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Can I Treat Tooth Pain At Home?

Posted on November 15, 2022November 22, 2022

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, toothaches are a symptom we see often. After all, it’s connected to a host of potential dental emergencies, from gum disease to a dental abscess. However, there are times that tooth pain can have no discernible cause. In this case, you might wonder if it’s alright to forgo dental treatment. While we always recommend coming in for an assessment, we know it can be hard to always commit to an appointment.

To make things easier, our team has a few solutions you can try. However, if these don’t work, you might have no other choice but to visit our offices. If this is the case, don’t worry. You’re in capable hands. Our team is full of communicative, trained professionals and our sedation options are tailored to your anesthetic needs. Now, on to our list!

At-Home Solutions For A Toothache

Brush, floss, and use fluoride rinses to remove bacteria or food from the area.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for temporary relief.
Apply clove oil, a cold compress, or even a cucumber slice to the painful area.

As we mentioned, if these don’t work, it’s not the end of the world. Countless patients visit us for toothaches and tooth pain. Often, they find that the procedure to fix it is way less invasive than they imagined. We can treat tooth pain with a customized plan that might include dental cleanings, root scaling, and even tooth extraction, if necessary.

OnCall Dental in Hanford CA believes dental pain should only ever be temporary. Our team is ready to make your emergency dentistry experience as smooth and pain-free as possible. Toothache relief is just one of our many emergency services. Contact us today!

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Two Easy Solutions To Dental Emergency Anxiety

Posted on October 28, 2022November 11, 2022

OnCall Dental in Hanford CA knows that, no matter how much we work toward demystifying emergency dentistry on this blog, the anxiety associated with these procedures will most likely always persist.

This is because we, as people, tend to stress about potential discomfort in the future, even at the expense of our comfort now. It’s a strange tactic, this pain-based procrastination. But it’s understandable, as it stems from an attempt to protect our bodies from more trauma!

However, we cannot stress how dangerous this philosophy can be when it comes to dental health. Putting off emergency dental treatment for fear of pain, will only result in way more additional discomfort in the future. Basically, this complex calculus we do doesn’t often result in a balanced equation.

Time can turn a simple wisdom tooth extraction into full-fledged dental surgery, if the tooth becomes impacted; a missed dental cleaning can become invasive gum disease treatment, if decay continues to build on your enamel; even a tooth injury can go from a small issue solved with a simple drill-and-fill patch job, to a full-on dental abscess that requires a root canal!

Our team has two very easy solutions to keep in mind when considering the potential discomfort of a dental procedure. They can ensure that your treatment is smooth and pain-free!

Two Advanced Sedation Options

Laughing Gas: Also known as nitrous oxide, laughing gas is considered light sedation and places you in a giddy state of euphoria – hence the name! It ensures that you only feel minimal pressure during your procedure, and is perfect for those who are hesitant about stronger sedation options.
Oral Conscious Sedation: A more intense sedative treatment, oral conscious sedation consists of the patient taking a pill before the appointment. It places you in a deeply relaxed state, but you are still semi-conscious for the procedure. Dentists describe it as a “twilight state.” Once the procedure is done, the effects wear off quickly. You will, however, need a driver to and from the office if you are opting for this option.

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we prioritize pain management, sedation options, and emergency dental care. If you’re looking for an understanding, empathetic, highly-effective dental team, look no further! Contact us today!

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Is A Tongue Or Lip Bite An Emergency?

Posted on October 21, 2022November 11, 2022

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we know how hard it can be to gauge whether every day occurrences constitute dental emergencies. After all, our oral biomes are both directly connected to our overall health, and fickle enough that a slight issue can cause plenty of damage if left unchecked. For these reasons, something as simple as a lip or tongue bite can be considered an emergency, if the damage done is deep and extensive enough.

When in doubt, consider the cause of your tongue or lip bite. Did it happen while chewing some food? If so, it’s probably a minor contusion that should go away with time and a proper dental care routine. However, if the bite occurred as a result of a fall or a sports injury, or if there’s a lot of bleeding, you might have a major wound in your mouth.

If left unchecked, the bacteria from the foods you eat, the liquids you drink, and even the air you breathe, can infect the area and create a host of additional issues, ranging from gum disease to tooth loss. In order to keep you informed, our team has put together a list of symptoms to look for. If your injury matches any of these, it’s possible you have a dental emergency on your hands. To be sure, make sure to visit us as quickly as possible!

