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Tips for a Dental Emergency

Since one of our services includes emergency dentistry, we know the hardest thing about having a dental emergency can be finding the right care. At that moment, the last thing you want to be doing is spending too much time looking for a provider who can take care of your bleeding tooth or take away a horrible toothache. The sad truth is, most of us wait for this moment before we start looking for the right emergency dentist to provide us with relief. Do not wait until the worst possible moment and give us a call for more information on our emergency dentistry.

Important steps to take before the emergency occurs

The best place to start the search for an emergency dentist is with the regular services provider. Asking one’s current dentist if they provide emergency dental services will let an individual know whether or not he or she can call the current dentist or seek emergency care elsewhere. Most dentists can recommend a provider who offers immediate dental care in the emergency situations.

The challenge with waiting to find an emergency dentistry until after the accident is that one will be dependent on the Internet for sources. There are many great providers out there, but whenever one uses the Internet to seek out a medical professional, one usually reads reviews and has to fill out certain forms before the first appointment. An emergency situation does not allow for time to do the research. If an insurance provider does not have an emergency dentist referral, then one can talk to friends and family for possible options.

Don’t waste time or postpone emergency treatment

Another tip we offer is to keep our number available in the event of a dental emergency. This way, there is no extra time spent looking the number up online. Also, make sure to find exactly what an insurance company covers for an emergency dental situation. When there is a dental emergency, it is important to treat it the same way as one does a medical emergency. One specific area we always talk to patients about is bleeding.

Upon calling us, one of the questions we will ask is if the gums or teeth are bleeding and how much. We want you to control bleeding quickly. If it is a slow or light bleed, then you can place gauze over the broken or displaced tooth; holding it in place with pressure should stop the bleeding in around 10 minutes. For heavy bleeding or bleeding that will not stop, you need to seek immediate medical attention.

No matter the dental emergency, we will help you get the necessary treatment. Too often, people will wait to seek treatment and let the situation get worse. Call us as soon as the dental emergency occurs for immediate treatment and beneficial results.

Emergency Dentist

We can help in a dental emergency. Our extended hours and weekend availability mean that we can provide treatment when you need it. If you have a toothache or get in an accident, give us a call.

Emergency Dentist

Mass Ave Family Dentistry

At Mass Ave Family Dentistry in Indianapolis, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional team aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.

Our team seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At Mass Ave Family Dentistry, your dental health is our prime concern.

Tips for a Dental Emergencyadmin2024-01-25T10:41:02+00:00

You are what you eat: 10 Foods that harm or help your oral health

3 Reasons flossing can improve your oral health

In August of 2016, the benefits of flossing were brought into question by people finding a lack of sound evidence on flossing having health benefits for one’s teeth. Thus, kids and adults subjected to countless years of placing the minty thread between their teeth, stopped and scratched their heads. The truth of the matter is that while there may be a lack of evidence for the benefits of flossing, cleaning between one’s teeth is crucial for oral health; a task that flossing can help with immensely. Here are three reasons on how flossing can improve your oral health.

#1. Flossing reaches the places that a tooth brush cannot reach

While brushing teeth twice a day is important for healthy and clean teeth, the bristles cannot reach between the teeth to clean out plaque. The American Dental Association, ADA, explains that “Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.”

Food particles that become stuck between one’s teeth can cause plaque to build up over time and lead to infection. If people are unable to reach the food particles stuck between the teeth, then there is greater risk for infection. Even with brushing one’s teeth, the bristles are not thin enough to reach every nook and cranny of one’s teeth. Flossing allows people to reach between their teeth and keep them clean.

#2. Flossing is not invasive and does not cost much

Flossing is an easy alternative to cleaning one’s teeth instead of needing professional treatment for cavities or tooth decay, while also being cheaper than the invasive dental procedures. If food particles and plaque are stuck between the teeth for long enough, then the individual will have to receive professional treatment and may require invasive procedures. If the individual keeps a steady pattern of brushing and flossing between his or her teeth on a regular basis, then they decrease the risk of infection.

An individual does not even need to floss very vigorously, but merely run the floss between the teeth to the gum line. The price to pay for professional and invasive dental procedures will cost far more than buying a small amount of dental floss from the store.

