Dental emergencies often happen at the worst possible time — during dinner, while traveling, or even in the middle of a relaxing weekend. One of the most alarming dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth, and in these moments, knowing what to do right away can make the difference between saving or losing the tooth.
At Melko Dental, Dr. Shamiram Melko and her team in Sunnyvale, CA, are highly experienced in treating dental emergencies, including knocked-out or severely damaged teeth. This blog outlines three essential steps to take before arriving at your appointment to improve your chances of saving your tooth — and what to expect when you come into the office for urgent care.
Step 1: Act Fast — Timing Is Everything
If a tooth has been knocked out, time is of the essence. Ideally, the tooth should be re-implanted within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of survival. That’s why Melko Dental emphasizes calling the office immediately.
“Timing can be critical and can actually make a big difference in the possibility of whether we can save the tooth,” says Dr. Melko.
Delaying treatment significantly lowers the chances of successfully saving the tooth. If the root starts to dry out or becomes damaged, the likelihood of reintegration into the bone decreases. If possible, gently rinse the tooth (without scrubbing), and attempt to place it back into the socket. If that’s not feasible, store it in milk or saliva and head to the dental office right away.
The Melko Dental team is prepared to accommodate emergency appointments the same day, including after-hours or weekend cases.
Step 2: Manage the Pain — But Don’t Ignore It
Tooth pain can be excruciating, especially if a tooth has been knocked out, fractured, or has a deep cavity. However, it’s important not to mask the problem with painkillers or antibiotics and then wait days or weeks to seek care.
“One of the most common mistakes we see is patients delaying treatment because the pain temporarily goes away with medication,” explains Dr. Melko.
While over-the-counter medications may offer short-term relief, they don’t solve the problem — they only postpone it. In the case of a knocked-out or damaged tooth, waiting can lead to infection, more extensive damage, or complete tooth loss.
In many cases, pain is a sign of an underlying infection or nerve exposure that requires immediate attention. Using antibiotics or painkillers without treatment only masks symptoms and gives the false sense that the issue is under control.
“Tooth pain doesn’t just go away — it almost always comes back worse. That’s why early intervention is so important,” says Dr. Melko.
Step 3: Call an Emergency Dentist You Can Trust
Dental anxiety is real — and often one of the reasons patients delay care. But when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth, having a compassionate, experienced team makes all the difference.
At Melko Dental, the emergency care process is streamlined to reduce stress and eliminate delays. Dr. Melko and her team are specially trained in managing dental trauma and severe toothaches, and they focus not just on the physical aspect of care, but the emotional experience as well.
“We take time to listen, empathize, and make the patient feel safe and heard before we start any treatment,” Dr. Melko explains.
From the moment a patient arrives with an emergency, the Melko Dental team ensures they are welcomed, calmed, and treated efficiently. Initial intake includes gathering a complete medical and dental history, checking vitals (especially for patients with conditions like high blood pressure), and assessing the injury with advanced diagnostic tools.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Visit
Dr. Melko and her team prioritize same-day relief and restoration. In many cases, the team can provide full treatment in a single visit — whether that means replacing a knocked-out tooth, performing a root canal, or placing a same-day crown.
“We’ve had patients come in with severe pain or dental trauma, and in less than two hours, they left feeling relaxed, pain-free, and with a permanent crown in place,” Dr. Melko shares.
Melko Dental is equipped with modern technologies, including:
- 3D digital imaging for fast, precise diagnostics
- In-office crown milling machines for same-day restorations
- Sedation options to help patients relax, especially those with dental anxiety
Depending on the situation, the team may administer sedation or local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience before starting the procedure. Treatment could include reimplantation of the tooth, removal of infection, root canal therapy, or in some cases, tooth extraction and future implant planning.
Compassionate Follow-Up Care
After an emergency dental procedure, the support doesn’t stop at the door. Melko Dental provides clear post-op instructions — both verbal and written — and checks in with patients after hours to ensure they’re healing well.
“We take our time after treatment to make sure patients are comfortable, informed, and know what to expect next,” says Dr. Melko.
The team also discusses transportation needs before sedation is administered and arranges follow-up appointments as needed.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait. Call Now.
Whether a tooth has been knocked out, cracked, or is causing intense pain, the sooner you act, the better the outcome. Melko Dental is equipped, experienced, and compassionate — ready to help patients through the most stressful dental emergencies with care and urgency.
“We’re not just here to fix the tooth — we’re here to make you feel safe, supported, and pain-free,” says Dr. Melko.
Emergency Dental Appointments in Sunnyvale, CA
If you or someone you love experiences a knocked-out tooth or sudden toothache, contact Melko Dental immediately. Dr. Shamiram Melko and her team are trained in emergency dental care and prepared to act fast — often seeing patients the same day.
📍 Melko Dental – Sunnyvale, CA
📞 Call Now: (408) 720-1123
🌐 Visit: www.melkodental.com
🗓️ Same-day appointments available for dental emergencies