Tooth pain

What is the Deal With Dental Crowns?

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Categories: Dental Crowns, Tooth pain

Dental crowns are a common fixture in dentistry. They are used for many different reasons, but the simplest way to describe them is as a cap that is tooth-like in structure, appearance and integrity. It is a cap that covers a tooth in its entirety, completely to the gums.

The procedure to place a crown is fairly straightforward. A dentist uses a putty for an impression or a digital scanner to create the impression for the tooth to be crowned. This is to ensure the patient’s bite is as it was before the original tooth was damaged. Crowns can be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason for the crown.

Once a crown is made, and the patient returns to the office for it to be placed, the tooth to be crowned is prepped. Depending on the reason for the tooth to be crowned, it may need to be filed down or built up so that the crown can be placed properly.

Crowns can be made out of several different types of materials, and is dependent on the situation. A dentist will know which material is best suited based on the situation. If ever worried about the material used in a crown, be sure to reach out to your dentist to ensure it is the best possible fit for you. Crowns are typically made out of:

  • Metal/stainless steel
  • Resin
  • Porcelain
  • Ceramic

There are various reasons a crown could need to be placed:

  • Cosmetic needs to fix the appearance of teeth
  • Protect weakened teeth
  • Protect broken or cracked teeth that has been worn down
  • Aiding in dental bridge placement
  • Correct misshapen teeth
  • Cover implants

As you can see, there are many reasons why crowns are such an integral part of dentistry. If you need assistance with a crown, be sure to call Dr. Mirelez now at <a href=”tel:559-900-2332″ onClick=”ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘CallFromMobile’, ‘content’, document.URL);”>559-900-2332</a>.

 

What is Considered Emergency Dental Services?

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Tooth pain

Many times when something happens to our mouths and teeth, we automatically assume it is an emergency – and in that moment, to us, it is. However, it is important to know what is a true emergency and what could save some time and money for your family. Conversely, this is something many people think about and will wait until the doctor opens, when really there is a much more immediate need for health concerns.

Some common injuries that happen and need immediate attention include:

  • Broken teeth: not a chipped tooth, but a break that is deep or painful. This is typically indicative of nerve damage and should be addressed sooner than later.
  • Missing teeth: sometimes teeth fall out. Sometimes they break while eating food. These situations should be addressed immediately.
  • Immense pain: if you are experiencing abnormal amounts of pain, then it is highly likely you may be experiencing and abscess or some type of infection. Serious pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong. If the pain is interfering with your daily activities, its time to see a dentist, regardless of time of day.
  • Fever: if you have tooth pain accompanied by a fever, if could be sign of an infection.
  • Facial trauma: any major facial injuries that has resulted in lost or broken teeth.

If you experience any issues during office hours, call the office immediately. If you experience them during office closure, reach out to the office and the on-call dentist. They can advise you what to do for treatment until another follow up appointment can be scheduled during regular office hours. It is imperative to your health that you seek proper medical treatment in a timely manner to save both pain and money.

Luckily, Dr. Mirelez specializes in emergency dental care. Contact Dr. Mirelez now at <a href=”tel:559-900-2332″ onClick=”ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘CallFromMobile’, ‘content’, document.URL);”>559-900-2332</a> if you feel you have a dental emergency.

All About Abscess

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Categories: Tooth pain, Toothaches

Toothaches are never pleasant and people generally want the pain gone as quickly as possible. When you have an unexpected toothache, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

Some pain can be an indication of a much more serious problem within the mouth that requires emergency care. Such is the case with an abscessed tooth.

An abscess tooth is a tooth that has been damaged or infected and has formed a pus sack around the root or nerves. This is the body’s natural defense mechanism and works to try and prevent the infection from spreading. However, this mechanism does not always work and infection is able to spread to the jaw bone, neck, and head. It can quickly become a serious problem for those with an abscess. It is worth noting that abscessed teeth are typically quite painful as well.

There are three types of abscess and the type depends on the location of the abscess.

  • Periapical: forms within the tooth itself and is very painful.
  • Gingival: forms typically on the gum line and relatively easy to treat.
  • Periodontal: forms deeper in the gums near root of tooth or nerves. This poses the greatest threat to moving to surrounding tissue and jaw bone due to its location.

Curious as to what causes these types of painful formations? There are several causes in fact:

  • Tooth decay left untreated is the most common cause.
  • Gum disease
  • Plaque build-up
  • Trauma to mouth
  • Food stuck between teeth and gums (which causes cavities and decay)
  • Rough dental hygiene

 

What are the symptoms someone may feel with an abscessed tooth? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, contact Dr. Mirelez now at 559-900-2332

  • Throbbing pain that does not stop
  • Pain when eating or drinking
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Greater pain while chewing
  • Bitter taste from draining pus
  • Small lump inside mouth near gums
  • Swelling of face
  • Bleeding in gums
  • Foul smelling breath that does not seem to go away with brushing