Emergency Dentist – Fair Oaks, CA
Prompt, Calming Care for Smiles in Need
Dental emergencies should never be written off or taken lightly. Whether you’re dealing with a knocked-out tooth or a throbbing toothache, the last thing we want is for your problem to get worse. That’s why Dr. Ramona Rivera and the rest of our RnR Dentistry team make every effort to see people as soon as possible when they call us with a dental emergency. We even chose our convenient location on Fair Oaks Boulevard, so local families can quickly reach us when they require urgent dental treatment. If your smile needs emergency care, don’t delay; our dental office and trusted emergency dentist in Fair Oaks are just a phone call away!
Why Choose RnR Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Convenient Location for Fair Oak Families
- Relaxing Dental Office with Sedation Options Available
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- Once you call us with a dental problem, we’ll work to schedule an appointment for you promptly, often later that very day. While a member of our team has you on the phone, we can also provide valuable first-aid tips to help stabilize your condition and alleviate your discomfort.
- When you get to our dental office, Dr. Rivera will conduct an emergency exam right away. Her goal is to pinpoint the exact source and extent of the issue.
- After your exam is complete, we’ll be able to diagnose your emergency, relieve your immediate pain, and address the root cause of the problem. Dr. Rivera will go over your options for treatment, and we’ll also outline the estimated timeline and cost.
- We’ll begin repairing your smile right away once we’ve agreed on a treatment plan.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Regardless of how minor it might seem, you should always call us if you feel that something is wrong in your mouth. We don’t want to risk the problem worsening if too much time passes without treatment. Until your appointment, take a moment to read through the following tips on handling some of the most common dental emergencies.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
As part of the process of putting together a treatment plan to deal with your dental emergency, we will create an estimate of the overall cost of your care. There are many different kinds of services that you could potentially need, but we will always lay out the factors that go into the final price so that you can make informed decisions. For your convenience, we are willing to accept and file many different PPO dental plans.
Every Dental Emergency Is Different
Emergency dental care usually has a higher cost than regular checkups and cleanings. That said, the amount you pay is something that can only be calculated after a number of factors are taken into account, with two of the most important being the kind of emergency and how serious it is. A filling or crown might be enough to save a tooth in many situations, but in other cases, a tooth might be so far gone that the only option is to remove and replace it.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Most plans will pay for a diagnostic emergency appointment, and they are likely to cover around half the cost of a variety of major restorative procedures. Make sure that you double-check the specifics of your policy before you have any dental work done. Our dental practice is in-network with Delta Dental PPO and Delta Premier, but we’re willing to file for other plans as well, and our goal will always be to make sure that you’re able to take full advantage of the available benefits.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
We aim to make sure that the dental services we offer come at an affordable price, and we’ll review your options with you if you don’t have a dental insurance plan or if the coverage you have is insufficient. For our senior patients, we’re proud to offer a 10% discount. Don’t hesitate to speak with one of our team members if you have any concerns about your ability to pay for your treatment.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Of course, you won’t have to worry about trying to fit emergency dental care into your budget at all if you’re able to keep your smile healthy. Not every emergency can be predicted and prevented, of course, but good oral hygiene and biannual dental appointments can make a significant difference when it comes to certain issues such as tooth decay.
If you have some kind of oral health problem but don’t think that it has risen to the level of a dental emergency yet, you can save money by having it treated now instead of waiting for more severe symptoms. Be prepared to call us as soon as you notice any worrying abnormalities involving your teeth, your gums, or any other part of your mouth.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Dental injuries are often painful to experience and stressful to handle – even if you do have a dentist that you know and trust. For that reason, we’re sharing a few simple habits that can go a long way in protecting your smile and, in turn, reducing your risk of needing same-day care.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
One of the easiest ways to prevent a dental emergency in Fair Oaks is by wearing an athletic mouthguard whenever you play sports. We recommend doing so even during non-contact sports, like skateboarding, riding your bike, or jogging. We also recommend coming to our office if you grind or clench your teeth at night. That way, we can have a custom nightguard made, reducing your risk of chips, cracks, and fractures in the process.
