Knocked Out Teeth: As Serious As It Gets

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Categories: Dental emergency, Knocked out tooth

A knocked out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies there is. If it happens to you, make sure you get to OnCall Dental as soon as possible. We have offices in Fresno and Hanford.

We cannot stress that enough: time is of the essence. If you can recover the tooth and are treated within an hour, the chances of saving it are good.

A few things to remember before you’re treated: never pick the tooth up by the root; pick it up only by the crown. Keep it moist. If it’s dirty it’s okay to gently rinse it off, but don’t use any kind of soap and don’t wipe it clean. Keep it as moist as possible. If you’re able to fit it back into its socket, do so. Don’t force it, though.

Next best option? Hold it in your mouth next to your cheek. It’s really important to keep it moist. Saliva is best for this. Beyond rinsing it, don’t use tap water.

One More Thing

When a tooth is knocked out of your jaw, the nerves and blood vessels become irreparably damaged. You’re going to need a root canal. If you are treated right away though, the tooth can reattach to the bone. Once it has healed you’ll be able to use it.

At OnCall Dental we have a lot of experience with knocked out teeth, and can also perform root canals. Remember that in an emergency you do not need appointment. We have offices in Fresno and Hanford, where walk-ins are always welcome!

The Causes of Toothache Pain

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Tooth pain, Toothaches

The most common cause of a toothache, by far, is a cavity. The pain from tooth decay can be unbearable. If it happens at night or on the weekend, the idea of waiting until Monday may be out of the question. If you’re in that fix, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford.

The main reason a cavity causes tooth pain is that the decay has reached the inner layer of tooth called the dentin. If the pain is really severe it may have reached the center of the tooth, which is more serious. Get to our office as soon as you can.

Other Causes

While it’s the most common, an orindary cavity is not the only cause of a toothache. Here are some others:

  • Tooth abscess. This is, in fact, advanced tooth decay. The decay can actually infect the root and surrounding tissue. It can cause a lot of pain that spreads along the other teeth, to the point where pinpointing the problem area can be tricky. It’s a serious condition and needs to be treated promptly.
  • Damaged fillings. In a perfect world, a tooth filling would last forever. Unfortunatley it doesn’t work that way; fillings can wear out, become cracked, or covered in pits or grooves. When that happens the sensitive part of the tooth, repaired by the filling, is exposed. We’ll need to replace the filling.
  • Factured tooth. A tooth can be cracked in any number of ways, from an accident at home to a sports mishap. Fractures can be painful, but we can treat them. (We’ll take this opportunity to remind you: in sports, a mouthguard is essential gear!)
  • Gum disease. Tooth pain may also be a sign of gum disease. You will typically noticed a full pain in the mouth, along with bleeding gums. This should be treated promptly. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.

At OnCall Dental we are only a phone call away. But in an emergency you do not need to make appointment. We have offices in Fresno and Hanford, and treat toothache pain and specialize in emergency dentistry.  Walk-ins are always welcome!

Bitten Tongue

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Categories: Bit tongue, Dental emergency

Biting your tongue is a common accident. It can be scary, because tongue tend to bleed a lot, especially if it’s a particularly bad bite. If it happens to you, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

There are lots of different ways to accidentally bite the tongue. It seems to happen to children more than adults, either on the playground or the playing field.

But a bit tongue can happen to anyone at any age, from a household accident to a car accident, from a fight to something behavioral, like unconscious chewing or an epileptic seizure.

What To Do First

A bit tongue is not automatically a dental emergency, though it might be. Home treatment may be enough. If there is a lot of bleeding, getting it stopped is your first priority.

  • Apply pressure with a sterile gauze pad or a piece of clean cloth.
  • If you need to put your hands in an injured person’s mouth, or they need to put their hands in yours, use medical gloves.
  • Inspect the mouth for pieces of teeth, or anything else that may be there.
  • Control any swelling with ice cubes wrapped in cloth. Ice pops can substitute.

What To Do Next

It’s important to keep the wound clean. Rinse the mouth out with a salt water solution every fifteen minutes. Use a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of salt.

If bleeding continues for more than fifteen minutes, it’s time to give us a call. We may want you to come in for an inspection and treatment.

