Dental Emergency Statistics

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Categories: Dental emergency, Urgent care

At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA, we want all our patients to stay informed of the importance of emergency dentistry. Don’t ever hesitate to come to our offices for a dental problem. If you’re wondering whether its an emergency, it probably warrants that sort of worry, and we would wager that you’re right!

In order to stress the crucial relationship between emergency dental clinics and their patients, we have put together a list of dental emergency stats from a host of different sources. Check it out below!

Stats From The Centers for Disease Control

A study by the CDC found that, in 2020:

  • 13.2% of children aged 5-19 years had untreated dental issues
  • 25.9% of adults aged 20-44 had untreated dental issues.
  • 85.9% of children aged 2-17 years had a dental visit in the past year.
  • 63% of adults aged 18 and over had dental visit in the past year.

What Does it Mean?

We are seeing a sharp drop-off in dental visits and a similarly high uptick in dental issues. This happens specifically during the transition from childhood to adulthood. If we take these statistics as indicative of anything, it’s that, when we are children, dental care is prioritized for us. But, a lot of us stop caring once we reach a certain age! If this trend continues, it could mean a nationwide epidemic of tooth loss. Make sure to not add to these negative statistics by visiting us regularly!

Stats From The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project

Another study, this one by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, found that, in 2018:

  • There were 2 million dental-related emergency visits in the United States. accounting for 1.4 percent of the 143 million total emergency visits.
  • 94.5 percent of dental-related visits were treat and release.

What Does it Mean?

Even with the drop-off at 20 years of age, dental emergency visits still account for a huge percentage of overall emergencies. This points to the importance emergency dentistry plays in society. As for the second statistic, it’s good news for the average dental patient! It means that most emergency visits were treated on a same-day basis and the patients got to return to their homes without extensive surgical work.

We encourage our patients to read both of these studies, as they contain these and many other important facts. They might help you realize how common dental emergencies are! You’re not alone. Many patients rely on emergency dentistry from OnCall Dental in Fresno CA and think nothing of it. If dental anxiety is still a concern when deciding on emergency treatment, we offer sedation options and a comfortable, judgment-free atmosphere. Contact us today!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

Most Common Emergencies in Fresno

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA, we know it can be hard to gauge if your tooth pain or discomfort is an emergency. For this reason, one of our main mission is to keep patients informed. Patient education and direct communication are cornerstones of our practice!

In this spirit, and in order to educate our community, our team has put together a list of the most common dental emergencies in Fresno, as well as what you can do to remedy them.

Most Common Dental Emergencies

  • Cracked, Chipped, or Missing Teeth: This one is self-explanatory; when your teeth are cracked, chipped, or have fallen out entirely, it definitely constitutes an emergency. Don’t wait! With dental bonding and in-depth cleanings, we can help restore your smile.
  • Oral or Dental Pain: Over the counter medication can help until you can come in for a check-up, but if your pain is severe and centered around the gums or teeth, we encourage you to come immediately! A visit could save you from greater structural problems.
  • Abscessed Tooth: Many of our patients around the age of 20 begin to have alignment issues when their wisdom teeth emerge. This can eventually lead to an abscessed tooth, as the wisdom tooth does not have space to grow upward, and instead grows sideways and into the gum. It can lead to intense pain and should be treated immediately with an extraction.
  • Mouth Trauma: If you’ve been in an accident, or have suffered other forms of trauma to your teeth and mouth, you could be in for a lot of chronic pain and structural issues. But if you come to our office, we can analyze your jaw and help you restore your smile.
  • Gum Disease: This might not seem like an emergency, and in its earliest stages, it isn’t. But, if left unchecked, gum disease can cause oral infections, tooth loss, and gum recession. And those are definitely emergencies! If your teeth are sensitive, swollen, or bleed when you brush them, come see us.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA, we have a mantra: if it feels like an emergency, it probably is! So err on the side of caution and come see us. Patients also come to us for general dentistry. Contact us today. Walk-ins are welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

Dental Emergency? Here’s What To Do

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Categories: Bit tongue, Broken tooth, Chipped tooth, Dental emergency, Knocked out tooth

If emergencies were convenient, they wouldn’t be emergencies. When a dental emergency happens, acting fast in those key moments can make all the difference between a fixed tooth and a lost tooth. This is why, at OnCall Dental in Frenso CA, we keep all our patients informed of our complete dental emergency services.

