Chipped Tooth, Cracked Tooth: What’s The Difference?

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Categories: Broken tooth, Chipped tooth, Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Urgent care

Our patients at OnCall Dental in Fresno present us with different types of tooth damage. Any kind of tooth trauma can be scary, and we take even minor damage seriously, and repair it.

Healthy teeth are really strong, but are as vulnerable to injury as any other part of the body. A little roughhousing among friends, an accident on the playing field, or a mishap at home can cause a serious problem.

Treatment Options

Here are the different types of tooth traumas, and what we can do about them.

  • A chipped tooth is probably the least serious. They don’t usually hurt much, although the tooth’s jagged edge can irritate the mouth’s soft tissue. But it’s possible the tooth interior is exposed. Small chips can be filled and polished, while larger chips may required a crown.
  • A cracked tooth may have a fracture near thte gumline, moving to the outer part of the tooth. Cracked teeth are more likely to be painful, and severe cracks can reach the root and destroy the tooth. Smaller ones can be filled with resin, while larger cracks can splinted and may require a root canal.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we want to know about any tooth trauma right away. Take no chances! We have a lot of experience with dental emergencies. 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

Immediate Dental Care!

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Categories: Dental emergency, Urgent care

A dental emergency is any situation involving the mouth that requires immediate professional attention. By definition they happen without warning. When they do, stay calm and remember the team  here at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

Lots of situations can be considered dental emergencies. Their common threads are mouth pain, discomfort, and injury – one or all of these.

What We Can Treat

Not all dentists are able to provide urgent care, but that’s where we come in. The emergencies we can and have treated include:

  • Cracked or broken teeth
  • Tooth infections
  • Avulsed (knocked  out) teeth
  • Toothaches
  • Objects stuck between teeth

In an emergency you should seek professional treatment right away; don’t take anything for granted. In the short term, you can (as applicable) rinse your mouth out with warm water or apply a cold pack. But heading straight to our office is essential.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we are equpped to treat a full range of dental emergencies. In an urgent situation an appointment is not 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

Chipped Tooth: No Big Deal?

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Categories: Chipped tooth, Dental emergency

That chipped tooth you have may not seem like a big deal. It doesn’t hurt, so it certainly doesn’t merit rushing to OnCall Dental in Fresno for emergency treatment. Or does it?

It’s true that on that grand list of dental emergencies, a chipped tooth isn’t in the top two or three. But it won’t get better on its own. It certainly won’t grow back. If it isn’t treated, it could lead to other problems.

Worse And Worse

A chip may happen because of a cavity that has weakened the tooth structure. That menas that the tooth’s integrity was compromised even before it got chipped. Chances are it will be painful now: to hot and cold, and to pressure.

Perhaps more worrisome is that the tooth is more vulnerable to new cavities and infection. The more severe the chip, the more likely additional problems may develop. If it never gets treated it could lead to an abcess. That an mean needing a root canal, and if it spreads, it could compromise your overall health.

In and of itself, that chipped tooth may not seem to serious. But never take anything for granted. At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we treat chipped teeth, and provide complete emergency dentistry. Remember, walk-ins are always 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

Unexplained Toothache?

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist, Toothaches, Urgent care

Most toothaches are caused by cavities, but sometimes the cause of a toothache isn’t obvious – at least, not to a non-dentist. That can cause some anxiety, in addition to tooth pain. If your toothache is an emergency, remember the team at OnCall Dental in Fresno is here for you.

The pulp inside teeth contain nerves that are some of the most sensitive in the body. That’s one reason why toothaches can be so painful (and why we numb you before most dental work). When these pulp nerves are infected the pain level can really go off the charts.

Get Help!

Sometimes toothaches will get better on their own. Such minor toothaches can be caused by gum irritation that responds to simple home treatment, like rinsing with warm salt water. But more serious toothaches absolutely require the attention of a dentist.

Teeth with infected pulp, fractures, damaged fillings,  or are worn from teeth grinding should be treated by a dentist. You can find temporary relief at home by rinsing, or with a cold compress, or pain relievers. People have even found short-term relief with clove oil (dabbed on with a cotton swab). But you’ll need professional treatment – the sooner the better.

Most toothaches won’t get better without proper treatment. At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we treat treat toothaches, including infected and abscessed teeth. Remember, walk-ins are always 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

Consider It An Emergency: Abscessed Tooth

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

A tooth abscess is a severe, painful infection. It’s hard to predict what will happen with an abscessed tooth in the short term, so you should consider it a dental emergency and head on over to OnCall Dental in Fresno.

Abscessed teeth can be dangerous, and they will not get better without treatment. Left untreated, in fact, the infection will probably spread through the jaw and neck. It can even get into the brain, and be fatal.

Take No Chances

That’s why you should never take a toothache for granted, even if it doesn’t seem that bad. Don’t get us wrong: having a toothache does not mean you have an abscessed tooth. Most toothaches, in  fact, are caused by cavities.