Symptoms of An Emergency Lip or Tongue Bite

Excessive Bleeding: The mouth is actually pretty quick to heal; so, if a wound keeps bleeding, it is very likely that the injury is large enough for emergency dental care.
Bruising or Swelling: If you feel bruising in or around the wound, or notice that your gums are swollen in any way, it might be an early sign of infection. Come to our offices immediately for treatment.
Intense Pain: If you feel intense discomfort or pain in the area, especially in the days following the injury, you might need dental care to properly seal the wound and ensure the gum-line and the teeth have not been affected.

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we like to follow the following rule: if it feels like an emergency, it probably is. Sometimes, the worst thing you can do is second-guess yourself. At our offices, we offer emergency dentistry and a host of additional dental services, and they’re all tailored specifically to our patients’ unique needs. Contact us today!

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Root Canals: Quick Pain Relief For An Emergency

Posted on September 30, 2022October 3, 2022

The team at OnCall Dental in Hanford CA recognizes that root canal treatment has become sort of infamous in the public consciousness. Most people associate the procedure with pain and discomfort, and who can blame them? After all, for many years, it was considered one of the most harrowing treatments in all of dentistry.

However, with modern dentistry and customizable sedation options, the procedure is no longer something to fear. In fact, it has evolved to be no more or less painful than most dentistry options. And yet, the urban legend persists. It might even be a scary enough misconception to put someone off from treatment altogether.

In an emergency situation, this could be especially harmful. This is why, as a practice that specializes in emergency dental care, we endeavor to dispel this myth. Below, you will find 3 reasons why a root canal is preferable over the alternative; which, in this case, would be doing nothing about a major infection!

Why Choose A Root Canal?

Pain Management: The first, and most important aspect, is mitigating any pain and discomfort. It can be hard to think – let alone plan your dental future – when you’re in constant pain. The first benefit of a root canal is quick relief from an infection. The slight discomfort from the procedure cannot possibly outweigh the relief you will feel!
Dental Health: Removing infected pulp from the tooth root – which is partially the point of endodontics – can help preserve the rest of your mouth. Neighboring teeth are not in danger of infection and neither are your gums.
Peace Of Mind: If you wait on pain to pass, you are left with the anxiety that it might not. This stressful, painful kind of living can result in a lack of sleep, a diminished social life, and an overall strain on your mental health. With one, slightly uncomfortable procedure, you can move past this minor issue and lead a healthy life moving forward.

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we believe everyone deserves to lead a pain-free life. We can help you achieve it! Patients also come to us for toothache relief and tooth repair. Contact us today!

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OnCall Dental In Hanford Makes Emergencies Easy

Posted on September 15, 2022September 20, 2022

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we specialize in dental emergencies because we care about people. Our team believes that a smooth emergency dentistry experience can shape your attitude toward doctors and dentists for years to come. We take this responsibility seriously and are ready to make your dental journey a comfortable and pain-free one.

3 Ways We Ensure Your Comfort

Trained Staff: Our team is made up of emergency dentistry professionals who are trained in direct patient communication and calming techniques. They will answer all your questions prior to the procedure, and keep you calm and sedated throughout the actual treatment.
Top-Of-The-Line Technology: Our dental lasers and advanced x-ray machines can help us pinpoint the exact root of the symptoms and treat it effectively.
Varied Sedation Options: Whether you want full sedation, or light anesthesia, we can account for it. Our range of sedation options is sure to put you at ease.

OnCall Dental in Hanford CA is the best choice for emergency dentistry because, unlike standard dental clinics, we prioritize emergency care, pain management, and walk-in patients. If you have a dental emergency of any kind, we are here for you. Contact us today!

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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Toothaches

Posted on August 26, 2022September 20, 2022

Toothaches and tooth sensitivity can be viewed as a minor issue; after all, the symptoms can go away by themselves, wax and wane, and often signal no more than a minor infection. However, when the pain persists, it could be a sign that something is seriously wrong. If you find yourself in this situation, consider urgent dental care at OnCall Dental in Hanford CA.

Ignoring a toothache can have serious consequences. So, even if you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, keep in mind that the pain caused by an untreated infection or an abscessed tooth will almost always end up being far greater than any discomfort you might feel while in the chair.

Our team is trained in patient communication and comfort. On top of that, we offer top-of-the-line sedation options, so both your dental pain and any procedure-adjacent discomfort will be expertly and effectively numbed by our dental assistants and hygienists. Most importantly, we are led by the innovative Dr. Art Mirelez, who has specialized in emergency dentistry for years.

