your tooth to bacteria.

✅ Prevention Tips:

• Don’t delay recommended dental work
• Visit Canyon Gate Dental for a checkup in Orem if your dental work is over 10 years old
• Avoid chewing on the opposite side of weak fillings or crowns

FAQs: Common Dental Emergencies in Orem

Q: What should I do if I chip a tooth but there’s no pain?
A: Call your dentist anyway. Even painless chips can worsen over time or expose you to bacteria.

Q: Can a tooth infection go away on its own?
A: No. Tooth infections require professional treatment to stop the spread and relieve pain.

Q: Is a lost filling an emergency?
A: Yes—especially if you feel pain or sensitivity. Exposed areas are prone to infection or further damage.