But never take it for granted. The main symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

  • A throbbing toothache
  • Pain that radiates through the jaw, neck, or ear
  • Fever
  • Swelling in the face
  • Pain when chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold

To repeat: abscessed teeth are hard to predict. Do not take any chances! Assume it’s an emergency, and remember OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford. We treat abscessed teeth and specialize in emergency dentistry. Remember, walk-ins are always 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: Signs and Symptoms

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Categories: Dental emergency, Emergency Dentist, Urgent care

Emergency dental conditions are serious and should be seen by a dental professional as soon as possible. There are certain symptoms that tell tell you your condition can’t wait until tomorrow. In cases like that, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

The indications of a genuine dental emergency include:

  • Extreme pain. Pain always gets your attention. Extreme tooth pain may indicate an infection. When it gets into the pulp of a tooth there may be a lot of pain, along with swelling. Worse yet, there is the potential it could spread through the rest of your body. See us ASAP.
  • Cracked or broken tooth. A tooth that is cracked all the way through will probably need to be extracted. A smaller crack can be fixed with a filling. We will need to examine you to determine just how bad  it is.
  • Knocked out tooth. This is one of the most serious dental emergencies there is, and time is of the essence. If it can be treated within an hour there’s a good chance the tooth can be saved.
  • Bleeding. It may not seem all that serious if there is blood on your dental floss or in saliva. On floss, it could be a sign of gum disease. In saliva, it may be advanced gum disease, or even a sign of cancer. See us right away.

If you have the slightest doubt whether your condition is an emergency, call us. OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford specializes in  emergency dentistry. Remember, walk-ins are always 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

How To Handle A Severe Toothache

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

We all get toothaches from time to time. Whenever you get one, the best course of action is to have it looked at by a dentist as soon as possible. Remember that the team at OnCall Dental in Fresno is here for you with expert emergency dental care.

Sometimes you can’t get here as soon as you would like to. When that happens there are things you can do at home to relieve the pain, or at least make it bearable. Just remember that no home remedy is a substitute for seeing the dentist.

Self-Care Tips

We’ve prepared a list of things you can do. Pick and choose from this list: they are not a series of steps, and you don’t have to try them all.

There are two things that can help a bad toothache: reducing any inflammation, and cut off signals from the pain site to your brain.

  1. The first objective can be achieved with a cold compress. An ice pack, or even something like a bag of frozen vegetables, is ideal for this. Hold against the side of your jaw for twenty minute intervals. Remember to wrap it in a clean cloth so the cold source is not in direct contact, which could damage your skin.
  2. For the other goal, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. This helps to cut off the signals to your brain, and is also an anti-inflammatory. Read the label and follow the instructions to the letter.

In addition, you can:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
  • Try garlic. Crush it into a fine paste (use the flat of a knife blade) and apply it directly to the affected area.
  • Try clove oil. This is an old home remedy that can reduce inflammation and pain, and even sterilize the inside of your mouth. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and apply directly to the tooth.

The important thing, though, is professional treatment. At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford, toothache relief is among our emergency dentistry specialties. In an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always 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

First Things First: A Fractured Tooth

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Categories: Broken tooth, Dental emergency

A fractured tooth requires professional attention, and we have treated a lot of them at OnCall Dental in Fresno. But there are some things you should do before heading to our office.

Fractured teeth can be very painful, and there is also the possibility of an infection setting in. This, in turn, can lead to other issues. It is not something you can put off until later!

First Things First

Before picking up the phone to call us, there are two things you can do to help yourself.

  • Rinse your mouth out. Use warm salt water. This can help to prevent minor swelling, and provide pain relief. Be sure to rinse thoroughly!
  • Take a pain reliever. Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can take the edge off any pain. It will also help to prevent swelling and infection or possible fever.

At this point, give us a call. We’ll get you into one of our examination rooms ASAP, assess the severity of the fracture, and determine the best course of action.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we have years of experienced  with fractured teeth and other dental emergencies. Remember, in an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always 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 Extractions

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Categories: Extractions, Tooth pain, Toothaches

A toothache is an SOS from your brain that something is wrong. If you or someone in your home has a toothache there is no need to suffer. Remember the team at OnCall Dental in Fresno. We are here to help!

Severe toothache pain is unbearable, and may also be a sign of something seriously wrong. In a worst case scenario the tooth may need to be extracted. If you have tried everything from pain relievers to ice packs but nothing helps, it’s time for a professional opinion.

Signs

Even intense tooth pain can subside on its own, but you should never take anything for granted. Waiting too long may make things worse. The following are signs that you may need an extraction.

  • Intense and persistent pain. If your pain isn’t responding to basic home remedies like ice or pain relievers.
  • Severe tooth damage. Pain that results from a damaged tooth may require extraction.
  • Painful swelling. If there is swelling along the jaw it may be a sign of infection. This should be treated promptly to prevent spreading. An infected tooth may require extraction.

Any of these symptoms are serious enough for immediate professional attention.  At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we perform tooth extractions, and other dental emergencies. In an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always 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

My Tooth Got Knocked Out!

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A knocked out tooth is technically called an “avulsed” tooth, and when it comes to dental emergencies it’s about as serious as it gets. If it happens to you, get to OnCall Dental in Fresno as soon as you possibly can.

When a tooth is literally knocked out – not chipped or cracked, but actually knocked from the jaw – its nerves, blood vessels and supporting tissue is also damaged. Unfortunately it cannot be repaired. But it can be reinserted into the jaw, and if it is treated promptly there is an excellent chance it can be saved.

Use Caution!

A knocked out tooth must be treated with great care. Only touch it by the crown (the biting and chewing part). It’s okay to rinse it off with milk or water, but to prevent further damage do not scrub it or wipe it off.

Your priority should be getting treatment, but as you head to the office keep the tooth moist. This is really important. Put it in some milk if you can. Otherwise it’s okay to place it in your mouth between the cheek and gum. Do not try to force it back into the socket.

We will do our best to reinsert the tooth. Chances are best when it is treated within an hour. The tooth will require a root canal, and we may want to do it right away. Every case is different.

At OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we have treated many knocked out teeth, and other dental emergencies. We can also do root canals. In an emergency no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are always 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