Dental emergency

Consider It An Emergency: Abscessed Tooth

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

A tooth abscess is a severe, painful infection. It’s hard to predict what will happen with an abscessed tooth in the short term, so you should consider it a dental emergency and head on over to OnCall Dental in Fresno.

Abscessed teeth can be dangerous, and they will not get better without treatment. Left untreated, in fact, the infection will probably spread through the jaw and neck. It can even get into the brain, and be fatal.

Take No Chances

That’s why you should never take a toothache for granted, even if it doesn’t seem that bad. Don’t get us wrong: having a toothache does not mean you have an abscessed tooth. Most toothaches, in  fact, are caused by cavities.

But never take it for granted. The main symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

  • A throbbing toothache
  • Pain that radiates through the jaw, neck, or ear
  • Fever
  • Swelling in the face
  • Pain when chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold

To repeat: abscessed teeth are hard to predict. Do not take any chances! Assume it’s an emergency, and remember OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford. We treat abscessed teeth and specialize in emergency dentistry. Remember, walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-900-2332

Dental Emergency: Signs and Symptoms

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist, Urgent care

Emergency dental conditions are serious and should be seen by a dental professional as soon as possible. There are certain symptoms that tell tell you your condition can’t wait until tomorrow. In cases like that, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

The indications of a genuine dental emergency include:

  • Extreme pain. Pain always gets your attention. Extreme tooth pain may indicate an infection. When it gets into the pulp of a tooth there may be a lot of pain, along with swelling. Worse yet, there is the potential it could spread through the rest of your body. See us ASAP.
  • Cracked or broken tooth. A tooth that is cracked all the way through will probably need to be extracted. A smaller crack can be fixed with a filling. We will need to examine you to determine just how bad  it is.
  • Knocked out tooth. This is one of the most serious dental emergencies there is, and time is of the essence. If it can be treated within an hour there’s a good chance the tooth can be saved.
  • Bleeding. It may not seem all that serious if there is blood on your dental floss or in saliva. On floss, it could be a sign of gum disease. In saliva, it may be advanced gum disease, or even a sign of cancer. See us right away.

If you have the slightest doubt whether your condition is an emergency, call us. OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford specializes in  emergency dentistry. Remember, walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-900-2332

How To Handle A Severe Toothache

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

We all get toothaches from time to time. Whenever you get one, the best course of action is to have it looked at by a dentist as soon as possible. Remember that the team at OnCall Dental in Fresno is here for you with expert emergency dental care.

Sometimes you can’t get here as soon as you would like to. When that happens there are things you can do at home to relieve the pain, or at least make it bearable. Just remember that no home remedy is a substitute for seeing the dentist.

Self-Care Tips

We’ve prepared a list of things you can do. Pick and choose from this list: they are not a series of steps, and you don’t have to try them all.

There are two things that can help a bad toothache: reducing any inflammation, and cut off signals from the pain site to your brain.

  1. The first objective can be achieved with a cold compress. An ice pack, or even something like a bag of frozen vegetables, is ideal for this. Hold against the side of your jaw for twenty minute intervals. Remember to wrap it in a clean cloth so the cold source is not in direct contact, which could damage your skin.
  2. For the other goal, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. This helps to cut off the signals to your brain, and is also an anti-inflammatory. Read the label and follow the instructions to the letter.

In addition, you can:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
  • Try garlic. Crush it into a fine paste (use the flat of a knife blade) and apply it directly to the affected area.
  • Try clove oil. This is an old home remedy that can reduce inflammation and pain, and even sterilize the inside of your mouth. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and apply directly to the tooth.

The important thing, though, is professional treatment. At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford, toothache relief is among our emergency dentistry specialties. In an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-900-2332

First Things First: A Fractured Tooth

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Categories: Broken tooth, Dental emergency

A fractured tooth requires professional attention, and we have treated a lot of them at OnCall Dental in Fresno. But there are some things you should do before heading to our office.

Fractured teeth can be very painful, and there is also the possibility of an infection setting in. This, in turn, can lead to other issues. It is not something you can put off until later!

First Things First

Before picking up the phone to call us, there are two things you can do to help yourself.

