Emergency Dentist Modesto

We’re Here to Help When the Minutes Matter

Man with beard rubbing jaw in pain

Some dental emergencies cannot wait. For example, a knocked-out tooth must be treated within an hour of the incident; otherwise, it cannot be saved. However, this is not always the case. Other injuries may not require same-day treatment, but our team at Dr. Rosenbaum & Associates would rather you call our office and schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Modesto than wait and hope that the problem goes away on its own. We believe it’s best to always err on the side of caution when it comes to your smile!

Why Choose Dr. Rosenbaum & Associates for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointments
  • Dental Sedation Available for Anxious Patients
  • Dentists Focused on Providing Comfort-Based Care

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Emergency dentist showing female patient model of decayed tooth

How our dentists treat dental emergencies is largely dependent on the type of injury and restorative care that is required. However, before we can determine these things, you must first call our office to schedule a same-day appointment. We’ll then escort you to a treatment room when you arrive and begin targeting the initial pain. After identifying the problem and crafting a treatment plan, we’ll begin to administer the necessary care so that you can enjoy a fully functional smile once again.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

As you will see in the chart below, we treat many of the most common dental emergencies. There is no need to visit a local ER unless you are experiencing a broken or fractured jaw, excessive bleeding, or inhibited breathing caused by increased swelling.

Toothaches

Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency? Toothaches always warrant a call to our office. However, whether or not you need same-day care will depend on a few factors, including the severity of your symptoms. For example, if you’re experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down, it’s important that you visit our emergency dentist in Modesto right away.

How You Should Handle a Toothache Once your appointment with us is on the calendar, focus on doing what you can to protect your tooth from further harm, like not chewing on that side of your mouth. You can also use a cold compress and take OTC pain medication to help alleviate any sensitivity, soreness, or discomfort you’re experiencing.

How We Treat Toothaches There are several ways we can restore a decayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged tooth, including with a dental filling, a dental crown, or a root canal. Ultimately, the one that’s best for you will depend on your unique situation, which is why it’s so important to complete a comprehensive oral exam once you arrive at our office.

Chipped Teeth

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency? That depends. Is the chip significant? Are you struggling with considerable sensitivity or any other abnormal symptoms? If you answered “yes” to either of those questions, then we do recommend scheduling an emergency appointment with us.

How You Should Handle a Chipped Tooth In addition to calling us, we recommend using clean, room-temperature water to gently rinse your mouth. Then, cover the sharp edge with some sugar-free gum to prevent your tongue, lips, and gums from getting cut.

How We Treat Chipped Teeth There are a few ways our Modesto dental team can restore the missing structure of your tooth, including with dental bonding or a custom veneer. Ultimately, the one that’s best for you will depend on several factors, including the severity of the chip.

Cracked Tooth

Is a Cracked Tooth a Dental Emergency? Since a cracked tooth can be extremely painful, it can break further, and an infection can develop if it’s left untreated, we strongly recommend calling us ASAP, even if the damage seems relatively minor.

How You Should Handle a Cracked Tooth Handling this dental injury properly really comes down to what NOT to do. Do not chew on that side of your mouth, do not drink hot coffee, do not eat anything crunchy, and do not touch the tooth with your finger. Perhaps most importantly, don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, call us right away to schedule an emergency appointment.

How We Treat Cracked Teeth First, we need to determine if your tooth can be saved with a dental crown. If it can’t, then we will need to numb your mouth, extract the tooth, and fill the open space with a custom dental bridge or implant.

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency? Sometimes, sensitivity is to be expected, like in the days following getting a root canal. That said, if you aren’t sure what’s triggering your symptoms, or they are getting worse with each passing day, then you should call us right away to schedule an appointment.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth There are a few steps we recommend taking, including switching to a desensitizing toothpaste, sticking to room-temperature water, and avoiding extremely cold foods, like ice cream.

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth Ultimately, the treatment we recommend will depend on what we find during the exam. For example, if we determine that the sensitivity you’re experiencing is stemming from an infection, then a root canal will likely be the answer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency? Since it only takes about 15 minutes for the tooth to start to die, it’s important that you call us right away. From there, we can schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated emergency dentists in Modesto ASAP and walk you through what to do so we have the highest chances of saving your tooth.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Calling us to schedule an appointment within the hour is crucial. It’s also important to do what you can to preserve the root surface cells of your tooth, like placing it back in its socket or putting it in a clean container filled with milk.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth First and foremost, we will try to save your tooth. If it’s damaged beyond the point of repair or you were never able to find it in the first place, don’t worry – we can replace it with a custom dental bridge or implant.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency? Without the restoration securely in place, your tooth can break further and develop an infection. So, if you can, we recommend coming to our office right away so we can restore your healthy, strong, and pain-free smile.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown There are a few steps we recommend taking, starting with placing your restoration in a clean container for safekeeping. Since your tooth is vulnerable, don’t chew on that side of your mouth, stick to room-temperature water, and avoid spicy, sugary, crunchy, and sticky foods.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns Usually, dental fillings are replaced with new ones. Dental crowns, on the other hand, can sometimes be recemented back in place. Rest assured, we will review all of your treatment options once we examine your tooth and your restoration. That way, you can confidently decide the best way to proceed.

Broken Denture

Loose Permanent Tooth

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Jaw Pain

Something Stuck Between the Teeth