tooth infection Fresno

Suspect a Serious Tooth Injury in Fresno?

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Categories: Broken tooth, Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

Tooth injuries can happen unexpectedly and often require immediate attention. Whether you’ve had a fall, a sports injury, or an unfortunate accident, knowing what to do next is crucial. At OnCall Dental – Fresno, we help residents understand the steps to take if they suspect a tooth injury and when to seek emergency dental care.

Recognizing the Signs of a Tooth Injury

Tooth injuries aren’t always immediately apparent. Look for these common symptoms:

  1. Pain or Sensitivity

Persistent pain or sensitivity to temperature changes can indicate damage.

  1. Visible Damage

Chips, cracks, or a tooth that looks out of place are clear signs.

  1. Swelling or Bleeding

Swelling of the gums or bleeding can suggest an underlying issue.

Initial Steps to Manage a Tooth Injury

When you suspect a tooth injury, taking immediate steps can prevent further damage.

  1. Rinse Your Mouth

Use warm water to clean the affected area and reduce the risk of infection.

  1. Apply a Cold Compress

This can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.

  1. Preserve Any Broken Pieces

If a tooth has chipped or broken, gather the pieces and keep them moist. Milk or saliva works best.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Not all tooth injuries require immediate emergency care, but some do.

  1. Severe Pain or Bleeding

Head to OnCall Dental in Fresno if the pain is unbearable or if there’s heavy bleeding.

  1. Dislodged or Loose Tooth

A tooth that’s been knocked out or is very loose needs urgent attention.

  1. Signs of Infection

Fever, swelling, and pus are signs that you should see a dentist right away.

Preventing Tooth Injuries

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid tooth injuries.

  1. Wear Protective Gear

Use mouthguards during sports and activities.

  1. Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Strong teeth are less likely to break or crack. Brush and floss regularly.

  1. Avoid Hard Foods

Be cautious with hard candies, ice, and other foods that can damage teeth.

Tooth injuries can be alarming, but knowing what to do can make a significant difference in the outcome. If you’re in Fresno and suspect a tooth injury, following these steps and seeking timely care from OnCall Dental can ensure the best possible recovery. Remember, prompt action and preventive measures are key to maintaining good dental health.

CONTACT ONCALL DENTAL (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-573-9672

How to Handle a Chipped Tooth Emergency in Fresno

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Categories: Broken tooth, Chipped tooth, Dental emergency

man with chipped tooth in FresnoA sudden jolt of reality as you feel a jagged edge where enamel was meant to be. Your tooth. Chipped. You’re not alone, and your situation warrants swift, educated action. If you’re in Fresno and find yourself dealing with a chipped tooth, OnCall Dental – Fresno is here for you.

A chipped tooth is more than a cosmetic setback; it often signals a dental emergency. Not only can it be excruciatingly painful, but it can have lasting effects on your oral health if not addressed properly and promptly. While the initial shock may linger, swift and informed steps can minimize the damage and pain as well as pave the way for effective long-term treatment.

Understanding a Chipped Tooth

Before you can form a plan of action, it’s vital to understand the nature of a chipped tooth. A chipped tooth occurs when a portion of the tooth structure is broken off. This can happen for a multitude of reasons, from biting down on a hard object to trauma or decay. Depending on the severity of the chip, this could range from a mild cosmetic annoyance to a more critical issue that exposes the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to pain and potentially further damage.

The severity of a chipped tooth can be classified into various types:

  • Minor Chip: This is a small piece of enamel that’s broken off, often not causing significant pain. Cosmetic dentistry can usually address this type of chip.
  • Moderate Chip: A bit more substantial, a moderate chip might extend into the dentin or pulp of the tooth, requiring dental attention to avoid infection and further decay.
  • Severe Chip: If a large portion of the tooth breaks off, it can be quite painful, exposing the nerve. Immediate treatment is imperative to save the tooth.

Immediate Actions after Chipping a Tooth

The first moments after chipping a tooth are crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do:

1. Assess the Damage

Carefully rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Evaluate the size and location of the chip. If it’s a minor chip with no significant pain, you may not need to seek immediate emergency care.

2. Manage Pain and Swelling

If you’re experiencing pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen can be helpful. A cold compress applied to the outside of your mouth can also reduce swelling. Avoid using the damaged tooth for eating to prevent further injury.