Dental emergencies happen most often at night or weekend. During parties and relaxing gatherings, we can be less careful with out bodies and smiles. During these hours, you might find yourself taking part in activities that can result in cracked, chipped, or knocked out teeth.

If your tooth cracks, first things first: give your mouth a rinse with warm water to clear away any debris and harmful bacteria. Then, use a cold compresses to help minimize swelling. When you’re done doing all that, head quickly to our office!

If you bite your lip or tongue, we recommend the same procedure. Clean the area gently by swishing some water, and then apply a cold compress to your the abrasion.

But what if your tooth is knocked out altogether?  One tackle or an elbow to the jaw, and you might have yourself a bigger problem than just some chips and gaps. If your tooth has fallen out, timing is critical. Try to reinsert the fallen tooth loosely back into your jaw, making sure not to touch its root. If this is not possible without pain or discomfort, don’t force it! Instead, nestle the tooth safely between your cheek and your gums, or even place it inside a glass of milk.

The most vital instruction we can give is to take the fastest, most direct route to our offices. If we are able to treat the missing tooth inside the hour, chances are high that we can save your natural tooth and root.

Though this post only covers certain dental emergencies, the list of possible accidents and mishaps is endless. Painful toothaches that wake you up from your restful sleep, objects that get lodged between your teeth and cause pain; whatever the problem might be, we can help! OnCall Dental in Fresno CA offers emergency dentistry, as well as general dentistry, toothache relief, and many other services. Contact us today! In an emergency, walk-ins are welcome.

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

Keeping You Calm During An Emergency

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Categories: Dental emergency, Sedation Dentistry

At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA, we know that a dental emergency can feel like the end of the world. When you visit us, on top of pain, discomfort, and shock, there’s also the added anxiety of the procedure itself.

The last thing a patient wants when they’re in pain is to subject themselves to potentially uncomfortable dentistry right afterwards. If you are letting dental anxiety prevent you from getting the pain management you need, our sedation options might be the best choice for you.

Our team has put together a small primer on all the sedation dentistry we offer, so you can rest easy knowing that your dental emergency will be dealt with calmly and peacefully.

Sedation Dentistry in Fresno

  • Anesthesia: The most basic numbing option in any practice, local anesthetics ensure that, after a small pinprick of pain, you will be comfortably numb for the entirety of your emergency dental visit.
  • Conscious Sedation: This involves taking a pill before your appointment. Your dentist will provide the proper dose of anti-anxiety medication so you can be relaxed, safe, and at-ease. Someone will have to drive you to and from the procedure.
  • Nitrous Oxide: You might have heard people call this ‘laughing gas’ and it’s aptly named! It puts you in a calm and relaxed state. You might even feel giddy! It’s a strange feeling to associate with an emergency, but it beats stress!

An emergency doesn’t need to be more chaotic than it already is. At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA, we offer a comfortable, judgment-free atmosphere and our team of knowledgable dental professionals is ready to answer any questions you might have about sedation, emergency dentistry, or any other topic. Satisfied patients also come to us for general dentistry and dental implants. Request an appointment today!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

Your Toothache Might Be An Abscess

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain

At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA, we constantly remind our patients that if something feels like an emergency, they shouldn’t hesitate to see us. However, we know that sometimes pain can seem manageable and a patient might choose to put off treatment.

Our suggestion: don’t even think about it! Your dull ache could actually constitute a serious dental emergency!

