Toothaches

All About Toothaches

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

Toothaches are one of the most common complaints we hear at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford. If you’re bothered with tooth pain, don’t hesitate: come into our office and we’ll get you fixed up.

We use the term “toothache” as if they are all the same. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth! A toothache may be anything from a dull ache to severe, throbbing pain. The pain may be persistent or it come and go. It may hurt when you bite or chew, or may result from something hot or cold.

Causes

Toothaches usually occur when there is inflammation in the tooth’s pulp. The pulp is soft tissue within the tooth. The inflammation may result from:

  • Cavities
  • Trauma
  • Infection
  • Gum disease
  • Jaw pain

Pain may also happen after a tooth is pulled. This is usually a side affect of the extraction, fades after a few days, and in the meantime can be controlled with medication.

Most dental problems can be prevented with daily brushing and flossing, and with regular cleanings and checkups.

Providing toothache relief is one of our most important duties at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford. We specialize in all types of emergency dentistry. In an emergency you do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome!


OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704


OnCall Dental – Hanford

When Is A Toothache An Emergency?

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

There can be a fine line between an ordinary toothache you can treat with one home remedy or another, and a toothache that needs the attention of a dentist. If your toothache crosses that fine line, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford.

Knowing when your toothache is not an emergency can save you money, as well as an unplanned trip to the dentist. But deciding to ride out the ache may lead to a bigger dental problem. Pain, after all, is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.

Toothaches are caused by various dental problems. A small one is usually no big deal, and may be related to something like a sinus infection. Possible causes include:

  • Tooth decay. This is probably the single most common cause of a toothache. If you have pain when you bite or chew, or from hot or cold food and beverages, it could be a cavity.
  • Wisdom teeth. With most people, wisdom teeth come in during the late teens or early twenties. If they don’t, and stay beneath the gumline, they can press against other teeth and cause pain.
  • Abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is infected and should be seen right away. These can be extremely painful and leave a bad taste in the mouth. An abscessed tooth is a clear dental emergency.

Providing toothache relief is one of our most important duties at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford. We specialize in all types of emergency dentistry. In an emergency you do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome!


OnCall Dental – Fresno
5492 N Palm Ave Ste A
Fresno, CA 93704


OnCall Dental – Hanford

The Causes of Toothache Pain

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Tooth pain, Toothaches

The most common cause of a toothache, by far, is a cavity. The pain from tooth decay can be unbearable. If it happens at night or on the weekend, the idea of waiting until Monday may be out of the question. If you’re in that fix, remember us at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford.

The main reason a cavity causes tooth pain is that the decay has reached the inner layer of tooth called the dentin. If the pain is really severe it may have reached the center of the tooth, which is more serious. Get to our office as soon as you can.

Other Causes

While it’s the most common, an orindary cavity is not the only cause of a toothache. Here are some others:

  • Tooth abscess. This is, in fact, advanced tooth decay. The decay can actually infect the root and surrounding tissue. It can cause a lot of pain that spreads along the other teeth, to the point where pinpointing the problem area can be tricky. It’s a serious condition and needs to be treated promptly.
  • Damaged fillings. In a perfect world, a tooth filling would last forever. Unfortunatley it doesn’t work that way; fillings can wear out, become cracked, or covered in pits or grooves. When that happens the sensitive part of the tooth, repaired by the filling, is exposed. We’ll need to replace the filling.
  • Factured tooth. A tooth can be cracked in any number of ways, from an accident at home to a sports mishap. Fractures can be painful, but we can treat them. (We’ll take this opportunity to remind you: in sports, a mouthguard is essential gear!)
  • Gum disease. Tooth pain may also be a sign of gum disease. You will typically noticed a full pain in the mouth, along with bleeding gums. This should be treated promptly. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.

At OnCall Dental we are only a phone call away. But in an emergency you do not need to make appointment. We have offices in Fresno and Hanford, and treat toothache pain and specialize in emergency dentistry.  Walk-ins are always welcome!

When To Seek Urgent Care

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

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.

Severe Toothache?

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Toothaches

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 FresnoThe 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.

Treating Toothache Pain

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

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!

Getting Rid of Toothache Pain

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Tooth pain, Toothaches

When you’ve got a bad toothache, the last thing on your mind might be what’s causing it. It’s the pain, and getting rid of it, that is front-and-center. If your toothache lasts longer than a day or two, remember that the team at OnCall Dental in Fresno is here, and that walk-ins are always welcome.

Once you’re here, the first order of business is getting rid of the pain. But we’re concerned with what’s causing the toothache, too. Possible causes include:

  • Tooth decay (the most common)
  • An abscess
  • A damaged filling
  • A cracked tooth
  • Infected gums

We’ll Ask Questions

We’ll need to get certain information from you, like how long you’ve had the toothache. We’ll ask you to rate the pain level, probably on a scale of one through ten.

We’ll also need to know it’s exact location, and what is making the pain worse, like chewing or temperature. Sometimes it’s hard for a patient to pinpoint exactly which tooth is the problem, but don’t worry, we’ll get there.