  • Rinse your mouth out. Use warm salt water. This can help to prevent minor swelling, and provide pain relief. Be sure to rinse thoroughly!
  • Take a pain reliever. Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can take the edge off any pain. It will also help to prevent swelling and infection or possible fever.

At this point, give us a call. We’ll get you into one of our examination rooms ASAP, assess the severity of the fracture, and determine the best course of action.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we have years of experienced  with fractured teeth and other dental emergencies. Remember, in an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-900-2332

Dental Emergencies: First Response

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Categories: Dental emergency, Urgent care

In a dental emergency it is imperative that you seek professional help to address the issue. It’s a good idea to keep the phone number to OnCall Dental in Fresno handy – on your refrigerator, say, attached with a magnet.

But we understand there is always the sense that in the short term, you want to be your own first responder. So we’re using this blog post to describe some basic things you can do at home in a dental emergency, before you head to our office.

  • Toothaches. Gently rinse your mouth out with warm water. Adding a teaspoon or so of salt can help, but is not essential. Rinsing will help clean things out, and for mild toothaches may be enough treatment. We want to see severe toothaches, since there could be an abscess. Do not put aspirin on the affected tooth.
  • Objects stuck between teeth. Dental floss is your best bet. It can help to tie a small knot into the floss. Water flossers and even brushing can also dislodge things that are stuck. But never – repeat, never – use a pointed instrument, like a needle, to try to get it. If it stays stuck, call us.
  • Chipped or cracked tooth. A warm water rinse is a good first step here, too. If there is any swelling use a cold compress. If a piece of the tooth has broken off, clean it and keep it safe. Then, call us right away.
  • Knocked out tooth. We want to see you as soon as possible. Generally we will not try to re-insert a child’s baby tooth. For permanent adult teeth we may be able to save it if treated within an hour. touch the tooth by the crown (chewing part) only, never the root. Keep it moist. See us ASAP.

You can do initial treatment at home, but at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we will want to see and treat you. We offer comprehensive emergency dental care. Remember, in an emergency walk-ins are always welcome.

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-900-2332

Emergency Dentistry Issues

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain

When you think of “dental emergency,” your thoughts may automatically go to cracked or broken teeth, or even a knocked out tooth. These are all genuine dental emergencies, but at OnCall Dental in Fresno we treat plenty of other emergencies, too.

We are fully equipped to treat any of the following emergencies:

  • Severe toothache. A toothache may not strike you as an emergency, but they certainly can be. It could be an infected tooth requiring immediate treatment.
  • Something stuck between your teeth. Objects like popcorn kernels can get wedged so severely between two of your teeth that it may be like it’s going to be stuck forever. We can get it out.
  • Bit lip or tongue. We can treat soft tissue injuries in the mouth. These can be scary because they tend to bleed a lot.
  • Knocked out tooth. We mentioned this at the top, but mention it again because this is one of the most serious dental emergencies there is. If it’s treated promptly there is a good chance the tooth can be saved, but it’s a race against the clock.

Never take pain or injury to a tooth for granted; it is better to be safe than sorry! At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we treat all kinds of dental emergencies. In an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

OnCall Dental – Hanford

What To Do If You Crack A Tooth

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Categories: Chipped tooth, Dental emergency, Tooth pain

A cracked or broken tooth can be frightening, and if it happens to you, remember the team at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford.

Fractured teeth are actually fairly common. Whether you see us immediately depends on a few things. Is there any pain? Even if  there isn’t it’s a good idea to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen. You should also rinse your mouth out right away. Use warm salt water.

You should also call our office right away, even if there isn’t any pain. Describe your condition in as much detail as you can, and from there we can decide on your best course of action.

Some of the factors involved:

  • Location of the tooth in your mouth
  • Severity of the break
  • Your age

A small, surface-level chip may not require any treatment at all. The chipped area can be filed and polished, so there are not jagged edges.

Sometimes cracks involve the entire tooth. These are more serious because they can reach all the way to the nerve. Even if the tooth appears to be one piece, the crack can gradually spread and develop into a split.

More serious is what is called a vertical root fracture, which begins in the tooth root and  moves upward. They don’t always have symptoms and you may not even know one is there. But they can lead to gum and bone infection.

