All About Abscess

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

Root Canal Aftercare

A root canal is the dental procedure people seem to be most apprehensive about. However, it does not have to be as stressful as it is made out to be. A root canal at OnCall Dental in Fresno won’t cause you pain. In fact, it will relieve it.

Before the procedure, a patient’s mouth is thoroughly numbed. This won’t wear off for hours, which is nice as it gives additional pain medication time to become effective so there is less discomfort.

There are several things that can be done during aftercare to make the experience as comfortable as possible:

  • It is best to avoid eating or drinking until initial numbness wears off. This is due to the fact that the patient cannot orient things in their mouth as well and may bite inside mouth and tongue.
  • Take over the counter anti-inflammatories as directed by dentist. There is a possibility that the dentist could prescribe additional pain medication.
  • Do not chew sticky foods such as gum, caramels, and other sugary candy.
  • Do not chew some hard foods such as, carrots, corn on the cob, and apples directly on side of procedure. They could dislodge the temporary material filling the tooth or cause a fracture.
  • Antibiotics may be prescribed by the dentist if necessary. Be sure to take the entire prescription as directed, even if it feels well enough.

Be aware that it is normal for the tooth and surrounding gums to be tender and even uncomfortable for several days, up to a week, after the procedure. There are signs to look for that could be signs of a greater issue or infection. Contact the office immediately 559-900-2332  if any of the following symptoms occur:

  • Severe pain or pressure that persists for several days
  • Visible swelling of gums or jaw days after
  • Loss of the temporary crown or filling
  • Unevenness in bite
  • Return of prior symptoms or pain
  • Any possible allergic reactions to medication immediately or some time following the procedure (includes itching, rash, etc.)

Emergency Dental Care Services


emergency dentistry Fresno

If you have experienced a recent injury to your mouth or teeth, don’t wait to call a dentist. Our practice offers a range of emergency dentistry services. We also provide dental implants, dental crowns, and a range of restorative dental care services, including root canal therapy. Many of our patients experience dental anxiety but are able to stay calm through our sedation dentistry procedures. At ONCallDental – Fresno, our staff remains committed to your lifelong dental health. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 559-900-2332 to schedule an appointment.

If your tooth has been knocked out, make sure you hold onto the missing tooth. Put it in a glass of milk and bring it with you when you come in for your appointment. Losing a tooth suddenly can be scary, but we’ll help keep you calm. If we can’t save your original tooth, we’ll discuss dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry options. If you get into an accident and crack your tooth in half, we can fix that too.

Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553


Your Dental Anxiety Solution

sedation dentistry Fresno

Whether you need a dental checkup or have tooth pain requiring immediate care, don’t let your fear stop you from calling a dentist. At OnCall Dental – Fresno, we offer sedation dentistry to help put you at ease.

Conscious sedation allows you to be awake and pain-free during your procedure. Your dentist may give you a mild anti-anxiety pill or laughing gas beforehand. Laughing gas puts patients into a relaxed state.

Our caring staff will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire process.  From root canals to dental implants, our goal is to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Dental anxiety affects patients of all ages, so don’t be shy about letting us know. We provide dental care services to keep you healthy for life and we’ll replace your knocked-out tooth. Rest assured that our dentists working around-the-clock will be there when you need them.

Want to learn more about our comprehensive dental care services? We provide a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures, as well as emergency and general dentistry. Give OnCall Dental – Fresno a call today.

 

Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553


Taking Care Of Your Dental Implants

Missing teeth? Wondering if dental implants are right for you? Patients who used to wear dentures usually find dental implants more comfortable. The implant looks realistic and can last a lifetime. Here are a few tips on caring for your dental implants:

Treat your dental implants like your other teeth.

  • Brush and floss regularly.
  • Make regular dental checkups at On Call Dental – Fresno.
  • Don’t chew ice or hard candy.
  • Avoid teeth-staining beverages and tobacco.
  • Don’t smoke! Smoking can cause complications with your dental implants. During your checkup, your dentist will clean around your teeth, gums and in between the metal post of your implant or crown. We’ll show you the proper way to brush. Brushes designed to fit in between teeth work especially well with dental implants.

    Questions about cosmetic dentistry or the dental implant procedure? In addition to emergency dental care, we offer a range of general and cosmetic dentistry services. Call our knowledgeable staff at OnCall Dental – Fresno today. We’ll beautify your smile and keep it healthy for life. We look forward to hearing from you!

    Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553


    History of Dental Implants

    dental implants FresnoDental implants have been around for thousands of years. Archaeologists found four-thousand-year-old human remains with tooth replacements in China. They discovered that ancient dentists had made teeth implants out of bamboo and hammered them into the bone. Some Egyptian mummies have implants made out of precious metals, ivory and human teeth. In 600 A.D., the Mayans used seashells to fix their teeth. Perhaps the most surprising fact about all of these old dentistry practices is that some of these now-strange-seeming implant materials had actually fused to the bone.

    Cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures have come a long way since then, but the concept is still the same. In the 1950’s, a Swedish doctor created the first modern dental implant while studying bone regrowth in rabbits. He noticed that titanium placed into a rabbit’s femur could not be removed. Once scientists determined that titanium has special properties allowing it to fuse to the bone, dentists began using it in their implant procedures.

