Blog - OnCall Dental News & Information

Tooth Knocked Out?

Posted on February 17, 2020February 14, 2020

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.

One 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.

When To Seek Urgent Care

Posted on February 3, 2020February 7, 2020

Aches and pains in the mouth are not all that uncommon, and a lot of people think the best approach is grin and bear it. But sometimes it really is best to get professional help right away, like what we provide at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

How do you know when a home remedy is not enough? Here are some signs you need emergency dental care:

Severe toothache. Toothaches are common, and it may not be obvious knowing it’s getting serious. Is it throbbing? Is it so bad you can’t sleep? A really bad toothache may indicate an infection, which could be an abscess in the root. Come see us for a proper diagnosis.

Loose tooth. We’re not talking about kids and baby teeth. If one of your permanent teeth is wiggling in your jaw, come see us right away. Adult teeth should never be loose. You may have had an injury. It may also be a sign of infection.

Swollen jaw. If your jaw swells up, come see us right away. This too could indicate an infection. We will do a thorough exam to see what’s going on.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno we specialize in emergency dentistry. A toothache won’t get better on its own; a chipped tooth won’t repair itself. But we can help. In emergency cases you do not need an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.

Dental Emergency: You Know It When You See It

Posted on January 15, 2020February 14, 2020

You may not be able to define a dental emergency off the top of your head, but you’ll know it when you see it. When you do, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

Any trauma to the mouth is likely to be considered a dental emergency. If there is any bleeding, you definitely want to seek attention promptly. If it isn’t treated, it could lead to a serious complication such as infection.

Common dental emergencies include:

Cracked teeth
Chipped teeth
Broken teeth
Severe toothache
Knocked out (avulsed) teeth

Of these, a knocked out tooth is the most serious by far. The other emergencies need attention, but with a knocked out tooth you’re in a race against the clock. Ideally you will get attention in an hour or less. Longer than that, and the chances of saving the tooth drop considerably.

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

All About Dental Emergencies

Posted on January 6, 2020December 19, 2019

Everyone has a different pain threshold and a different idea of what constitutes a dental emergency. At OnCall Dental in Fresno, we offer urgent dental care, and remind you to never take any chances when it comes to your teeth.

In other words, if you think you might have a dental emergency, don’t delay: hightail it to our office and let us take a look.

Chances are that if you have a genuine dental emergency, you’ll know it. It may be a throbbing toothache or a chipped tooth, or even a tooth knocked out of your mouth. There may be blood. Use your best judgment, but always err on the side of caution.

Emergencies

You can sustain a tooth fracture in any number of ways. You might fall of your bicycle or take an elbow to the mouth during a pickup basketball game. You could damage a tooth in a car accident: in a world with no guarantees, a dental trauma could occur in a multitude of different ways.

Things to consider:

Is there any pain?
If so, how great is it?
Is there blood?
Is there a chipped or cracked tooth?

Severe Toothache?

Posted on December 16, 2019December 12, 2019

Toothaches are never any fun, but when they get so bad they throb, it may be a sign of tooth damage. When that happens you should seek help right away. Remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno!

emergency dentist Fresno The most common cause of tooth pain is a cavity. Cavities can allow air and germs to get inside the tooth, which can infect its pulp – the soft tissue made up of nerves. The most immediate result of infection is pain.

Tooth infection can lead to an abscess. That means the tooth’s pulp is beginning to die. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria that’s causing it, but sometimes a root canal is necessary. If that happens, don’t worry: the root canal will eliminate your pain. With modern dental techniques you will not have any discomfort.

Other Symptoms

A toothache will not necessarily throb, of course. Other toothache indicators include:

A dull, persistent ache
Sharp pain when biting
Sensitive teeth
Pain or tenderness in the mouth
A bad taste or smell in the mouth
Fever

If you have any of these symptoms, it is a sign that something is going on and you should not ignore it.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno we provide toothache relief, and specialize in emergency dentistry. Your toothache won’t get better on its own; the sooner we are able to treat it, the better off you’ll be. In urgent cases you do not need to schedule an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.

Immediate Attention: Knocked Out Teeth

Posted on December 2, 2019November 26, 2019

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies there is, requiring immediate attention. If it happens to you or to someone you know, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

Something we cannot stress enough: you’re in a race against the clock. If a knocked out tooth is treated within an hour, there is a very good chance the tooth can be saved.

In the meantime, here are some things you can do before getting to our office:

Find the tooth.
Do not touch the root; pick it up by the crown (the chewing part).
Clean it. You can rinse it off in water, or lick it if need be.
Put it back in place. This only applies to adult teeth. Baby teeth are not re-inserted; it could damage the adult tooth beneath it.
Put a handerchief over it and bite down to keep it in place
If you cannot get it back in place, put the tooth in milk, or under your tongue.

Once you’re here, we will numb the area. If you were able to get it in the socket we’ll make sure it is properly positioned. Once we’ve taken x-rays and are satisfied the positioning is good, we’ll splint it in place so it can heal. This takes about two weeks.

If you were unable to find the knocked-out tooth, your options include getting a dental implant to replace it.

People get a tooth knocked out millions of times every year. It is among the most serious dental emergencies there is, but we’ve had a lot of experience and you’ll be in good hands. You can call ahead on your way in, but you don’t need an appointment and walk-ins are always welcome. At OnCall Dental in Fresno emergency dental care is our specialty.

What To Do If You Chip a Tooth

Posted on November 15, 2019November 26, 2019

Accidents happen when you least expect it. If you chip one of your teeth, you should see us at OnCall Dental in Fresno as soon as possible.

If you’re in a lot of pain, there are things you can do before you get to our office. The first thing is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofin or acetaminophen.

