Is Your Search History Full of Late-Night Dental Panic?

You’re not alone. Every week, someone in Orem wakes up with a cracked tooth, swollen gums, or a child crying from unexpected mouth pain. It’s the kind of thing that feels urgent—and it usually is. But don’t rush to Google in panic.

At Canyon Gate Dental, we’ve seen it all. This guide breaks down the top 5 dental emergency Orem Utah residents search for in the middle of the night—and exactly what to do about each one

1. “Broken Tooth—What to Do Right Now?”

One wrong crunch on a popcorn kernel or nighttime teeth grinding, and snap—a chunk of your tooth breaks off.

What to do:

• Rinse with warm saltwater to reduce bacteria.
• If bleeding, gently press gauze to the area.
• Use dental wax (available at most drugstores) to protect soft tissue from sharp edges.
• Call your after-hours dentist in Orem as soon as the office opens or sooner if pain is severe.

Why it matters:
Delaying treatment could lead to infection or the need for a full crown or root canal.

🔗 Learn more about dental emergencies we treat

2. “Toothache Won’t Go Away—Should I Go to the ER?”

Tooth pain that won’t let you sleep is never normal. It’s your body’s way of screaming for help.

What to do:

• Take OTC pain medication (ibuprofen is best for dental pain).
• Avoid lying flat—prop yourself up to reduce pressure.
• Use a cold compress to ease inflammation.
• Seek emergency dental care in Orem the next morning or call your dentist’s emergency line.

🚫 Avoid going to the ER unless the pain is unbearable and accompanied by facial swelling or fever.

3. “My Child Knocked Out a Tooth—Can It Be Saved?”

Yes—but speed is everything.

What to do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
• Gently rinse with water—do NOT scrub.
• Place the tooth in milk or inside the cheek (for older kids) to keep it moist.
• Get to your dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

Your Orem emergency dentist may be able to replant it if you act fast.

4. “Gums Swollen and Throbbing—Emergency or Not?”

A swollen gum could be a simple irritation… or a dangerous infection spreading toward your bloodstream.

What to do:

• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide diluted with water.
• Apply a cold compress.
• Avoid poking or flossing the area.
• If swelling worsens or is accompanied by fever, call your dentist immediately.

Swollen gums emergency care is essential, especially if you notice pus, extreme redness, or difficulty swallowing.

5. “Something Stuck Between My Teeth for Days”

It may sound minor, but food or object debris stuck between teeth can cause infections fast.

What to do:

• Floss gently—don’t force it.
• Try rinsing with warm saltwater.
• Avoid sharp tools or tweezers (yes, people try it!).
• If it doesn’t dislodge within 24 hours, call your Orem dentist.

When to See an After-Hours Dentist in Orem

If you experience any of the following, don’t wait:

• Facial swelling
• Severe bleeding
• Signs of infection (fever, chills)
• Trauma or knocked-out teeth

🦷 Canyon Gate Dental offers emergency dental care for Orem families—because pain doesn’t follow office hours.

✅ What You Can Do Right Now:

• Save your dentist’s emergency line in your phone.
• Make a dental emergency kit: gauze, dental wax, salt packets, ibuprofen.
• Keep this blog bookmarked—seriously.

FAQs

Q: Should I go to the ER for tooth pain?
A: Only if the pain is extreme and accompanied by swelling, fever, or trauma. A dentist can often treat it faster and more effectively.

Q: What’s the best pain relief for a dental emergency?
A: Ibuprofen works better than acetaminophen for inflammation. Avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding.

Q: How fast should I act if a tooth is knocked out?
A: Ideally, get to the dentist within 30 minutes. The sooner, the better.