Tag Archives: tooth pain

Emergency Dental Appointments Available at GPS Dental

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 23, 2022

So many things in our lives can be confusing and complicated – ordering for multiple people at
Starbucks, figuring out dinners every week, finding a new doctor, filing your taxes, etc. We’re here to
make the dental care aspect of your life simple and straightforward!

At GPS Dental, we are accepting new patients and offer emergency dental appointments.
Look no further and give us a call today to set up a routine appointment, get help for a dental
emergency, or discover more about our services.

We Make it Simple for New Patients

If you’re a new patient, our website offers a convenient link to our new patient forms, along with helpful resources, including information on our dental emergency services, dental anxiety tips and tricks, and dental services we offer.

Emergency Dental Appointments

Our philosophy on dental emergencies is very simple “If you need toothache relief or are having another type of dental emergency, you are first in line … PERIOD.”

Our goal is to provide:

  • Immediate relief
  • Gentle care
  • Proven results

Here are some Dental Emergency Tips from the American Dental Association.

We Offer Same Day Emergency Dental Appointments

We set aside time in our schedule every day to help with dental emergencies. We want to help you the same-day or ASAP to eliminate your pain and find a solution that works for you.

Common dental emergencies include:

  • Missing tooth/knocked-out tooth
  • Swollen and/or bleeding gums
  • Broken tooth
  • Chipped or cracked tooth
  • Unexplainable toothache/severe toothache
  • Abscessed tooth
  • Exposed nerves
  • Swollen mouth or jaw
  • Broken crown
  • Missing filling

Related Article: Common Dental Emergencies

If you’re unsure if you’re dealing with an emergency problem, ask yourself:

  • Am I in severe pain?
  • Am I bleeding?
  • Am I missing a tooth?
  • Is my mouth or gum swollen?
  • Do I have an infection?

If you answer YES to anything, give us a call immediately for care. Our team of experts are caring and informed, and can help you with a dental emergency. Please call our office at 210-633-3477 and we will schedule your emergency dental appointment as quickly as possible.

Related Articles:

Importance of Calling Your Dentist for Emergencies 

Although oral pain and trauma may not seem like a huge deal, it cannot be ignored. Small problems can escalate and cause more pain in the future, so seeing your dentist for any emergency treatment is imperative. If you’re unsure if you’re dealing with a dental emergency, please give us a call. However, a good rule of thumb is – if it hurts, then it’s an emergency. 

Related: Dental Emergency Q&A  

GPS Dental Can Get You OUT of Pain!!

At GPS Dental we are prepared to assist our patients when a dental emergency occurs. When patients call in this type of scenario, we always do our best to accommodate same-day emergency appointments. You may not be able to anticipate when a dental emergency will happen; however, you can rest assured that you will receive swift expert emergency care when you call our office. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, remember … Emergency Dental Appointments are Available at GPS Dental.

Please give us a call at 210-633-3477 and let us know you are experiencing tooth pain.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment

Experiencing Tooth Pain? When it’s time to visit the dentist

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 5, 2021

Experiencing tooth pain is no small thing. In fact, tooth pain can ruin your day or put you in a bad mood. Sharp pain can make it difficult to concentrate at school or work, and extreme sensitivity can ruin mealtimes. What causes these frustrating tooth pains? Let’s take a closer look at the top five reasons for tooth pain and see when it’s time to visit your dentist!

Related Articles:

Top 5 Reasons for a Toothache

  • Sensitivity: Has a certain tooth developed sensitivity to cold and/or hot temperatures? Tooth sensitivity can happen for a myriad of reasons and is often the indicator of an underlying symptom, so it’s important to let your dentist know if you’re experiencing extreme sensitivity. There are many treatments that can help, such as using a sensitive toothpaste. 
  • Gum Disease: Gum disease is as worrisome as it sounds and affects many adults every year. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is when bacteria eat away at your gums. This is most often caused from bad dental hygiene and excess bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease can make your gums feel tender, or sometimes bleed, and cause tooth pain. The earlier you catch gum disease and begin treatment and better dental hygiene, the better. If you notice a toothache and swollen or red gums, come in and see your dentist quickly for an examination.
  • Decay: Plaque and bacteria in the mouth do more than just bother your gums, they also begin to dissolve your enamel on your teeth. When your enamel gets broken down, your teeth aren’t as strong anymore and are more susceptible to weak spots and pain. When bacteria concentrate in an area, you can experience a cavity/holes in the teeth. When this happens, your teeth may feel sore and sensitive.
  • Dental Abscess: Also caused from an excess of bacteria, an abscess forms when bacteria builds up inside your tooth’s pulp. This causes an infection and leads to swelling and soreness, or a toothache. Pus can also develop around the tooth, so it’s important to visit your dentist right away if you see these symptoms. An x-ray can confirm the diagnosis and often antibiotics are used to fight the infection.
  • Chipped Tooth: Although enamel is extremely tough and durable, sometimes we experience a chipped or broken tooth whether it be from an injury or whatnot. Try to not chew on ice, pens, open packages with your teeth, and so on to prevent any breakage. A crack in the tooth can cause extreme sensitivity and pain. Sometimes, a crack may not be clearly visible to you and may be in the back area of the tooth. If you think you may have a crack, visit your dentist right away. Treatment options often include crowns and root canals, depending on severity.