3. Call OnCall Dental – Fresno

Even if it’s after hours, calling your dentist’s office or an after-hours emergency dental service can provide you with the necessary advice and an appointment for the next business day.

4. Save the Fragment

If a piece of your tooth broke off, try to locate and save it. Moistening it with saliva or milk can help preserve the tissue so it can potentially be reattached by your dentist.

5. Protect Your Tooth

In the meantime, you can protect the chipped tooth by applying dental wax or temporary filling material available at most drug stores. This keeps the area from being exposed to bacteria and food particles that can lead to decay and infection.

Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth

Once you’ve contacted our team and made an appointment, you can expect a few potential treatment options depending on the severity of the chip:

Cosmetic Bonding

For minor chips, cosmetic bonding can be an effective and minimally invasive treatment. The dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area, shaping and polishing it to match the natural contours of your tooth.

Dental Crown

Moderate to severe chips may require a dental crown, which is a cap placed over the damaged tooth. Crowns protect the tooth from further damage and restore its function and appearance.

Root Canal and Crown

If the chip is large enough to expose the pulp or nerve of the tooth, you may need a root canal to remove damaged tissue and then a crown to restore the tooth’s structure.

Extraction and Implant

In the most severe cases, when the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant, which provides a permanent solution for missing teeth.

Turning a Dental Emergency into a Positive Experience

Chipping a tooth can be an alarming experience, but it’s one that you can turn into a positive learning opportunity for better oral health practices. By acting swiftly and seeking out OnCall Dental – Fresno, you not only alleviate immediate discomfort but also ensure the long-term health and beauty of your smile.

CONTACT ONCALL DENTAL (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-573-9672

The Shock of Sudden Tooth Pain: Understanding and Managing Dental Emergencies in Fresno

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Categories: Broken tooth, Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

man in fresno suffering a dental emergency There’s nothing quite like the shock of extreme tooth pain suddenly disrupting your day. Whether it strikes in the quiet of the night or the midst of a busy afternoon, unexplained tooth pain can be debilitating, leaving you desperate for both relief and answers. At OnCall Dental- Fresno, our goal is to make your dental emergency tolerable.

Understanding Dental Emergencies

To appreciate how to manage a dental emergency, it’s vital to distinguish which conditions warrant urgent attention. The most common emergencies include:

Severe Toothaches

These are the kinds of toothaches that feel like your head is about to split open. They might be throbbing, piercing, or constant. The key characteristic is their unrelenting severity, often signaling an underlying issue such as an abscess or decay that has reached the nerve.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Sudden trauma or biting down on something hard can result in chips or fractures in your teeth, sometimes extending into the dentin or pulp and causing significant pain.

Knocked Out Teeth

Physical impact can sometimes dislodge a tooth from its socket. If you act quickly, there’s a chance the tooth can be saved, but time is of the essence.

Extruded (Partially Dislodged) Teeth

Similar to being knocked out, if a tooth has been partially moved from its original position, this should be treated as a dental emergency.

Lost Filling or Crown

When a filling or crown is suddenly lost, you’re left with an exposed tooth, which can be both painful and at risk of further damage.

Abscesses

Typified by swelling in your mouth, a severe, persistent toothache, and often a foul taste in the mouth, an abscess signals a serious infection that can spread to the jaw and even into the bloodstream.

Recognizing the urgency of these conditions is a crucial first step in responding to dental emergencies.

Immediate Actions and Self-Care

When dental distress strikes, what you do in the next few minutes can significantly impact the outcome. Here’s OnCall Dental – Fresno’s guide on how to respond to different scenarios:

Severe Tooth Ache

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • If there’s swelling, use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.
  • Briefly floss to check for any lodged food.
  • If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain medication (aspirin-free) and contact an emergency dentist.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

  • Save any pieces if possible.
  • Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply gauze to bleeding areas.
  • A cold compress can help with swelling.
  • Contact a dentist for an appointment as soon as possible.

Knocked Out Tooth

  • Retrieve the tooth by the crown (not the root) and rinse it gently if it’s dirty, without scrubbing it.
  • Try to re-insert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with clean gauze or a washcloth.
  • If it can’t be reinserted, store it in a container of milk, saliva, or a tooth-preservation product available from the pharmacy.
  • Seek immediate dental care.