It’s also a good idea to rinse out your mouth with salt water. This will help to minimize the risk of infection.

With a chipped tooth, there is a good chance you’ll have a jagged or sharp edge. Don’t worry, we can fix it, and we’ll get to that in a moment. In the meantime, though, you can cover it up with a piece of gum (use sugarless). That should keep you from hurting your tongue or cheek. Another idea is to cover it with a piece of wax paraffin.

Once you get here, we’ll examine the damage and figure out the best way to fix it. There are several options.

Filling or bonding. This is a good choice if the chip is small. If it’s a front tooth we can use a composite resin material that matches the color of your teeth. This is known as bonding, and it can usually be done in one office visit.

Porcelain veneers. For a larger chip, a porcelain veneer is an ideal choice. Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade porcelain are custom-fitted to your tooth. They’re made in a lab, so it will take more than one appointment. The veneer is affixded to the front of your tooth, leaving you with a natural appearance.

Dental crown. For larger tooth damage, a crown may be in order. A dental crown is made to fit over the remaining portion of the tooth. This will protect it, and keep it functioning normally. Better still, it will look great.

Dental emergencies like chipped teeth are our specialaty, at OnCall Dental in Fresno. Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can schedule an appointment, too!

Something Stuck?

Posted on November 1, 2019December 2, 2019

Getting something lodged between your teeth can be really uncomfortable, even painful. It can drive you nuts, too. There are things you can do at home to dislodge something that’s stuck, but if it’s really wedged in there, your best bet is coming in to OnCall Dental in Fresno.

Before we give you some tips on what to do at home, here is a warning about what not to do: don’t use a toothpick, or any other pointed tool you might find in the junk drawer. A toothpick could easily crack while you dig with it, and leave a splinter. You’ll end up worse than when you started. And if you try some other pointed tool, you risk accidentally stabbing your gums.

So, that’s what not to try. What should you try?

Interdental picks. Not to be confused with a toothpick! These handy devices are available at any grocery or drugstore. They are soft and flexible, taper to a point, and are rigid enough to dislodge most stuck objects.

Dental floss. Floss is also a good bet. Waxed floss, in particular, is good for slipping into tight places to remove popcorn kernels or other stuck debris. It may help to tie a knot or two into the floss, and pull it through your teeth from the inside out.

Your toothbrush. The bristles of your toothbrush may be enough to push out whatever it is you have stuck between your teeth. (Use a soft bristled toothbrush for this, and for all of your brushing.)
Water flossers. A good blast of water may be just what you need. Water flossers emit pulsing jets of water that you can direct right at the stuck object.
Rinse. You may not have a water flosser. Rinsing your mouth out is probably not as effective, but certainly worth a shot. Use as much force as you can, for at least thirty seconds.

The most sure-fire method is to come in to OnCall Dental in Fresno. We have lots of experience with things stuck between teeth, and other dental emergencies. Walk-ins are always welcome: you don’t need an appointment!

Treating Toothache Pain

Posted on October 14, 2019December 2, 2019

A toothache can really get your attention. Toothaches make it hard to eat, hard to sleep, and hard to concentrate. At OnCall Dental in Fresno, we can ease toothache pain, even in the evening and on weekends, when other dentist offices are closed.

The most common cause of a toothache is a cavity, and we can fill one of those in a jiffy. Toothaches are caused when the nerve in a tooth’s root becomes irritated. That can also happen from infection or injury, or even in the site of an extraction.

Pain from a toothache can radiate around your face and head – the jaw, the cheeks, or the ear. It can range from mild to intense, and may be persistent or it may come and go. You may only notice it when you chew, or eat something hot or cold. However the pain affects you and whatever its cause, treatment should be made a priority.

Aside from cavities, the cause of a toothache might be:

Cracked tooth. Teeth can crack from trauma, biting something hard, and even from clenching.
Wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause pain when they’re coming in, especially if they’re impacted.
Abscess/Infection. This can cause severe pain and swelling.
Gum disease. Gums can become inflamed and cause you pain.

Most dental issues can be prevented by good oral hygiene: regular flossing, brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, and regular cleanings and checkups. We needed to say that, but this is not the place for a lecture on brushing your teeth!

At OnCall Dental in Fresno, we are here to relieve your pain and provide urgent dental care. Toothaches are only a few of the dental emergencies we treat. Walk-ins are always welcome!

Dental Emergency? Stay Calm!

Posted on October 1, 2019December 2, 2019

Dental emergencies can be scary, but take it from the team at OnCall Dental in Fresno: when one happens, the best thing you can do is stay calm. Stay calm, and get on over to our office.

There are many different situations that qualify as a dental emergency. Here are a few of them:

Toothache
Chipped or broken tooth
Crack tooth
Tooth knocked out
Something lodged between your teeth

When it comes to toothaches, you should never ignore one. A toothache is your body telling you that something is wrong. An accurate diagnosis is the best way to identify the problem and treat it.

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, we an usually reattach the broken part. Even if it’s lost, we can repair it with dental bonding.

A cracked tooth may be a more serious issue, since it might involved nerve damage. We will diagnose the extent of the damage and repair it.

Knocked out teeth are also serious. If you have recovered the tooth, keep it moist (placing it back in the socket is best) and head straight to our office. If it’s treated within an hour, chances are good the tooth can be saved.

Something stuck between teeth. You can try to dislodge it with dental floss. It can help to tie knots in the floss. Even if you get it out, come see us so we can assess the damage.

These are only a few of the dental emergencies we treat. Remember, it’s important to stay calm. At OnCall Dental in Fresno, walk-ins are always welcome.

Emergencies

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