More reasons for a toothache: https://www.health.com/condition/pain/tooth-pain-causes

GPS Dental Can Get You OUT of Pain!!

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, remember … Emergency Dental Appointments are Available at GPS Dental. Please give us a call at 210-633-3477 and let us know you are experiencing tooth pain.

Related Article: Toothache Causes: My Tooth is THROBBING!! What do I DO?

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment

Toothache Causes: My tooth is throbbing! What do I do?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on April 14, 2020

Toothaches are tricky — they can feel like a minor tinge or they can cause crippling pain. That’s why we want to share some common toothache causes, their symptoms and when you should seek help from your dentist.

What is the definition of a toothache?

Pain or inflammation in or around the tooth, often caused by tooth infection or decay.

What are common toothache causes?

A toothache can have causes that are not due to underlying disease. Toothache causes may include getting something stuck in between the teeth, flossing, biting into something hard, or braces. Remember, in children, tooth pain is a regular part of the developmental process.

Common Toothache Causes:

  • Tooth decay
  • Inflammation of tooth pulp
  • Tooth fracture or broken tooth
  • Sensitive Teeth
  • Damaged filling
  • Abscessed tooth
  • Infected gums or gum disease
  • Impacted tooth
  • Repetitive motions, such as grinding teeth or chewing gum
  • Sinus congestion or infection (non-dental related issues)

Related Articles:

Common Symptoms of a Toothache:

  • Tooth pain that may be constant, throbbing, or sharp
  • Tooth pain while chewing
  • Pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth, for some people
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the tooth infection
  • Cold or hot sensitivity when eating or drinking
  • Swelling in your jaw or around the tooth
  • Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums
  • Headache or fever
  • Trauma or injury to the area

When do I need to see a Dentist About my Toothache?

We recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:

  • Your toothache is severe
  • You have consistent tooth pain that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
  • Inflammation increases
  • Swelling occurs around your jaw or face
  • Redness occurs around the gums or your gums are bleeding
  • You have an earache or fever
  • If you notice that a tooth is cracked, broken, or chipped
  • You experience pain upon opening your mouth wide
  • Dull, persistent pain can be a sign of something that will get worse if not treated
  • You’ve suffered a recent trauma to your face or mouth

How do I stop my tooth from throbbing?

Try these self-care tips for some temporary relief, while you’re waiting to see your dentist:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
  • Floss gently to remove built up plaque or food in between teeth
  • Apply a cold compress to your cheek or jaw
  • Take an over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin can relieve minor pain
  • Numbing gels or pastes, such as benzocaine, can help to dull the pain

When I Go to the Dentist for a Toothache, what happens?

Your dentist will conduct a dental exam first. He or she will ask you questions about the pain, such as:

  • when the pain started
  • how severe it is
  • where the pain is located
  • what makes the pain worse and what makes it better
  • does the pain wake you up in the middle of the night

Your dentist will examine:

  • your mouth, teeth and gums
  • tongue, jaws and throat
  • sinuses, nose, ears and neck

X-rays may be taken as well as other tests, depending on what your dentist suspects is causing your toothache.

What Treatments Are Available for a Toothache?

Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause or source of pain. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will remove the decay or infection, fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth (only if there is no way to save the tooth).

A root canal may be necessary if the cause of the toothache is from an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner areas of the tooth cause that type of infection. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic, if there is swelling or fever in the jaw to get rid of the infection.

Related Articles:

Root Canal Treatment: Root Canal Myths Debunked

Tooth Extraction: Reasons for Pulling Teeth

How Can Toothaches Be Prevented?