When bacteria from food and saliva coat our teeth and we fail to properly clean them, the debris and detritus can infect the gum tissue and teeth. This can cause cracked, broken, or damaged teeth. If left untreated, this leads to a tooth infection.

A dental abscess is a tooth infection where a concentration of pus forms somewhere in or around a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection, and this could be causing your pain.

Symptoms of an Abscess Infection

  • Tooth pain or toothache.
  • Hot or throbbing tooth pain.
  • Bad breath.
  • Gum tenderness or swelling of the gums.
  • Tooth sensitivity.

If you have any of these, you might be suffering from a dental abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, causing bone and tooth loss. So, listen to what your mouth is telling you! If you’re in pain, contact OnCall Dental in Fresno CA. We specialize in emergency dentistry and provide pain-relief to patients every day. Request an appointment today!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

The Signs of an Emergency

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist

OnCall Dental in Fresno CA knows that it can sometimes be hard to tell if a dental problem is an emergency. We receive patients every day who apologize before even telling us what’s wrong!

They think that they’re wasting our time (and their own) with a problem that’s not serious. We always respond the same way: that’s what we’re here for! If you’re not sure whether something is an emergency, we suggest erring on the side of caution and giving us a visit.

We can help put any fears to rest if the issue is not serious. However, more often than not, if a patient feels pain, it means something is wrong with their dental health.

However, we know that sometimes it can be hard to find time to go to the dentist. Due to this, our team has put together a list of the common signs of an emergency, so you can check your symptoms against it and stay informed.

The 4 Signs of a Dental Emergency

  1. Pain: The most common symptom, this can be surprisingly hard to gauge. If you have sensitive teeth, you might experience some painful discomfort from time to time. But if you feel serious pain inside, underneath, or around your teeth, then the situation is most likely an emergency.
  2. Bleeding: Also a common ailment, if you bleed when you brush or floss, it might signal a larger, underlying issue. If you experience bleeding, you should contact us immediately.
  3. Swelling: The body knows how to signal an infection, so if you see any swelling in your gumline, make sure to listen. Contact us as soon as possible.
  4. Loose Teeth: Don’t write off slightly loose teeth as simple aging; this symptom can signal a loosening of your overall tooth structure. In order to avoid tooth loss, your best bet is scheduling a consult.
  5. Sudden Tooth Loss: It’s easy to feel disillusioned when a tooth fails, but it’s never too late to restore your smile. We can help.

This is not an all-encompassing list. There are many other types of dental emergencies, each with their own associated symptoms. A good rule of thumb is: if it feels like an emergency, then it most likely is an emergency.

We offer a comfortable environment and a trusted team of professionals and are ready to answer any questions you might have. Trust your gut and contact OnCall Dental in Fresno CA to request an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

Emergency Toothache?

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Categories: Tooth pain, Toothaches, Urgent care

Toothaches are probably the most common complaint we get from patients at OnCall Dental in Fresno CA. But if toothaches are so common, are they really a dental emergency?

Not always – but they certainly can be! A toothache can range from mild to severe, and we know from experience there’s nothing quite like toothache pain to keep you up at night.

Toothache Types

A tooth with an infection can be painful indeed, and can easily be considered a dental emergency. If it isn’t treated promptly, the infection will not only threaten the tooth, it can spread to other parts of the body and result in serious health issues.

Other common types of toothaches are:

  • Dull, persistent pain. This is easily the most common type, and may be caused by something as simple as food lodged between teeth. Rinsing with warm water and flossing may be enough, but if it continues, give us a call.
  • Sharp pain. This is a real attention-getter, and merits a professional opinion. It could be the result of a loose filling or crown, or tooth trauma, or decay. Call us!
  • Severe throbbing pain. This is definitely something we should see right away. Even if we don’t think the cause needs immediate treatment, we can schedule something soon and advise you on how to deal with the pain.
  • Sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is fairly common. It’s most often felt when eating or drinking very hot or very cold things. Sensitive teeth often respond to special sensitivity toothpastes. But if a reaction to temperature is severe, and lasts more than thirty seconds, let us take a look.

