Emergency Dentist

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.

In Case of Emergency…

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

Knowing what to do when you’re faced with a dental emergency can be the difference between saving a tooth and losing one. In Fresno, the important thing to remember is that OnCall Dental is available 24/7.

A bad toothache at night, a chipped, cracked, or knocked out tooth, a lost filling or crown – there are lots of things that are considered dental emergencies. Even before you head to our office, there are things you can do at home:

  • If you get a cracked tooth, the first thing to do is clean out your mouth by rinsing with warm water. Cold compresses can help to keep the swelling down. Then get in your care and drive our office. (Better still, have someone drive you.)
  • Do the same thing if you bite your lip or tongue: clean it gently by rinsing it with water, and then apply a cold compress.
  • A lot of our emergencies involve a knocked out tooth. All it takes is an accidental an elbow to the jaw. If you have a knocked out tooth, time is a critical factor. Try putting the tooth back into your jaw, making sure not to touch its root. Don’t waste time with this, though; you could also place it between your cheek and gums, or even in some milk. The most important thing is to get professional help ASAP. If you see us within an hour of your accident, chances are good the tooth can be saved.

These are only a few of the dental emergencies we treat. There are so many others, like objects stuck between your teeth. Remember that no appointment is necessary at OnCall Dental in Fresno. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Chipped Tooth? Call Us!

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Categories: Chipped tooth, Emergency Dentist

It can happen easily enough: an accidental elbow in the face, biting down on something too hard, or falling – any of these things can result in a chipped tooth. If it happens to you, don’t panic: head on over to OnCall Dental in Fresno, where emergency dentistry is our specialty.

Rest assured, there are things we can do to repair your chipped tooth. The treatment will depend on how bad the damage is. Sometimes the tooth chip is so small it can be repaired with an ordinary filling.

Other small tooth chips can be repaired by a procedure called bonding. This is when we use a special composite resin that is shaped to look like a natural tooth. It is hardened with an ultraviolet light. The bonding material matches the color of your teeth, so the end result is all but invisible.

Bonding is a simple enough procedure. It usually doesn’t even require numbing of the affected area.

For larger chips, we may use a dental crown. This is especially likely if the chipped tooth has a lot of decay. We’ll grind or file away part of the remaining tooth and cover what’s left with the crown. This protects the remaining tooth and restores a natural appearance.

In severe chips, where the top of the tooth has broken off but the root remains, a root canal may be necessary. Once the damaged area is cleaned up and prepared, a pin or post is placed in the canal. The surrounding area is built up and covered with a crown. It may take a couple of office visits to complete the procedure.

If one of your front teeth is chipped or even broken, a porcelain veneers may be the best option. Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade porcelain that cover the front surface of a tooth.

If you play sports, we highly recommend wearing a mouthguard as protection. Even then, accidents happen. At OnCall Dental in Fresno, our emergency dentistry has you covered, from chipped teeth to toothache relief. No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are always welcome.

Dental Emergency?

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

Everyone knows that pain is the body’s way of getting your attention, and saying that something is wrong. But how can you tell whether the pain in your mouth is something you can treat with an over-the-counter remedy, or requires a trip to OnCall Dental in Fresno?

Knowing when you should head into to our office is important, but so is knowing when not to! We have some thoughts on that.

  • A loose tooth. If it’s your kid, it’s probably no big deal. Children lose their teeth starting around the age of six or seven. But if you’re the one with the loose tooth, it’s anoher matter. Adults should never have loose teeth. A loose tooth may be the result of a trauma, a localized infectio or some other issue. Should you come to our office? Yes.
  • Bleeding gums. It’s not uncommon to see a little bleeding when you floss your teeth, especially if you don’t floss on a regular basis. It could, however,  be a sign of gum disease. And if the bleeding is excessive, or it happens over and over, you may be a problem. A trip to our office is a good idea.
  • A swollen jaw. Again, this could be result of a trauma. It might also be a sign of an infection. If it is accompanied by a fever, a foul taste in your mouth, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, you should absolutely head to our office.
  • Toothache. Our first question: how bad is the pain? Where would you place it on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the worst pain? If it’s a five or above, a trip to the office is in order. There are lots of different things that may be causing it, which will determine how we treat it.
  • Metallic taste in your mouth. If you’ve had metal fillings in the past, this may be an indication one of them has cracked or become loose. You may have an open filling, and that’s a serious matter. It could lead to new infections and cavities. A trip to our office is in order, right away.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno, emergency dental care is our specialty, and we don’t want you taking any unnecessary chances. You don’t need an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.

