Emergency Dentist – Orem, UT

Call Us for Urgent Dental Care

Woman holding her cheek in pain while talking to emergency dentist in Orem

No matter where you are, you need to be prepared to act in case a dental emergency strikes. The first thing you should do is reach out to Frandsen Dental of Orem; we offer same-day appointments in emergency situations, which means you won’t have to struggle with the dental discomfort and damage any longer than you need to. Please call us immediately if you currently have a toothache, a damaged tooth, or another type of dental issue that requires swift attention from an expert; our emergency dentists in Orem will do whatever they can to put a stop to your pain while also making sure that your smile is safe from further damage.

Why Choose Frandsen Dental of Orem for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Emergency Dental Visits
  • Nitrous Oxide and IV Sedation Dentistry
  • Various Dental Insurance Plans Accepted

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Dentist sitting at desk with patient showing them a tooth model

Once we receive your call, we will take the time to ask about your situation, gathering as much information as possible before giving you first-aid tips to help you keep your discomfort under control. If we determine that you are indeed suffering from a dental emergency, we will schedule an appointment for you (on the same day whenever possible).

Once you arrive, we will perform a full examination and take X-rays in order to figure out where the source of the problem lies. Then we will explain our findings to you and put together a potential treatment plan. Once you have agreed to said plan, we can start taking whatever steps are required to help you find lasting relief and reclaim your oral health.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can take a variety of forms, so it’s important to have some idea of what kinds of dental issues require urgent treatment. Listed below are some examples of dental emergencies that our team can help with. Feel free to call us even if you’re not sure whether your situation counts as an emergency; it never pays to take chances where your smile is concerned.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Woman with toothache at dentist's office

Although our Orem emergency dentists, Dr. Rich and Dr. Dansie, are here to help you with everything from persistent toothaches to completely knocked-out teeth, they also want to help you avoid dental injuries like these. That’s why this next section is dedicated to reviewing what you can do to protect your teeth and gums from harm! As always, if you have any further questions, you’re more than welcome to get in touch with us directly too.

Come in for a Checkup and Cleaning Biannually

Mature man smiling during dental checkup

One of the best ways to prevent serious dental injuries – from painful toothaches to loose restorations – is to come to our office every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. That way, we can catch problems like these early on, well before they cause you pain or require same-day care. Of course, these routine visits are important for another reason too: they allow us to clear away plaque and tartar to prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Brush and Floss Consistently

Man smiling while flossing his teeth in bathroom

Taking care of your smile at home is just as important. So, if you’ve let your oral hygiene regimen fall to the back burner, then now is the time to implement healthier habits! That includes brushing your teeth each morning and evening with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste as well as flossing daily to clean between your teeth. You also need to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash for 30-60 seconds each night before bed to prevent plaque buildup, bad breath, and the like.

Keep Your Consumption of Added Sugar to a Minimum

Woman smiling while eating healthy meal at home

Unfortunately, soda, candy, ice cream, and other sugary treats increase your risk of developing tooth decay. For that reason, we recommend keeping your consumption of added sugar to a minimum; we want your teeth and gums to stay healthy! The good news is that there are plenty of delicious foods that are low in sugar and packed with nutrients, which benefits both your oral and overall health. So, focus on filling your plate with those foods.

Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

Woman smiling while holding clear mouthguard

Even if you participate in a non-contact sport, like track, it’s possible for your teeth to get injured from chronic clenching or a bad fall. So, it’s important that you always wear one! At Frandsen Dental, we can have a custom one made so that it fits comfortably and is the appropriate thickness, ensuring that your teeth and gums are protected from bad falls, rogue balls, and the like.

Quit Unhealthy Dental Habits

Female patient smiling at dentist at dental appointment

Smoking, biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, and using your teeth to open things are a few “harmless” habits that can wreak havoc on your teeth. For that reason, we recommend taking proactive steps toward quitting; it’s one of the best ways to avoid a last-minute visit to our office because of a painful dental emergency!