Extruded Tooth

  • Gently try to push the tooth back into its normal position using very light finger pressure.
  • Hold the tooth in place with a moist tissue or gauze.
  • Call your dentist or an emergency room for an appointment.

Lost Filling or Crown

  • Keep the affected area clean.
  • Purchase dental cement or temporary filling material from the pharmacy to cover the exposed area until you can see the dentist.
  • Never use super glue or any other household adhesive. Dental products are specifically designed for this purpose.

Abscess

  • Rinse mouth with mild saltwater to help with the swollen area.
  • Contact your dentist for immediate care.

Remember, these are just initial measures to manage pain and prevent further damage. Coming in to see our professionals for proper dental care is crucial for full resolution.

Dealing with a dental emergency can be a jolting experience, but arming yourself with the right knowledge, skills, and resources can turn a frightening situation into a manageable one. By understanding what constitutes a dental emergency, knowing how to respond in the immediate aftermath, and seeking prompt professional care at OnCall Dental – Fresno, you can address the issue with clarity and composure. Remember, you are not alone — our professionals are ready to assist and guide you through these unforeseen events. Take proactive steps now to prepare for the unexpected, and you’ll be much better positioned to handle any uninvited tooth disturbances that cross your path.

CONTACT ONCALL DENTAL (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704
559-573-9672

Understanding Dental Abscess: OnCall Dental in Fresno

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Categories: dental abscess, Dental emergency, tooth infection

woman with painful dental abscess in FresnoA dental abscess is an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It can cause your tooth to become severely inflamed and filled with pus. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other parts of your body, posing serious health risks.

OnCall Dental in Fresno provides the expertise you need when faced with a dental emergency. In this piece, we’ll walk you through what a dental abscess is, the symptoms, treatment, and why having the right emergency dental service in your corner is crucial.

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that develops from a bacterial infection in the mouth. There are three types of dental abscesses:

  1. Gingival Abscess: This involves only the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligament.
  2. Periapical Abscess: This occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp (the innermost part of the tooth that contains the blood and nerve supply).
  3. Periodontal Abscess: This forms in the supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth, also known as periodontium.

The creation of this pus pocket is the body’s response to infection and draws white blood cells to the area to fight it off. When this occurs near a tooth, it can cause severe pain and affect the surrounding tissues.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms of a dental abscess may include:

  • Redness and swelling of the gums or cheeks
  • A persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the neck, ear, or jaw
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • A persistent bad taste in the mouth
  • Fever
  • Swelling in your face
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Recognizing these signs early and seeking emergency dental care is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and alleviate pain.

Treatment Options

The appropriate treatment for a dental abscess depends on the severity and type of the abscess but typically includes:

  • Drainage of the abscess: The dentist will make a small incision to drain the pus. They may need to perform a root canal to clean the affected area thoroughly.
  • Root Canal Treatment: If the abscess is within the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and prevent recurrence.
  • Extraction: In severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed.

In addition to these procedures, our team may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and manage the spread of bacteria. Pain management options might include over-the-counter pain relievers or more potent prescription medications for severe pain.

Why Emergency Dental Care Matters

A dental abscess is not only painful but can be a sign of serious health risks if left untreated. This is where emergency dental care steps in. OnCall Dental in Fresno offers swift, effective solutions for managing dental abscesses.

With weekend availability, our expert team ensures that no matter when you experience a dental emergency, you have access to the care you need. By acting swiftly and seeking professional help, you can prevent the spread of infection and save your teeth.

The OnCall Difference

When choosing an emergency dental service, there are several factors to consider. OnCall Dental sets itself apart with:

  • Immediate Response: A live person always answers the phone, ready to assist you when you need help the most.
  • Experienced Staff: Their team is well-equipped to handle any dental emergency with professionalism and care.
  • Comprehensive Solutions: OnCall Dental provides a range of services, from basic dental check-ups to complex dental procedures, ensuring all your needs are met under one roof.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Your comfort and well-being are top priorities, and the staff works to provide a positive and calming environment, even amid an emergency.

Choosing a dental provider like OnCall Dental gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are prepared no matter what dental emergency you may face. Dealing with a dental abscess can be a daunting experience, but with the right knowledge and access to top-notch emergency dental care, you can manage the situation effectively.

CONTACT ONCALL DENTAL (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

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