Urgent care

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Emergencies: First Response

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Categories: Dental emergency, Urgent care

In a dental emergency it is imperative that you seek professional help to address the issue. It’s a good idea to keep the phone number to OnCall Dental in Fresno handy – on your refrigerator, say, attached with a magnet.

But we understand there is always the sense that in the short term, you want to be your own first responder. So we’re using this blog post to describe some basic things you can do at home in a dental emergency, before you head to our office.

  • Toothaches. Gently rinse your mouth out with warm water. Adding a teaspoon or so of salt can help, but is not essential. Rinsing will help clean things out, and for mild toothaches may be enough treatment. We want to see severe toothaches, since there could be an abscess. Do not put aspirin on the affected tooth.
  • Objects stuck between teeth. Dental floss is your best bet. It can help to tie a small knot into the floss. Water flossers and even brushing can also dislodge things that are stuck. But never – repeat, never – use a pointed instrument, like a needle, to try to get it. If it stays stuck, call us.
  • Chipped or cracked tooth. A warm water rinse is a good first step here, too. If there is any swelling use a cold compress. If a piece of the tooth has broken off, clean it and keep it safe. Then, call us right away.
  • Knocked out tooth. We want to see you as soon as possible. Generally we will not try to re-insert a child’s baby tooth. For permanent adult teeth we may be able to save it if treated within an hour. touch the tooth by the crown (chewing part) only, never the root. Keep it moist. See us ASAP.

You can do initial treatment at home, but at OnCall Dental in Fresno and Hanford we will want to see and treat you. We offer comprehensive emergency dental care. Remember, in an emergency 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