If the above doesn’t convince you, consider these potential causes for a toothache so you can stay informed on your own situation and effectively identify an emergency when it’s happening.

Potential Emergency Causes For A Toothache

Cavity: If a cavity has progressed far enough and began to attack the tooth’s root, it could constitute an emergency. A root canal might be necessary, and we can provide a calm, pain-free atmosphere to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. Our main focus will always be pain management.
Broken or Cracked Tooth: You might think this is merely a cosmetic issue, but a potential cause for tooth pain could be a misshapen or jagged tooth that is jutting into nearby areas and damaging them. Furthermore, the structural support lost when enamel is forcibly removed from your mouth could cause other teeth to also fail.
Periodontal Disease: Sometimes, it can be hard to determine the source of dental pain. When your gums are inflamed, the roots and pockets that adhere to the teeth might begin to sting. It can often be confused for outright tooth pain, and could be a sign of advanced periodontal disease. This can eventually lead to tooth loss, so don’t wait! A long-term emergency is still an emergency!
Abscessed Tooth: When the inside of the root becomes infected, either due to a cavity or another type of infection, an extraction might be necessary. If left untreated, you could be risking tooth loss, misalignment, and virtually permanent damage to your smile. If you notice swelling around a tooth, greying enamel, or a blackened cusp, see us immediately!

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we endeavor to treat dental emergencies quickly and effectively, so you can get back to your day. Don’t wait! Patients come to us for toothache relief, root canals, and other emergencies. Contact us today! Walk-ins are welcome!

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How To Choose An Emergency Dentist

Posted on August 15, 2022August 29, 2022

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we know how crucial it is to choose an emergency dentist that you’re comfortable. In order to help you out, our team has put together a list of questions to ask yourself before you commit to one practice or another. Check them out below!

Questions To Ask

Is my emergency dentist a specialist? There is a clear cut distinction between clinics that help with emergency situations, and practices that fully specialize in emergency dentistry. Though the emergency dental section of your regular dentist’s website might comfort you, these practices often have strict hours and long wait times. At our practice, which specializes in emergencies, you can avoid these hurdles.
Is my emergency dentist close? Distance is another factor to take into account. In an emergency situation – especially one that is painful or uncomfortable – you want a dentist you can reach quickly. Always take into account how far you will have to drive before you commit to a practice. We are conveniently located in Hanford and Fresno, CA.
Is my emergency dentist reliable? A team of professionals, including kind, informative receptionists, educated hygienists, and a knowledgeable lead dentist, can make all the difference in both comfort and results. We have been practicing emergency dentistry for years and have helped countless patients.

OnCall Dental in Hanford CA wants to help you choose an emergency dentist that works for you. Consider us next time you’re researching options for emergency dental care. Patients come to us for toothaches, tooth extractions, root canals, and so much more! Walk-ins are welcome! Contact us today.

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Avoid Tooth Trauma With These Steps

Posted on July 20, 2022July 29, 2022

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we know that emergencies related to dental trauma can be especially stressful. Maybe you’ve suffered a traumatic sports injury, or simply taken a fall. Whatever the case, it can be quite alarming when a tooth becomes loose or falls out entirely due to an unexpected accident.

Our team has put together a very useful list of preventative measures you can take to ensure you never suffer one of these injuries. Check them out below!

Steps To Take

Brush and Floss Often: The first step should be obvious, but a preventative measure you can always take is to increase the consistency and efficacy of your dental care routine. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and traditional dental floss. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage enamel and floss picks don’t offer enough versatility to reach every corner of the tooth.
Wear A Mouthguard: If you participate in any team sports or athletic activities, make sure to protect your mouth at all costs. If you wear a mouthguard, you are less likely to damage your jaw during an injury, whether it be a thrown elbow, an aggressive challenge, or a rough fall.
Avoid Grinding Your Teeth: The strength and structure of your enamel determines how well it responds to a traumatic injury. It makes sense; weaker teeth tend to fall out with less force. So, a useful preventative step is to avoid grinding your teeth. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, can have many causes. Consider meditation, wearing a mouthguard while you sleep, and seeking professional care at our offices. If you stop grinding your teeth, your jaw will not lose enamel and will be more prepared for any trouble that comes its way.
Avoid Sugary and Starchy Foods: In the same vein, avoiding sugary and starchy foods prevents acids from forming in your mouth. This way, you prevent cavities and broken teeth, which make your jaw more susceptible to tooth-loss during a traumatic injury.