If you have a toothache, you’ll probably be okay – but never take anything for granted. Get it treated right away. At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA we specialize in emergency dentistry. Remember, when it’s urgent no appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

Dental Emergencies And Their Signs

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Urgent care

There are several common dental emergencies, but just because they are common doesn’t make them unavoidable. In this post from OnCall Dental in Fresno CA we describe the most common dental emergencies, and what you can do to prevent them.

The way you respond to a dental emergency matters: it can make the difference between complete recovery and long-term damage.

Common Dental Emergencies

These are the most common dental emergencies we see in our office:

  • Toothache. Pain is always a giveaway. Of course, there is a difference between an ordinary toothache and one requiring prompt attention. The greater the pain, the more serious is probably is. Severe toothaches may indicate an abscess, which can spread through the body. In the short term a cold compress can relieve pain. You should also call us and describe your symptoms.
  • Tooth trauma. All it takes is a collision on the playing field or a household mishap, and you have a chipped or broken tooth. If part of your tooth breaks off, save it if you can; we may be able to bond it back together. A cold compress and/or over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but come see us.
  • Knocked out tooth. A more serious tooth trauma is a knocked out (avulsed) tooth. This requires immediate attention. Never touch a knocked-out tooth by its root. Place it back in the socket if you can, or just hold it in your mouth. If it’s treated within an hour chances are good the tooth can be saved.

Of course, there will always be accidents and unavoidable dental emergencies. When they happen remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno CA. We specialize in urgent dental care. Remember, when it’s an emergency no appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency?

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

No one wants pain to linger. From a stubbed toe to a tummyache, we all want pain to go away. Toothache pain can keep you up at night, and at OnCall Dental in Fresno CA, we ask: how do you decide that it’s become a dental emergency?

You can’t judge it entirely by how bad the pain is, although severity can be a red flag. If you have toothache pain and it lasts for more than a couple of days, we advise you come see us.

Vanishing Pain?

The most common cause of a toothache is a cavity. When the pain gets really bad, it may mean the cavity has reached an advanced stage. It could also mean an infection.

Whatever is causing the pain, it won’t fix itself. On occasion, toothache pain can vanish before the tooth is treated. Don’t let that fool you! The cause of the toothache is still there. Pain going away on its own could indicate that the soft tissues within the tooth have died. At that point a root canal may be needed to save the tooth.

When you have your toothache treated right away, the main benefit, of course, is that the pain is gone. But you might just be saving the tooth from extraction.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA we specialize in dental emergencies and toothache relief. Remember, in an urgent situation no appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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

Knocked Out Tooth: Beat The Clock!

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Knocked out tooth, Urgent care

When a tooth is completely dislodged from its socket it is technically called an avulsion, and it’s one of the most serious dental emergencies there is. If it happens to you, remember that OnCall Dental in Fresno CA can help.

Having a tooth completely knocked out can be really scary. If there is any good news at all, it’s that if we’re able to treat it within an hour, the chances of saving it are pretty good.

Wear That Mouthguard!

When a tooth is knocked out it is definitely a race against the clock to have it treated. We can’t stress that enough. Most experts say a knocked out tooth should be placed in a glass of milk as you rush to seek treatment. Milk has certain properties that can help the tooth.

But chances are you won’t have a carton of milk handy, and seeing us of treatment is your top priority. It’s usually enouigh to place the tooth between your cheek and gum, or under your tongue.

One of the most common ways teeth are knocked out is from a mishap while playing sports. This is a good time for us to remind you to always, repeat always, wear a mouthguard!

At OnCall Dental in Fresno CA, we specialize in dental emergencies and have treated countless knocked out teeth. In an urgent situation no appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome!

Contact OnCall Dental (Tap to open in Google Maps):


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