Accidentlaly bit tongues happen sometimes, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. You can minimize the risk, though, by always wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, babyproofing your house, always wearing a seatbelt when driving, and always make sure small kids are in an appropriate car seat. People with health issues like epilepsy should make sure friends and relatives know what to do during a seizure.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we have treated many knocked out teeth, and other 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

Emergency Dental Care

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

At OnCall Dental in Fresno we treat all manner of dental emergencies. While there are things you can do yourself before being treated, remember that in most cases it is better to have us look at what’s going on to determine whether further treatment is needed.

Common dental emergencies include the following:

  • Severe toothache. Nothing will get your attention quite the way a bad toothache will. It could be an indication of a more serious problem, like an abscess or an infection. In the short term over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress can help,  but make come see us, too.
  • Broken or chipped tooth. There may or may not be any pain from a broken or chipped tooth. Either way, let us take a look at it. Swish some water around your mouth to keep it clean, and brush if it isn’t painful.
  • Knocked out tooth. This is one of the most serious dental emergencies there is, and immediate treatment is needed. If we can treat you within an hour there is a very good chance the tooth can be saved. Bring the tooth with you (never touch the root) and keep it moist.
  • Something stuck between your teeth. Never use sharp objects to try to dislodge something stuck between your teeth, not even a toothpick! Try dental floss, and if that doesn’t work tie a small knot into it. If that doesn’t work, call us for an appointment.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno emergency dental care is our specialty, including toothache relief. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553

Wear That Mouthguard!

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

There are no precise figures, but it has been estimated that every single year, three million kids have one or more of their teeth knocked out while playing sports. Some of them end up at OnCall Dental in Fresno for emergency treatment.

Most kids love playing sports, and that’s a good thing: it gets them lots of exercise, teaches the importance of teams, fair play, and plenty of other life lessons. But there are risks involved, and parents have to take every possible precaution.

Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports is just as important as helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear. Even so-called non-contact sports like basketball can get pretty rough; all it takes is an accidental elbow to the jaw to knock out a tooth.

A mouthguard can prevent that. The American Dental Association says that wearing mouthguards prevent more than two hundred thousand mouth injuries every single year! That includes keeping teeth from being chipped, cracked, or knocked out.

Mouthgaurds range from the inexpensive boil-and-bite variety available at any sporting goods store to higher-end, custom mouthguards. Ask us for a recommendation.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno we think any youngster who plays sports should wear a mouthguard, even pick-up games on the local playground. Better to be safe than sorry! We specialize in emergency dental care, and we’re here if you need us. Walk-ins are always welcome. But with a little precaution, your youngster will be safe on the playing field!

Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553

Stuck! What to Do, and Not Do

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

Ever get something stuck between your teeth? Of course you have. At best, something stuck between your teeth is  bothersome, especially if it takes a long time to remove it. At worst it is painful, and an emergency requiring professional attention, like what we provide at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

Some people have narrow and tight spaces between their teeth. They seem more susceptible to getting things wedged in there. It can cause pressure and discomfort, and even pain.

Before you head to our office there are some things you can try at home to dislodge what you have stuck between your teeth.

Tips

The first tip we have is what not to do. It may be tempting, and it may even seem like it would work. But never use a sharp object to try to pry out something stuck between your teeth. Repeat, never. That includes toothpicks. You run the risk of damaging your gums, or even your teeth.

Here is what you should try:

  • Rinse your mouth out vigorously. Use lukewarm saltwater. You may need to repeat several times, but this is often enough to loosen whatever is stuck.
  • Dental floss. Dental floss, especially waxed, is excellent for getting things from between teeth. Waxed floss slides easily into tight spaces. If it won’t go in, do not force it. Floss picks with tight strands of floss are useful. Also useful is tying a tiny knot into the floss, to snag the object and free it. But again, never force things.

If these methods don’t work, give us a call. At OnCall Dental in Fresno we have the tools and skills to help you out. We specialize in emergency dental care, and have dislodged a lot of stuff from the teeth of our patients. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553

Dental Emergency: First Things First

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Categories: Dental emergency

When there’s a dental emergency, one of the most important things to do is seek treatment here at OnCall Dental Urgent Care in Fresno. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be a race against the clock.

That said, what you do right after the emergency happens may affect the eventual outcome. There are things that you can do even before you get to our office.