Getting Rid of Toothache Pain

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Tooth pain, Toothaches

When you’ve got a bad toothache, the last thing on your mind might be what’s causing it. It’s the pain, and getting rid of it, that is front-and-center. If your toothache lasts longer than a day or two, remember that the team at OnCall Dental in Fresno is here, and that walk-ins are always welcome.

Once you’re here, the first order of business is getting rid of the pain. But we’re concerned with what’s causing the toothache, too. Possible causes include:

  • Tooth decay (the most common)
  • An abscess
  • A damaged filling
  • A cracked tooth
  • Infected gums

We’ll Ask Questions

We’ll need to get certain information from you, like how long you’ve had the toothache. We’ll ask you to rate the pain level, probably on a scale of one through ten.

We’ll also need to know it’s exact location, and what is making the pain worse, like chewing or temperature. Sometimes it’s hard for a patient to pinpoint exactly which tooth is the problem, but don’t worry, we’ll get there.

Pain relief is high on our list, but we’ll need to do a thorough examination. We’ll check your teeth and gums, your tongue and throat, sinuses, and jaws. We’ll even check your sinuses, ease, nose, and neck.

If the cause of your toothache is a cavity then we’ll probably fill it. In extreme cases an extraction may be necessary. If there’s an infection we may need to perform a root canal.

Everything we do is aimed at relieving your toothache and getting you back to good dental health. At OnCall Dental in Fresno, emergency dental care is our specialty. You don’t need an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.

Emergency? Remember OnCall Dental in Fresno

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

If you have a dental emergency, OnCall Dental in Fresno should be the first place you call. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the sooner we get you in the office the better the chance of a successful outcome.

But first, ask yourself: is it a genuine emergency? If you have an accident involving your teeth or mouth, it doesn’t necessarily require immediate attention.

What Constitutes A Dental Emergency?

Here are some of the things you should consider:

  • Were you hit in the mouth or face?
  • Is there bleeding and/or swelling?
  • Are there any loose teeth?
  • Is there a lot of pain?
  • Are there any bulges, knots, or swelling in your gums?

If your answer to any of the above is yes, then you have a dental emergency and you should make a beeline to our office.

If you’ve knocked out a tooth, then there is absolutely no doubt: it’s an emergency, and we need to see you immediately. Knocked out teeth present a small window for treatment, but if we see you within that window – at most, about an hour – then the chances are good your tooth can be saved.

Accidents can happen at any time of the day or night. They can be frightening, but some dental issues, like a toothache or even a chipped tooth, can wait for regular office hours. We suggest calling us to be sure, and our phones are answered 24/7. But if there is no severe pain and no bleeding you may not require immediate treatment.

But if there is the slightest doubt, please call us at OnCall Dental in Fresno. Emergency dental care is our specialty. You don’t need an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.

Stuck Between Your Teeth

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

Something stuck between teeth might not sound like it’s a dental emergency. But try telling that to the person with an immoveable object lodged between a couple of teeth. It can most definitely be a dental emergency, and at OnCall Dental in Fresno, we can help.

Getting something stuck between your teeth can be not only uncomfortable, it can be painful. We specialize in dental emergencies, and whatever it is that’s stuck, we can get it out.

First, though, there are a few things you can try at home:

  • Dental floss. Tried that first, right? It may or may not work. If you have some, use waxed floss, but if you don’t use whatever is at hand. Working slowly and gently, you may be able to work the floss between your teeth and below the stuck object, and then lift it out. On the other hand, the floss may shred.
  • Knotted floss. If you can work floss between the teeth and below the object, try doing it with a knot tied to one end of the floss. Make sure the knot is on the inside of the teeth. Pull the floss taut (but not too taut) and see if you can catch the stuck object, and dislodge it.
  • Toothpicks. We generally frown on toothpicks. Consider it a last resort. Before using one, try an inter-dental pick; they’re much softer, but rigid enough for what you need to do. Use one or the other to work the object loose
  • Wedge. You can also trying wedging that toothpick between your teeth. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then try working it in a little further. Then go back to that knotted floss described above.

Each of these techniques must be done with great care. You don’t want to hurt your gums, or get that object stuck even worse. And remember, never use anything sharp and metallic, like a needle.

If nothing works, head for OnCall Dental in Fresno. Dental emergencies are our specialty, and we’ll remove that stuck object. We also provide dental implants. Keep us in your phone contacts. You don’t need an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.

Toothache! What To Do Until You Get Here

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Tooth pain, Toothaches

Your gums and jaw are tender and throbbing from a toothache, and the pain seems to radiate throughout your head. It’s nearly your bedtime, too – after hours for your usual dentist, and most other dentists, too. But OnCall Dental in Fresno is open, and we treat toothaches and other dental emergencies.

Driving here is out of the question, however, and it’s going to be a little while until your ride shows up. Meanwhile the pain is relentless. What can you do until you get here and get some proper treatment?