Break Bad Habits
When patients think of harmful dental habits, they often think of smoking. While tobacco use can certainly wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, it’s not the only thing we encourage patients to avoid. We also advise against chewing on ice cubes, biting your fingernails, putting the end of your pen/pencil in your mouth, and using your teeth to open packaging since doing so can also lead to significant damage.
Brush and Floss Every Day
Another great way to safeguard your smile is by incorporating healthy habits into your routine, like brushing for two full minutes each morning and flossing before you go to bed at night. Rinsing with mouthwash consistently, replacing your toothbrush every quarter, and cleaning your tongue will also help keep your teeth strong and your gums resistant to infection.
Schedule a Dental Visit Twice a Year
Oftentimes, patients assume that they can skip their biannual visits, especially if they aren’t experiencing discomfort, sensitivity, or anything unusual. The truth is that these routine appointments play a crucial role in helping us diagnose common oral health problems, stopping potential emergencies in the process. So, if you want to reduce your risk of needing same-day care, it’s important that you prioritize your routine checkups and cleanings with Dr. Ramona Rivera.
Tip: If you start to experience warning signs of trouble between visits (i.e., consistent sensitivity, bleeding when you floss, pain when chewing), don’t wait – give us a call to schedule an appointment.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Finally, do your best to incorporate lots of nutrient-dense foods into your diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables. At the same time, don’t overindulge on sugary sweets and exercise caution with crunchy snacks, like hard pretzels. Not only will this reduce your risk of sustaining a serious dental injury that requires a visit with our emergency dentist in Fair Oaks, but it will also ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs to help keep your enamel strong and your gums infection-free.
Dental Emergency FAQs
No one ever expects a dental emergency to affect them, but accidents can happen. If you need an emergency dentist in Fair Oaks, Dr. Rivera is here for you. She will help you through the stressful event by explaining exactly what you can expect on the road ahead. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions to help calm your nerves.
How Should I Sleep with Dental Pain?
It can be difficult to focus on anything else but dental pain when lying down for the night because there are fewer distractions. You can ensure you get the rest you need by avoiding any hard, hot, or cold foods before going to bed. It's best to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to manage any discomfort. Sleep with your pillow elevated, which will prevent blood from pooling in your head to avoid throbbing pain from keeping you awake at night. You can also rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce pain and inflammation while killing bacteria.
Do I Need to See a Dentist for a Chipped Tooth If It Doesn’t Hurt?
No matter how minor or severe, a chipped tooth is a dental emergency in Fair Oaks. Even if your tooth doesn't hurt, you still need to see a dentist to have it repaired. Your tooth can be at risk of additional damage or infections. Instead of a quick fix, delaying treatment can lead to a big problem down the road. Dr. Riviera will get you into the office quickly and examine your tooth to create a customized treatment plan. Depending on the extent of the damage, dental bonding, a veneer, or a crown can treat your tooth.
Will a Chipped Tooth Heal?
Although your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it cannot regenerate. As a result, your tooth will not grow back, even if the chip is small. At most, your enamel may remineralize, but you'll still need to see a dentist. If the break is small and you aren't in any pain, you can often wait for a day or two to see your dentist, but don't delay care for too long. If the break is severe, or you have discomfort, contact our office right away for a same-day appointment.
Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?
You rely on your dentures to get through your day. A broken denture is a dental emergency. It's best to wear an older denture if possible to avoid causing additional damage or an injury to your mouth. Never try to fix your denture on your own using superglue. It can contain toxic or cause allergic reactions. Not to mention, it doesn't hold up well in moist environments. It's better to leave the mending for a professional. Dr. Riviera knows you can't go without your teeth. She will get you into the office to perform the necessary repairs or replacements to restore your beautiful smile.
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