Broken tooth

Broken Tooth? Call Us!

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Categories: Broken tooth, Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

The enamel covering your teeth is the strongest tissue in the body, but it isn’t indestructable. All it takes is an accidental fall, or biting down on something too hard, or some other mishap, and your tooth can break. If that happens to you it is a definite dental emergency, and you should contact us at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford.

The sooner you get here, the better. But if you can’t get here as fast as you would like to, there are a few things you can do first.

Pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers can take the edge off of any pain you’re experiencing. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be effective.

Rinse. Get a glass of warm salt water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Jagged edge? If the break has left a sharp or jagged tooth edge, cover it with a piece of sugarless gum, or a piece of wax paraffin. That will protect the inside of your cheeks and tongue.

Treatment

Once you settle into our chair we’ll assess the damage and determine the best way to fix it. Like procedures:

  • Bonding. Depending on the size of the break, we may be able to repair it with a composite resin that matches the color of your teeth.
  • Dental crown. The the remaining tooth under the break is decayed, it may be best to cover it with a crown. (The decay may have contributed to the break.)
  • Veneers. These are an option for front teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of a tooth; it will make the tooth look whole and healthy.

The important thing is to get the damage treated as soon as you can. Otherwise it could become further damaged or get infected.

In any dental emergency, contact OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford right away. We specialize in emergency dentistry. In serious cases no appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are always welcome!


OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704


OnCall Dental – Hanford

Broken Tooth?

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Categories: Broken tooth, Emergency Dentist

A broken tooth can happen without warning. One minute your enjoying a meal, and the next your tooth has broken off. It can be scary, to say the least. If there’s any good news, is that we can usually fix a broken tooth without too much trouble, at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

A broken tooth can really hurt. In fact, sudent pain while you’re in the midst of eating may be the first sign of a problem. Sometimes there isn’t any pain, though.

If you break a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist right away, even if it doesn’t hurt. If you put off having it treated, you’ll increase the risk of infection in the tooth’s pulp. Infection can spread into the gum and bone.

What We Will Do

Once you’re here at OnCall Dental, we can assess the damage and decide on the best course of treatment. If you have saved the broken piece we may be able to reattach it by bonding it to the remaining portion.

If that is not possible, we’ll consider putting a crown over the remaining part. A dental crown fully encases the part of the tooth above the gumline and restores its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Sometimes there is a crack that extends into the pulp. When that happens we may need to perform a root canal or extraction. A root canal may be enough to save it; afterward, what remains can be covered with a crown. If an extraction is necessary you may be a candidate for a dental implant.

As with any dental emergency,  the important thing is to see us at OnCall Dental in Fresno as  soon as possible. Seeing us promptly could be the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. Walk-ins are always welcome here; no appointment is necessary.

Chipped or Broken Tooth: What To Do

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Categories: Broken tooth, Chipped tooth, Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

Your teeth are among the strongest parts of your body, but they are not invincible. A fall, a collision, or any number of other accidents can result in a chipped or broken tooth. If it happens to you or a loved one, contact OnCall Dental in Fresno right away.

If a tooth chips or breaks, it may not hurt. It’s a serious matter, but if it doesn’t hurt it doesn’t usually require immediate attention. Even if there isn’t any pain, you’re probably going to feel some sharp edges with your tongue. It’s important that you avoid that area when you chew, because chewing might chip it some more. We may be able to smooth out the chip and repair any damage with composite filling.

If your tooth is giving you pain, call us immediately. There could be a serious crack or fracture, with accompanying damage to the inside of the tooth. The sooner you get into the OnCall Dental office, the better. In severe cases it is not always possible to save the tooth.

There are some things you can do before you get to the office:

  • Clean your mouth thoroughly with warm water, swished gently
  • Apply a cold compress to your face to minimize swelling
  • Take a pain reliever with acetaminophen (don’t take aspirin). Brands with acetaminophen include Tylenol, Alka-Seltzer Plus, and NyQuil, but there are many others.

Once you’re here, we will probably take an x-ray. If there is damage to the tooth’s pulp a root canal may be in order. If not, the tooth may only need a crown.

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, take nothing for granted, even if there is no pain. OnCall Dental in Fresno treats dental emergencies on a daily basis. Walk-ins are always welcome, but you can also make an appointment.