  • Knocked Out Tooth. There are no two ways about it: a knocked-out tooth is an honest-to-goodness dental emegency. If it’s treated within an hour the chances of saving the tooth are good. Keep the tooth moist. Place it back in the socket if you can. If you can’t, put it between the cheek and gums, and head to our office.
  • Cracked Tooth. It may be painful, and treatment is essential. But a cracked tooth is not as time-sensitive as a knocked out tooth. Before heading to our office rinse your mouth out with warm water, and use an icepack wrapped in a towel  to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Object Stuck Between Teeth. Popcorn is a big offender here. Never use a sharp object to dislodge something stuck. That includes toothpicks. Instead, try dental floss. It can help to tie a little knot in the floss. If you can’t get it out, call us.
  • Toothache. Rinsing the affected tooth with warm water can help. Over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofin can be effective, but never chew on aspirin or place it on the tooth.

Remember: never use your teeth as tools, don’t chew on ice or other hard objects, and always wear a mouthguard when you play sports. And if you have a problem, remember us at OnCall Dental Urgent Care in Fresno. We specialize in emergency dental care, and walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553

Judgment Call: Is It An Emergency?

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain

When there is an unexpected dental issue, it can be a little tricky knowing whether it’s a genuine emergency that needs prompt attention. The team at OnCall Dental in Fresno would like to remind you that not seeking treatment could lead to serious complications.

Some dental emergencies are obvious: a cracked or knocked out tooth, for example. These are serious: a knocked out tooth is especially serious, because it’s a race against the clock. If a knocked out tooth is treated within an hour the chances of saving it are good.

Does it come down to a judgment call? It might. But there are certain signs that should tell you to head straight to our office:

  • Severe pain
  • Swelling, especially if it affects breathing
  • Heavy bleeding
  • High fever that doesn’t respond to medication

If you have any doubt at all, don’t take any chances: head to OnCall Dental in Fresno. That dental injury won’t fix itself. We specialize in emergency dental care, including toothache relief. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553

How To Tell If It’s an Emergency

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

There is no such thing as a dental problem that gets better on its own. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. But some problems are more serious than others, and demand the sort of immediate attention available at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

How do you know whether your dental issue is an emergency, or something that can wait? Our short answer is that it is always better to err on the side of caution. More to the point: there are certain problems that should never wait.

  • Pain When Chewing. If the simple act of eating is painful, that is a big red flag. There are different reasons why chewing can be painful. It may be a crack in a tooth, or similar damage, or it might be a problem with gums or tooth enamel. Whatever it is, don’t delay: come see us as soon as possible.
  • Swollen Jaw. Swelling is a big tip-off that could be a serious infection, also known as an abscess. There will likely be sensitivity in the teeth, or even a fever or bad taste in your mouth. An abscess is serious. Not only will it not get better without treatment, it could spread to other parts of the body.
  • Bleeding Gums. This may indicate gingivitis, which is early stage gum disease. It isn’t necessarily an emergency, though you should never put off seeking treatment. On the plus side, gingivitis is easy to treat. On the negative, gum disease is progressive, so it will probably get worse without professional care.
  • Chipped, broken, or knocked out tooth. All it takes is a careless moment on the playing field, or even at home, to damage your teeth. A knocked out tooth is easily the most serious of these conditions. If it happens to you, make a beeline to our office. Keep the tooth moist. When treated promptly – an hour or less – the tooth might be saved. Chipped or broken teeth can be treated with bonding.

If you suspect a serious dental problem, time is of the essence. The sooner you see us at OnCall Dental in Fresno, the better. We specialize in emergency dentistry and offer dental implants and other services.  Walk-ins are always welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553

Tooth Knocked Out?

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Knocked out tooth

When it comes to dental emergencies, a knocked out tooth is about as serious as it gets. If it happens to you, get to OnCall Dental in Fresno as quickly as you can.

emergency dentist FresnoOne of the most important things to remember is that you are in a race against the clock. If you are treated within an hour of the tooth being knocked out, the chances are very good your tooth can be saved.

Another important thing to remember is that when we say a tooth knocked out, we mean a tooth knocked out. A chipped or cracked tooth is an emergency, but not nearly as urgent as a knocked out tooth.

If you have a knocked out tooth, this is what to do:

  • Find the tooth.
  • Never touch the root. Pick up the tooth by the crown, which is the part you chew with.
  • Clean it. Lick it if you have to. You can also gently rinse it, but don’t use soap and don’t scrub!
  • Keep it moist. If you can place it back in the socket, do so. If not, place it under your tongue or in a container of milk. Wrapping it in tissue and spitting on it works, too.

Once you get here we will do everything possible to save the tooth. It bears repeating that the sooner you get here, the better.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno we specialize in emergency dentistry.  In emergency cases you do not need an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.