If you’ve taken all these steps, and still found yourself in suffering from tooth trauma, OnCall Dental in Hanford CA can offer treatment for broken, cracked, and chipped teeth. Patients also come to us for tooth extractions and other emergency dental services. Walk-ins are welcome! Contact us today!

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The Many Possible Causes Of Tooth Pain

Posted on July 6, 2022July 12, 2022

OnCall Dental in Hanford CA knows how much of a mystery tooth pain can be. It can show up unannounced, wax and wane, and, in the worst case, overstay it’s welcome. In order to facilitate a lack of confusion, our dental team has put together a list of the possible causes of tooth pain, so you can stay informed.

The Potential Causes

Tooth Infection: If a tooth – or the surrounding gum tissue – is infected, it might be a dental emergency. The pain you are feeling could be the infection pushing on the surrounding areas, which could make it difficult to chew or even smile. An infection could occur due to a traumatic mouth injury, an untreated cavity, or simple lack of dental care.
Gum Disease: Though more of a long-term emergency – if you can call anything that – gum disease can still cause intense pain if left untreated. If you see blood in the sink, it’s time to pay us a visit.
Tooth Decay: Most dental pain stems from this last cause; if you don’t care for your teeth, infections will develop whether you like it or not. If you find it hard to brush or floss, we recommend setting a timer and adding it to your calendar. Play fun music while doing it. Just make sure to brush fro 2-3 minutes and floss afterwards. The more you do, the less likely you’ll be of winding up in our chair.

OnCall Dental in Hanford CA helps with any and all dental emergencies. Don’t wait! If it feels like an emergency, it probably is. Walk-ins are welcome. Contact us today!

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Commonly Misidentified Problems

Posted on June 17, 2022July 1, 2022

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we know how hard it can sometimes be to discern what is or isn’t an emergency. As we’ve said in our previous articles, if it feels like an emergency, it probably is! If your body is sending you signals of discomfort, pain, stress, anxiety, or weakness, then you should listen.

An emergency is deceptive; it can start out as a seemingly minor issue. A swollen gum that might be caused by bits of food, could also be a sign of gum disease, for example. In order to keep our patients educated, we have put together a simple list of emergencies that are often misidentified as minor problems.

Commonly Misidentified Emergencies

Bleeding Gums: This one happens very often. If your gums bleed after brushing or flossing, it could be nothing. Often, food debris and a lack of care can make our gums swell, but constant brushing can reverse it. However, it could also be a sign of gum disease or tooth loss! In order to tell, floss and brush your teeth more regularly for a period of a 1-3 weeks. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. The bleeding should stop. If it doesn’t, it’s time to schedule an appointment!
Bad Breath: We know what you’re thinking. Bad breath is an emergency? I mean, it’s uncomfortable, but is it really a serious issue? Well, if the odor is indicative of a major infection, it might very well be. Don’t hesitate to visit us; we can ascertain whether it stems from simple halitosis and dry mouth, or from a more serious issue.
Tooth Pain: It could be simple cavity, sure! And if it is, a general check-up could help you deal with it. But tooth pain could also be a sign that you have an abscessed tooth or a major oral infection. Either of these could cause misalignment and extensive tooth decay. Even when the problem is just a cavity, it can evolve into a dental emergency when the infection bores down into the tooth root. If left untreated, it could require a root canal to save the tooth.
Chipped Teeth: Is a slightly chipped or cracked tooth a cosmetic problem? Yes, but it can also be a health issue. Sharp, brittle surfaces can be harder to clean than smooth, rounded out teeth. Because of this, it can be easier for food debris to become lodged in the cracks and jagged edges of an incomplete tooth, which can cause unseen cavities that are harder to identify and treat.
Abscessed Teeth: When a wisdom tooth comes in, it can become lodged against the others in a horizontal direction. Though many people might think removing them isn’t pressing and will only cause slight discomfort, in most people, this issue can cause misalignment.

At OnCall Dental in Hanford CA, we focus on any and every type of dental emergency. If you’re looking for an informed, dedicated, communicative staff, as well as top-of-the-line dentistry, contact us today!

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Blog

At-Home Solutions For A Toothache

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Two Advanced Sedation Options

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Symptoms of An Emergency Lip or Tongue Bite

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Why Choose A Root Canal?

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3 Ways We Ensure Your Comfort

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Potential Emergency Causes For A Toothache

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Questions To Ask

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Steps To Take

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The Potential Causes

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Commonly Misidentified Emergencies

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