Pain relief is high on our list, but we’ll need to do a thorough examination. We’ll check your teeth and gums, your tongue and throat, sinuses, and jaws. We’ll even check your sinuses, ease, nose, and neck.

If the cause of your toothache is a cavity then we’ll probably fill it. In extreme cases an extraction may be necessary. If there’s an infection we may need to perform a root canal.

Everything we do is aimed at relieving your toothache and getting you back to good dental health. At OnCall Dental in Fresno, emergency dental care is our specialty. You don’t need an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.

Severe Tooth Pain?

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Categories: Dental emergency, Tooth pain, Toothaches

When you are suffering with severe tooth pain, you probaby aren’t overly concerned about the cause. More likely you are thinking about relief, because severe tooth pain can get your attention like nothing else. You can find relief from severe tooth pain at OnCall Dental in Fresno.

There are any number of possible causes for severe tooth pain. The most common is tooth decay: a cavity. These are easily treated with a filling.

Tooth pain may also indicate gum disease. It happens when the gums get inflamed. Treatment is a procedure called scaling, which is a deep cleaning.

Other causes of severe tooth pain include:

  • Wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, which means there isn’t enough room for them to grow in. Wisdom teeth usually come in the late teens or early twenties. They cause problems for many people and extracting them is often recommended.
  • Cracked tooth. Even without having a cavity or an obvious trauma, teeth can crack. These can lead to severe tooth pain.
  • Abscess or Infection. This is usually the result of an issue, like one of the above, that has not been treated. It can cause severe pain and swelling around the affected area.
  • Worn down enamel. This can result in teeth sensitivity. You may have pain when chewing hard foods, or from hot and cold foods and beverages.

Whatever the cause might be, we’ll find it and treat it at OnCall Dental in Fresno.  Toothache relief and dental emergencies are our specialties. You don’t need an appointment; walk-ins are always welcome.

Weekend Dental Emergencies

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Categories: Dental emergency, Injury, Tooth pain, Toothaches

Are you really more likely to have a dental emergency on the weekend, when most dentist offices are closed? It sure seems that way. At OnCall Dental in Fresno we don’t have any statistics to support that one way or the other, but we definitely have some ideas about it.

It could be that you’re more likely to have a dental emergency on the weekend, for the simple reason that we’re more active on those two glorious days between work weeks. The kids are in soccer leagues, and so are some of the adults. We try to get to the gym, or out on our bicycles for a quick twenty miles. And is there a better time for a pickup basketball game?

We get out to the movies more on weekends, too. That might not seem like a recipe for a dental emergency, but try telling that to someone with a popcorn shell hopelessly wedged between their teeth.

And then there are the toothaches. A weekend may only be two days long, but when your tooth is throbbing it can seem like two centuries.

There is no substitute for professional dental care. But there are some home remedies you can try that might bring you some short-term relief. For pain from a toothache, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can take the edge off.

There are anesthetic gels you can find at any drugstore, too. These also work, but they must be used with care, because they can irritate your gums. Follow all label instructions carefully.

For those who prefer natural treatments, placing cloves in the side of your cheek is said to work wonders. Use a whole clove, and put it right next to an aching tooth. Clove oil can naturally settle down inflamed nerves.

Of course, there is always a good-old-fashioned ice pack. Wrap ice in a towel  and put it on the side of your face. It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth out with warm salt water. Just be sure to spit, not swallow.

But seeing a dentist is the best course of action. On weekends, and after-hours during the week, your best bet is OnCall Dental in Fresno. We’re here 24/7 and specialize in emergency dentistry, including toothache relief. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Toothache! What To Do Until You Get Here

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Categories: Emergency Dentist, Tooth pain, Toothaches

Your gums and jaw are tender and throbbing from a toothache, and the pain seems to radiate throughout your head. It’s nearly your bedtime, too – after hours for your usual dentist, and most other dentists, too. But OnCall Dental in Fresno is open, and we treat toothaches and other dental emergencies.

Driving here is out of the question, however, and it’s going to be a little while until your ride shows up. Meanwhile the pain is relentless. What can you do until you get here and get some proper treatment?

Here are some home remedies for toothache pain, and after gulping down an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofin, you might want to give one of them a try. They’re no substitute for the dentist, but if they make the next half hour more bearable, what is there to lose?

  • Saltwater rinse. This one is tried and true, and good for the short term. Mix about half a teaspoon of ordinary table salt into eight ounces of warm water. Switsh it gently around your mouth and then spit it out. Repeat.
  • Ice, or a cold compress. Wrap it in a soft towel and hold it against the side of your face. It can help ease the pain. If there is any swelling, it could indicate an abscess. We’ll figure that out when you get here; just be sure to get here without delay.
  • Garlic. You read that right. Take a clove of garlic, crush it, and place it against the sore tooth. There is no science to this, and it may be nothing more than an old wive’s tale, but the allicin released by crushing is said to be a natural disease fighter. It may or may not help – but it will do a number on your breath. You probably knew that already.

The most important thing is to get to OnCall Dental in Fresno as soon as you can. We specialize in emergency dentistry, including toothache relief, and we’re here 24/7. Walk-ins are always welcome.