Tooth decay causes most toothaches, so following a good oral hygiene routine can prevent most toothaches.

Practices of good oral hygiene consist of:

  • brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
  • floss daily
  • rinse once or twice each day with an antiseptic mouthwash
  • see your dentist twice a year for professional exam and cleaning

Gently brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste will remove the bacteria and plaque that are toothache causes to begin with. In addition to these practices, ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and sealant applications and make healthy snack, food, and beverage choices that are low in sugar.

Related Articles:

Why is it important to schedule your Dental Exam Twice Each Year?

Dental Health Services for Your Children

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.

Emergency Dental Appointments Available at GPS Dental

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 24, 2020

We’re only three months into 2020 and finding ourselves facing a serious situation as the pandemic known as COVID – 19 sweeps across the globe. It is extremely important to take the necessary preventative measures (such as washing your hands, limiting physical contact with each other and social distancing) and to stay on top of recent developments regarding this health crisis.

However, for those in need of dental care during this time, please be assured that GPS Dental will remain open and accepting emergency dental appointments.

As we are following the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) during the COVID-19 outbreak, it is recommended that dentists across the country postpone all non-essential dental services until further notice.

Emergency Dental Appointments: Essential vs. Non-Essential Treatments

If you have visited our website or read any previous blog entries, you will know that there are three different types of dental services that we provide including, preventative, restorative, and cosmetic based procedures. While there is a certain degree of overlap between some of the procedures, to reduce any unnecessary health risks for both our patients and staff, we will only be offering essential treatments until further updates from the ADA.

Who will you call when you need an emergency dental appointment?

At GPS Dental we are prepared to assist our patients when a dental emergency occurs. When patients call in this type of scenario, we always do our best to accommodate same day emergency appointments.

Treatment and Prevention for a Dental Emergency

While we can’t prevent every tooth-related issue, knowing some prevention methods for dental emergencies can be very helpful. To help prevent injury:

  • Never use your teeth to open packages or cut items – use scissors instead
  • Avoid chewing extremely hard food items, such as candy, popcorn kernels, and ice
  • When playing sports, wear a mouth guard

In-depth information on the types of dental emergencies and injuries according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Signs of a Dental Emergency

Our goal is to fix any dental emergency as soon as possible and get you back on your feet and out of pain. Accidents can happen, and quick action and knowledge of dental emergencies can easily save a tooth! Make sure to give us a call at GPS Dental as soon as you experience the signs of a dental emergency.

Learn more from this Dental Emergency FAQ.

Other Reasons for needing emergency dental care:

  • Knocked Out Tooth
  • Chipped or Broken Tooth
  • Partially Dislodged Tooth
  • Abscess
  • Toothache
  • Lost Filling
  • Lost Crown

Related Article from WebMD: Handling Dental Emergencies

You may not be able to anticipate when a dental emergency will happen; however, you can rest assured that you will receive swift expert emergency care when you call our office.

While these signs are often correlated to a dental emergency, there are other signs and symptoms to also be aware of that aren’t as sudden or apparent. Symptoms such as prolonged pain, or a swollen jaw are major indicators that something isn’t right, even if they do seem more subtle.

  • Prolonged toothache
  • Jaw pain or swelling
  • Sore gums
  • Metal taste in the mouth
  • Canker sore that will not heal
  • Numb tooth
  • Constant headaches
  • Extreme tiredness

Related Articles:

Tooth Extractions: Reasons for Pulling Teeth

Colds, Flus, and Cavities: Is Your Medicine Hurting Your Teeth?

We’re All in This Together!

Although we will be temporarily suspending certain services, please remember that if you require any emergency dental procedures, you will be able to receive the care you need at our office. It is important that you receive the necessary care as oral health problems will worsen if left untreated.

You may not be able to anticipate when a dental emergency will happen; however, you can rest assured that you will receive swift expert emergency care when you call our office.

From all of us at GPS Dental, we would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation. We will be keeping a close eye on the situation as it progresses.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.

Head Back to School Toothache Free!

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 13, 2019

Head Back to School Toothache Free!

With the pools closing, the weather cooling down, and the summer BBQs coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about the fall season and all that comes with it. For a lot of us, the fall season means bonfires, football games, and heading back to school. Maybe a pumpkin spice latte or two… or twelve. With so much to look forward to during the new year, don’t let a toothache put a wrench in your first weeks of back to school plans.