#3. Flossing can help ensure healthy teeth

Plaque buildup can lead to infection in the form of cavities or gum disease. While flossing alone will not completely treat or prevent the risk of infection, it can certainly help. The ADA states, “More than 500 bacterial species can be found in plaque; some are good and some are bad for your mouth.” Regardless of which bacteria are good or bad, the ADA adds that “Together with food debris, water and other components, the plaque buildup around the teeth and on the gum line will contribute to disease in teeth and gums.”

Flossing is a crucial step in helping to remove plaque from the teeth. With a regular schedule of flossing and brushing, people will be able to keep their teeth in healthy condition and avoid the need for intensive dental procedures. However, proper dental care at home is only part of the necessary action one needs to take to keep healthy teeth. Along with proper care at home, people need to visit a dentist at least once every six months for a dental checkup. A dentist will be able to spot any early signs of infection and prevent the infection from spreading further.

If you or a loved one has not been to the dentist in over six months, do not hesitate to schedule a regular checkup and ensure your oral health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call.

General Dentistry Services

We offer effective general dentistry services in a calm atmosphere to help the patient relax while receiving the necessary dental care. Our goal is to treat the patient’s teeth and overall oral health.

General Dentistry Services

Mass Ave Family Dentistry

At Mass Ave Family Dentistry in Indianapolis, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional team aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.

Our team seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At Mass Ave Family Dentistry, your dental health is our prime concern.

You are what you eat: 10 Foods that harm or help your oral healthadmin2024-01-25T10:41:07+00:00

Experiencing Dental Pain? An Emergency Dentist Can Help

When a toothache continues for several days, when a portion of the tooth breaks off, or when someone knocks a tooth out, an emergency dentist is the best course of action. It is important to save as many natural teeth as possible to preserve the dental structure, to keep the mouth in good health, and to help avoid large bills for dental replacements later on. Below are several reasons for one to visit an emergency dentist.

Toothache

A toothache is one of the most common reasons people visit an emergency dentist. If a tooth is sore for more than two days, even after rinsing with warm water and avoiding hard foods, it is important to visit an emergency dentist. If there is swelling around the tooth or any pus excretion, one might have a tooth abscess. In other cases, the pain may be a symptom of a severe cavity or a sign that root canal treatment is necessary.

If the pain is unbearable from the start, it is in the individual’s best interest to seek an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is another common reason to visit an emergency dentist. The sooner one acts, the better chance an emergency dentist can re-insert the tooth. Upon losing an adult tooth, rinse it with water and preserve it by placing it back into the socket or in a container of milk. It is important to not disrupt any of the roots or tissues attached to it. The most successful re-implantations occur when patients bring the knocked-out tooth to an emergency dentist within an hour of it falling out. Patients who seek emergency treatment early may save money by not having to purchase expensive dental implants.

Partially Knocked-out Tooth

Like a knocked-out tooth, partially knocked-out teeth need to be seen by an emergency dentist immediately. The tooth may be partially out of alignment but still connected with the nerves. An emergency dentist will be able to tell if the tooth can be put back into the correct position or if it needs removal. At this stage, we can save the tooth, but we need to do so as soon as possible for the best chance.

Chipped Tooth

If one chips or cracks a tooth and is experiencing discomfort, visiting an emergency dentist is the best course of immediate action. A chipped or cracked tooth will not only cause pain to the individual but can also be difficult to clean on a regular basis. Until arriving at our office, keep the area free of swelling with a cold compress. This will also help with discomfort. If a chipped or cracked tooth is not fixed, it can lead to severe cavities.

Lost Filling or Crown

Since fillings and crowns protect your tooth from decay. If a filling or crown falls out, the tooth will be left vulnerable to more decay and discomfort. Keep the crown and bring it to our office in case we can re-adhere it to the tooth. If one can slip the crown back on until his or her visit, then it is important to try so without damaging the crown, filling or tooth.

These are only a few of the possible reasons that one may need to visit our emergency dentist. We will treat your pain as soon as we are able. Do not risk losing your teeth or gaining a bigger infection because you did not visit the dentist immediately and call us today.

Emergency Dental Care

When you chip a tooth, knock out an adult tooth, crack a molar or damage the teeth in any other way, we can provide emergency dental care. The sooner you receive professional dental treatment, the better.

Emergency Dental Care

Mass Ave Family Dentistry

At Mass Ave Family Dentistry in Indianapolis, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional team aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.

Our team seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At Mass Ave Family Dentistry, your dental health is our prime concern.