Don’t take anything for granted. Any trauma to the mouth might crack a tooth, even if there aren’t any symptoms, so you should be examined. At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we treat all kinds of dental emergencies. In an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always welcome!

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

OnCall Dental – Hanford

Something Stuck? Use Caution!

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Categories: Dental emergency

When you get something stuck between your teeth it’s only natural to try to get the darned thing out. Usually it’s not too difficult; sometimes it works its way out on its own. If you have something seriously stuck, though, give us a call at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

We’re going to cut to the chase: when something is seriously stuck between your teeth, you may take matters into your own hands. This is a bad idea. People have been known to use sharp objects – needles, paper clips, razor blades – to dislodge what’s stuck.

Don’t do it. Don’t even use a toothpick. You’re far more likely to hurt your gums than get that thing from between your teeth. We know something stuck can drive you nuts, but remember: it isn’t life-threatening and can be removed sooner or later.

What To Do?

Your best bet at home? Try dental floss. If ordinary string floss isn’t working, tie a small knot in it. A water flosser can also be effective.

If those don’t work, leave it to the professionals. Remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford. We treat all kinds of dental emergencies and have dislodged more things from teeth than we can remember. In an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always welcome!


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


OnCall Dental – Hanford

The Consequences of a Broken Tooth

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Categories: Broken tooth, Dental emergency

Breaking one of your teeth can happen easily, and is a serious matter: even more serious than you might think. As unsightly as it is, a broken turn can also impact your dental health. If you break one of your teeth remember there is emergency care available at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

A broken tooth can result from a common household mishap, from a collision playing sports, or from an accident. It may also happen when a tooth is weakened by decay.

Chipped Or Broken?

Sometimes a tooth becomes chipped. This can be unsightly and should not be ignored. But we put actual breaks into a different category.

There are different types of broken teeth:

  • Craze Line Break. These are minor cracks in the enamel of a tooth. Most of the time they can be fixed by polishing and do not require any kind of restoration.
  • Cusp Break. The cusps of teeth are the pointy parts of molars. When a cusp is broken it should be treated as soon as possible so the damage doesn’t get worse.
  • Severe Break. These can be very painful, because it exposes the tooth’s nerve. A root canal may be in order, along with a dental crown.
  • Vertical Split. This is when a tooth breaks vertically, leaving the tooth in two sections. These too usually require a root canal and crown to fully repair them. A vertical break may start in the root and stretch upward.

A broken tooth is like an invitation for infection and decay. They can not only threaten the broken tooth; neighboring teeth can be affected. If an infection gets into the bloodstream it can threaten the entire body.

If you sustain a broekn tooth, don’t delay: call us at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford. We treat all kinds of dental emergencies and can place dental crowns. In an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always welcome!


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


OnCall Dental – Hanford

Common Dental Emergencies

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

A dental emergency can turn an ordinary day into an anxious one, as you rush to get the problem treated. At OnCall Dental in Fresno we specialize in dental emergencies, and are prepared to handle just about anything that comes our way.

These are the most common dental emergencies:

  • Lost Filling or Crown. These can be painful and should not be ignored. If you can recover the crown you can try putting it back in place, and keeping it there with dental wax. Be sure to rinse with warm salt water first. Remember though, this is just a temporary fix. Get to our office as soon as you can!
  • Broken or Fractured Tooth. This can be really scary. Try to find any tooth fragments that came off. Again, rinse your mouth with warm salt water; taking an over-the-counter pain reliever is also a good idea. Call our office and we’ll see you as soon as possible.
  • Knocked Out Tooth. This is one of the most serious dental emergencies there is. It is important to have it treated as soon as you possibly can. We cannot stress that enough. If it happens, pick the tooth up by the crown (the biting part) and keep it moist: put it in milk, or even under your tongue. This is important. Just as important is getting to our office as soon as you can. If it’s treated within an hour there is a good chance the tooth can be successfully reinserted into its socket.

Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make all the difference. Part of that is remembering OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford. We treat all kinds of dental emergencies. In an emergency you do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome!


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


OnCall Dental – Hanford