Summertime = Fun Time

Sometimes, with all the excitement that comes with the summer months, dental care can fall to the waste side. When you stay up late or spend the night with a friend, you may be forgetting to brush and floss twice a day. According to Very Well Health, the main reason for a toothache is tooth decay from a lack of oral hygiene and upkeep. If you or one of your family members is experiencing a toothache, GPS Dental can help take care of the problem and get you ready for the fall season pain-free.

Learn more about the causes of toothaches: https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-does-my-tooth-hurt-1059322

Common toothache symptoms include:

  • Sensitivity to temperatures – hot and cold
  • Pain when chewing
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding around the gums

Let us Help You Become Pain Free

At GPS Dental, we love helping our patients eliminate their pain and get back to their normal schedules. Fall is a busy time and heading back to school is such an exciting experience for the entire family. We don’t want tooth pain to be a bummer, so we will work to discover the cause behind your toothache and set up your individualized treatment plan for healing.

An Overview of Toothaches: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache#4

Dr. Gary Skrobanek and his team at GPS Dental in San Antonio will perform an examination of your mouth and may order X-rays to discover the toothache cause. From there, you may be prescribed pain medicine, or may need a cavity filled, or a root canal performed for more serious decay. The quicker we find the problem, the quicker we can fix it for you! To prevent further toothaches from happening, stick to a healthy diet and a routine oral hygiene program.

Related Articles:

Reasons to have a Root Canal. What symptoms should I look for?

“I have sensitive teeth!” How can you reduce tooth sensitivity?

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers family dentistry for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Don’t Let Tooth Pain Cause the Back to School Blues!

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 8, 2017

tooth-painTooth Pain: The Back to School Blues

As the eighth month of the year, early August is the time in which the school season approaches and kids everywhere prepare to return to school. Clearly there is much to do in this time of year, and little time for any unnecessary distractions. Unfortunately however, there is one distraction in particular that tends to rear its ugly head at often the most inopportune time; this of course would be tooth pain.

There are few things more distracting than the sharp stinging pain of an even slightly damaged tooth, and at a time when students are reentering the world of academia, no one has time to deal with something like that! This is often the reason why we at GPS Dental, stress the importance of making dental appointments early in the school semester before such issues can occur.

Related Article: Back-to-School Checklist: Schedule Your Dental Exam

By taking the time to schedule the recommended check up every six months, you are taking a vital step in preventing any common but often unexpected dental issues from occurring and disrupting you or your kids’ lives, as the last thing anyone wants to deal with at this time of year is a toothache.

Tooth Pain: Common problems

While there are several common occurrences that if left untreated, can cause you a considerable amount of tooth pain. While there are other issues that can potentially cause oral pain, the following problems are generally the most common.

  1. Decay:

    Tooth decay or dental cavities is one of the most common dental issues that cause tooth pain. A cavity occurs when certain oral bacteria produce acid, that slowly destroys the tooth’s enamel and dentin. Although this occurs slowly, if left untreated this may cause extensive damage to the afflicted tooth, ofte requiring a dental crown to restore the damaged tooth.

  2. Cracks or Abrasions:

    Chipping or cracking a tooth is typically an unpleasant surprise that can happen when you least expect it, and is often quite painful. From biting into something hard to accidentally hitting your tooth on a tough surface, there are numerous ways to damage a tooth. Regardless, it can cause a lot of tooth pain. Fortunately however, there are also several options available for fixing a cracked or chipped tooth. There are three different treatments available and often the treatment type depends on the amount of damage done to the tooth. These treatments may include; Bonding, Crowns and Dental Veneers.

  3. Loose Crown or Filling:

    As mentioned previously, fillings or dental crowns can provide a great solution for tooth pain and damage. However sometimes due to wear and tear accumulated over the years, the crowns themselves can require maintenance. While the loose or broken crown might cause slight tooth pain, when replaced by your dentist, any discomfort should subside.

Related Article: Chipped Tooth? 3 Ways to Make Them Look Like New

Tooth Pain: Stay focused!

As the 2017-2018 school year starts, and parents and kids alike are prepare for the upcoming semester, it’s very important to keep focused on the important tasks at hand, so don’t let something like a toothache get in the way! Schedule that recommend dental appointment with Dr. Gary Skrobanek at GPS Dental and keep tooth pain from causing you or your kids any unnecessary distractions!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.