Dental pain can strike at the worst possible time — during a work meeting, before a vacation, or in the middle of the night. At Melko Dental, we know how stressful and debilitating dental emergencies can be. That’s why we go out of our way to offer same-day emergency appointments, especially when a patient is in pain.
If you’re dealing with a toothache, swelling, or any other dental emergency in Sunnyvale, CA, we’re here to help, quickly, compassionately, and without judgment.
Prioritizing Emergency Patients with Urgent Needs
When someone calls us with a dental emergency, especially one involving pain, our team immediately springs into action. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day — not the next business day or next available slot, but that very day.
We believe no one should have to suffer with dental pain if we can help it. Even when our schedule is tight, we find a way to fit patients in. We’re committed to relieving pain as quickly and gently as possible.
What to Expect During an Emergency Visit
From the moment an emergency patient walks in, our goal is to help them feel calm, comfortable, and cared for. We start by listening carefully — not just to the symptoms, but to how the patient is feeling emotionally.
We take fast digital X-rays to assess the area and make an accurate diagnosis. From there, we walk patients through their treatment options and — whenever possible — we begin treatment right away.
For example, if a patient comes in with a severe toothache due to nerve infection, we often begin a root canal that same day. If a tooth is non-restorable, we may recommend a same-day extraction to resolve the infection and pain.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
We see a wide variety of urgent cases, but the most common emergencies include:
- Severe toothaches
Often caused by infected nerves or advanced decay, these are typically treated with a root canal. - Cracked or broken teeth
A break can expose the nerve and cause significant discomfort. Depending on the severity, we may place a crown, begin root canal therapy, or recommend an extraction. - Abscesses and swelling
Swelling of the gums or face may indicate a spreading infection and should be treated immediately. - Teeth that can’t be saved
Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged to repair. In these cases, we may recommend a same-day extraction and later discuss replacement options.
No matter what type of emergency comes through our doors, our top priority is the same: get the patient out of pain quickly and safely.
Same-Day Root Canals and Extractions
When a patient’s pain is coming from an infected nerve, a root canal is often the fastest path to relief. We offer same-day root canal treatment for qualified cases so patients don’t have to wait in pain.
If a tooth can’t be saved, we may proceed with a same-day extraction. We never make that decision lightly, and we only move forward after a full discussion of the diagnosis, treatment options, and anesthetic or sedation choices.
Every patient deserves to know exactly what’s happening, and we take the time to explain each step with honesty and care.
Supporting Anxious Patients with Sedation Options
Dental emergencies are stressful enough — and for some patients, fear of treatment makes it even harder. That’s why we offer several sedation options to help patients feel at ease, including:
- Oral sedation (a calming pill taken before the appointment)
- IV sedation for more complex or involved procedures
When a patient is nervous or in distress, we talk them through every step and offer as much reassurance as needed. Our team is trained to work with anxious patients, and our sedation options ensure that even the most apprehensive individuals can get the urgent care they need.
How We Approach Emergency Care: Step by Step
Our emergency dental care process is designed to provide fast relief with long-term planning. Here’s what patients can typically expect:
- Immediate pain relief
We begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area and make the patient as comfortable as possible. - Diagnosis and same-day treatment
Using digital imaging and a quick clinical exam, we diagnose the issue and begin treatment if the patient is ready. This might include starting a root canal, extracting a damaged tooth, or prescribing antibiotics and pain medication. - Staging treatment when needed
If the patient has multiple issues, we prioritize the most urgent one and create a phased treatment plan for the rest. We may address one or two teeth first, then schedule the next steps after follow-up. - Ongoing support
We follow up with every emergency patient within a few days. We may bring them back in to continue treatment, evaluate healing, or discuss restoration options.
Treating What Matters Most, First
At Melko Dental, our emergency philosophy is simple: treat what’s most urgent first.
When a patient is in pain, our goal is to resolve it as quickly and effectively as possible. We don’t rush them through the process, and we don’t push complex treatment plans before the patient is ready. Once the immediate concern is addressed, we create a plan together that fits the patient’s schedule, emotional readiness, and long-term goals.
Sometimes the urgent concern is physical pain. Other times, it’s an emotional concern — such as a broken front tooth that affects a patient’s confidence. Either way, we’re here to help.
A Team That Cares, When It Matters Most
Dental emergencies don’t have to feel overwhelming or isolating. Our team at Melko Dental is ready to step in when it matters most, with skill, compassion, and urgency.
We’ve seen how a single emergency visit can change someone’s entire perspective on dentistry. When patients feel heard, supported, and respected, even in moments of crisis, they walk away not just relieved but genuinely cared for.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Sunnyvale, don’t wait. Call Melko Dental at (408) 720-1123 and let us help you feel like yourself again.