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

dental assistant smiling while showing patient image on tablet

Oftentimes, patients are worried about pain and price when it comes to emergency dentistry. Rest assured, our Orem dental team will go out of our way to make your treatment pain-free and the price easy to understand. In fact, you’ll find helpful information on the topic of price in this next section, including if dental insurance covers a portion of it.

Why Every Dental Emergency is Different

dentist reviewing patients x-ray in office

Although there is usually a flat fee for emergency exams, the cost outside of that varies. That’s because patients visit us for all sorts of reasons – from uncomfortable dental sensitivity and persistent toothaches to loose restorations. As a result, we need to consider the root of the problem, the complexity of the case, and the necessary restorative care before providing you with an estimate of the cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

woman filling ot dental insurance form in lobby

Although dental insurance providers largely focus on essential preventive care, they usually cover a portion of the cost of restorative dentistry as well. In fact, many plans include a free emergency exam annually! If you’re interested in learning exactly what is and isn’t covered, it’s worth taking the time to read through your paperwork or call your provider directly to learn more about your benefits. You’re also welcome to ask us for help too since we have experience working with Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, and several others.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

patient reclined in treatment chair smiling

If you’re currently uninsured, don’t worry – we also offer the following financial solutions:

  • Our In-House Membership Plan – This financial solution is unique because it’s similar to dental insurance in that it helps our patients save on the care they need. It’s also different because it doesn’t come with any red tape, like waiting periods, annual maximums, and yearly deductibles.
  • Flexible Financing with CareCredit – If you can’t pay for the entire cost of your emergency treatment at once, that’s okay! CareCredit is a trusted third-party financier that allows you to space out the price over the course of several months instead.

How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

man smiling during dental checkup

Patients sometimes forget that painful toothaches, advanced gum disease, damaged restorations, and other serious dental emergencies can often be avoided. That’s why we emphasize preventive care to each and every one of our patients! That starts with habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently and extends to coming in every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. Make sure to take other measures to protect your smile from harm too, like wearing a mouthguard during sports and not using tobacco products.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Will My Toothache Go Away On its Own?

Typically, serious toothaches are a consequence of damage to the tooth, either due to decay or infection. These issues do not resolve themselves. Therefore, you can’t usually expect a toothache to go away on its own.

In some circumstances, superficial damage to the gums may cause pain that could heal over time. However, if you’ve had a toothache for a while, it’s important that you talk to a dentist. We’d be able to tell you more about the issue you’re dealing with and what can be done for you.

What Does Throbbing Tooth Pain Mean?

Throbbing tooth pain is often a consequence of an infection that has crept within the tooth and is causing inflammation. This usually happens when you’re suffering from a cavity that exposes the interior of the tooth to the outside.

Such infections do not resolve on their own and therefore require professional intervention. You may require a root canal or, in severe cases, an extraction; however, the only way to know for sure is to give us a call.

Can I Fix Dentures That are Broken in Half?

If your dentures have snapped completely in half, only an extremely skilled professional will be able to repair them. Even in the best-case scenario, it’s often not possible to fix your dentures completely; you’ll need to replace them.

If your denture breaks completely, do not try to repair it yourself. You’ll likely only make the situation worse or accidentally expose yourself to toxic materials. Moreover, it’s virtually impossible to make your broken dentures strong enough to use consistently without the proper tools. You should call the dentist you received your dentures from and wear your spare dentures while your new prosthetic is completed.

What is Causing My Jaw Pain?

Pain in the jaw itself is typically due to excess strain, often from chronic tooth grinding. They may also result from an injury to the face that didn’t heal properly.

If the discomfort is consistent and doesn’t fade, it may be that you have an issue with the joints connecting the jaw to the face. This is known as a TMJ disorder. We will be able to determine the precise nature of your discomfort and recommend a treatment plan suited to you. In many cases, this will involve the use of oral appliances that can gradually move the jaw into alignment over time.