Here are some home remedies for toothache pain, and after gulping down an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofin, you might want to give one of them a try. They’re no substitute for the dentist, but if they make the next half hour more bearable, what is there to lose?

  • Saltwater rinse. This one is tried and true, and good for the short term. Mix about half a teaspoon of ordinary table salt into eight ounces of warm water. Switsh it gently around your mouth and then spit it out. Repeat.
  • Ice, or a cold compress. Wrap it in a soft towel and hold it against the side of your face. It can help ease the pain. If there is any swelling, it could indicate an abscess. We’ll figure that out when you get here; just be sure to get here without delay.
  • Garlic. You read that right. Take a clove of garlic, crush it, and place it against the sore tooth. There is no science to this, and it may be nothing more than an old wive’s tale, but the allicin released by crushing is said to be a natural disease fighter. It may or may not help – but it will do a number on your breath. You probably knew that already.

The most important thing is to get to OnCall Dental in Fresno as soon as you can. We specialize in emergency dentistry, including toothache relief, and we’re here 24/7. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Emergency Tooth Extractions

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Extractions

If you have a toothache, it is a clear sign that there is something wrong. It may be something as minor as a cavity that needs filling. But it could be a sign of something more serious, like an infection that needs immediate attention. If there is any doubt, remember that OnCall Dental in Fresno is here, 24/7.

Our impulse is always to try to save your tooth. But an extraction may be unavoidable. This is especially true if you have wisdom teeth coming in. Wisdom teeth are the most common extractions.

When wisdom teeth become inflamed it could be a sign of pericoronitis. Most often, this is caused by a bit of food that gets trapped beneath the gums. Food debris is easily caught beneath partially-erupted wisdom teeth.

In other cases, teeth need to be pulled because of severe decay, disease, or trauma.

We will also do our best to keep you comfortable during the procedure. It’s common for patients to feel at least a little uneasy at the prospect of having a tooth extracted. Let us know if you fall into that category. We have sedation dentistry options that can get you through your procedure without needless stress.

If we extract one of your teeth, there are going to be changes in your mouth. We will have instructions for you afterward, in order to promote healing and prevent complications.

In most extractions we place a gauze pack on the socket to help a blood clot form. Do not chew on it! You’ll need to leave it in place for about forty-five minutes. We’ll supply you with some fresh gauze to replace the initial gauze pack.

Also:

  • Do not clean your teeth around the healing socket for at least 24 hours
  • Brush the rest of your teeth, however
  • Gently rinse out your mouth with warm sal water after eating
  • Do not use mouthwash
  • Take pain medication only as we  direct
  • Swelling and pain are normal; an ice pack can help
  • Avoid hot liquids and alcohol
  • Don’t use a straw

If you have any issues like fever, nausea or vomiting afterward, call us right away. In most cases you’ll be able to eat solid foods by the next day, although you must chew carefully, and not on the extraction site.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno we specialize in emergency dentistry, including extractions. We are here seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Toothache Relief

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Tooth pain, Toothaches

There is never a good time to have a toothache. The sensation can be anything from a dull ache to sharp pain. It might be throbbing and persistent, or only there when you bite into something. You may need immediate attention, and if you do, OnCall Dental in Fresno is your go-to resource.

The most common causes of toothache pain include the following:

  • Tooth Decay. The most common cause of a toothache, by far, is tooth decay. That means a cavity, or a whole in the enamel of the tooth. Once tooth decay reaches the middle layer of a tooth, it causes increased sensitivity to touch and temperature.
  • Pulpitis. Another common cause of toothache pain is pulpitis. This is when the pulp at the center of a tooth has become inflamed and irritated. If it is reversible, we can do a drill-and-fill. If it isn’t, then a root canal is probably in order.
  • Abscess. When bacteria builds up inside a tooth’s pulp chamber and becomes infected, it causes an abscess.  The infection tries to drain itself out of the tip of the tooth root. The pressure associated with it can be very painful. Once again, a root canal may be in order.
  • Impacted tooth. This means a tooth is unable to move into its proper positiion in the mouth. It happens because other teeth or bone is in the way. The most common teeth to become impacted are the wisdom teeth, which for most people come in in the late teens or early twenties. An extraction is usually in order.
  • Sensitive Teeth. This usually means that your teeth are extra-sensitive to temperature. You don’t have a toothache in the usual sense. Fluoride treatment and brushing with sensitive-teeth toothpaste can alleviate the pain. Most toothpaste brands have a line of sensitive teeth pastes.

If you have a toothache, there is no reason to wait for your regular dentist. At OnCall Dental in Fresno we treat toothache pain, and walk-ins are always welcome.