    Since then, patients with missing teeth no longer need to rely only on dentures to restore their beautiful smiles.  At OnCall Dental Fresno, we’ll develop a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan that works with your budget, insurance and schedule. Our caring staff is ready to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to give us a call at 559-900-2332 today!


    Tooth Extractions: What To Know


    emergency dentist Fresno

    Sometimes the only way to fix a damaged tooth is to remove it. At OnCall Dental – Fresno, we frequently perform tooth extractions for patients of all ages. Today’s blog post takes a look at the dental extraction procedure and what you should expect.

    First, the dentist will numb the area to keep you pain-free during the procedure. You may experience some bleeding, but it is normal and usually no cause for concern. Make sure to follow your dentist’s directions for follow-up care and diet. Do not smoke after your procedure and avoid drinking through a straw. Ice packs can usually take care of any swelling.

    In addition to removing decayed or damaged teeth, dental extractions help relieve pain and discomfort caused by crowded teeth. In addition to making teeth healthier, removing teeth can improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence. If you’re interest in removing one or more teeth, and it’s not an emergency, feel free to schedule a consultation with us. For severe pain or other emergency dentistry situations, call our office immediately at 599-477-4553 . We’re for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Contact On all Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553


    From Dentures to Dental Implants

    The condition of your teeth significantly impacts your quality of life.  Fillings and root canals are costly and inconvenient. If the teeth can’t be saved, tooth extraction causes more physical and psychological pain. Extraction is usually followed by bone recession.

     

    While dentures are preferable to having no teeth at all, they come with a host of troubles. They irritate gums and make breathing, eating, and talking difficult. Dentures are not a one-and-done solution for missing teeth, requiring relines as the jaw shrinks.

    There is hope! Dental implant technology improves the quality of life for patients with traditional dentures. Implants help slow down declining oral health caused by tooth loss. OnCall Dental-Fresno can help. In addition to providing emergency dentistry services, we also offer restorative procedures and general treatment.

    Dental implants are used to replace several teeth and/or  anchor over-dentures. Mini dental implants (also called denture-stabilization implants) allow your dentist to securely attach an appliance so that it won’t slip or irritate gums. Small titanium posts planted into the jawbone fuse with the surrounding bone, creating a stable base for an over-denture.

    Some denture-wearing patients retain only ten percent of their chewing ability.  Implant-supported dentures stops bone recession and restore near-normal chewing ability. This results in better nutrition and overall physical health. The psychological benefits are equally valuable. Free of embarrassing denture-slipping, our patients are happier and more confident about their smile.

    Before you spend money on another denture reline, ask us about denture-stabilization implants. Contact us today for a consultation.

     

     

     


    Root Canals: Less Scary Than You Think

    root canals Fresno

    Root canals are notorious for being the dental procedure to avoid at all costs. Luckily, dental technology has come a long way since the early days of root canals. At OnCall Dental – Fresno, we go to great lengths to keep you calm and comfortable during your visit. While having a root canal is never fun, it is necessary to repair an infected tooth.

    The best part of a root canal is that we make sure you don’t feel any pain at all during the procedure. The dentist or dental assistant will numb the area around your tooth before they remove the damaged pulp. After the area around your tooth is clean, the dentist fills your tooth and seals or caps it. It’s a good idea not to rinse too vigorously or smoke after a root canal. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully.

    In the days following your root canal, your tooth may be sensitive. We’ll come up with a pain relief plan–most pain or swelling can be treated with over-the-counter medications.  After one short visit, you’ll be on your way to a pain-free, more-confident smile.  What’s so scary about that?

    To learn more about root canals, or any of our other restorative or cosmetic dentistry procedures, give us a call at 599-477-4553. Our staff will work with you to schedule an appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you. We also offer emergency dentistry and sedation dentistry services. Thanks for stopping by our blog and we look forward to serving you.

    Contact OnCall Dental – Fresno: 599-477-4553

     


    Crowning Royalty at OnCall Dental-Fresno

    cosmetic dentist Fresno

    The necessity of a dental crown is usually readily apparent. Based on how much tooth is available to hold in a filling, sometimes a crown is necessary to add more support and to keep the tooth from falling apart or breaking. Crowns are also needed as a sturdy support for dental bridges.

    A crown restores your tooth to normal shape, size and strength, and allows it to resume its proper place as a team player with the other teeth.

    OnCall Dental serves patients throughout the Fresno area with singular efficiency, expertise and personal attention. Live in Hanford or Clovis? You could be our next royal to smile and wave for the paparazzi.

    Consult us to learn if these innovative restorative procedures  are right for you. Keep in mind that crowns come in a variety of strong, reliable materials. Matching the natural color of your teeth increases the beauty of your smile. Gold crowns are incredibly strong and have the “bling” factor. But there are certainly other options.

    In addition to restorative services, we would love to meet with you about cleanings, cosmetic services, and other smile makeover possibilities. Schedule your visit today!

    To request an appointment, call us at OnCall Dental – Fresno .