Experiencing Dental Pain? An Emergency Dentist Can Helpadmin2024-01-25T10:41:13+00:00

Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, Infection: Take Preventative Action

For anyone who grinds his or her teeth at night, there are possible options for at-home treatment. Grinding teeth can wear down the tooth enamel and cause jaw pain. Since the teeth grinding occurs at night, it can be difficult for the individual to prevent it without extra assistance. We can determine your specific needs and provide you with the necessary tool to prevent the teeth from grinding against each other at night; this tool is known as a night guard.

Common signs a night guard is necessary

One common sign of grinding teeth at night or a family member notices it at night. Soreness is another common sign of teeth grinding is a constant soreness in the teeth and jaw. Teeth grinding causes damage to the teeth enamel. Grinding teeth wears down the tooth enamel and can also lead to decay, tooth sensitivities, exposed nerves, and ultimately tooth loss. In some cases, grinding the teeth may even cause gum recession and migraines. Visiting a night guard dentist can prevent all of these problems.

A night guard will save you money in the long run

Prolonged decay and tooth damage from grinding the teeth will cause more money spent on complex procedures to repair the damage. However, investing in a night guard can save patients more money and save the health of their teeth. To avoid this financial burden in the future, visit our office to prevent these problems and the costs associated with fixing them. Make a positive investment by getting a night guard before incurring the need for more costly procedures.

A night guard will ease oral discomfort

For anyone currently experiencing headaches, facial discomfort, jaw pain or even insomnia, teeth grinding may be the cause. A night guard will cover the sensitive tooth nerves, preventing the upper and lower teeth from touching. With a night guard, a patient will wake up refreshed and more relaxed than before. After night guards, a patient will also notice a big difference in how sensitive the teeth and jaw are. A night guard will protect the sensitive teeth and preserve the enamel.

The night guard will be a custom fit

Many people avoid getting night guards since they imagine them as a large, awkward and uncomfortable mouth guard. Fortunately, night guards are much less noticeable and much more attractive than people may realize. We will fit the night guard specifically to the patient’s teeth so it will not feel out of place and will blend in with your natural teeth. Patients are able to wear the night guard while sleeping and receive a good night’s sleep on a regular basis.

If you grind your teeth at night, do not hesitate to call us for treatment. If you want to save your natural teeth, avoid potential discomfort and prevent financial burdens, we offer the perfect solution to stop your teeth grinding. Call us for more information.

Preventative Dental Care

Preventative dental care occurs in our office and at home with proper dental hygiene. We can perform professional cleanings and examinations, while you keep your teeth healthy by brushing at home.

Preventative Dental Care

Mass Ave Family Dentistry

At Mass Ave Family Dentistry in Indianapolis, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional team aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.

Our team seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At Mass Ave Family Dentistry, your dental health is our prime concern.

Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, Infection: Take Preventative Actionadmin2024-01-25T10:41:15+00:00

Reasons flossing can improve your oral health

What can they eat? Healthy alternatives for children with braces

Staring at the pamphlet titled “Do Not Eat” with images of hard candies, potato chips, soda, pretzels, popcorn, chewy candy and more, 10-year-old Daniel sighs in defeat. Daniel now wears braces and must say goodbye to all the food he has grown to love in the first ten years of his life. Daniel’s mother hates to see her son this way but understands the importance of braces. Eating any of the foods listed above can damage the braces and prolong the amount of time the child needs to wear braces.

Fortunately, there are meals and foods that Daniel can eat, which are delicious and do not risk harming the braces in the process.

Oatmeal

A simple breakfast item that is easy to prepare in a hurry, oatmeal is a great option for breakfast. The oatmeal will easily wash out with water and brush one’s teeth after the meal. While a child may not jump at the idea of having oatmeal for breakfast, a parent can help mix in a little honey and different types of fruit for better flavor. Oatmeal has multiple options for the child to pick and choose a favorite flavor while being healthy.

Pasta

Pasta is another delicious option for children with braces. From spaghetti to ravioli, cooked pasta is smooth, easily chewable and easy to clean out of one’s teeth. The child with braces just needs to be careful when cleaning his or her teeth after dinner and check for any stray bits of pasta.

Lean proteins

In association with the American Dental Association, ADA, mouthhealthykids.org explains that lean proteins need to be a part of one’s diet. Eggs made with milk will have a fluffy texture to them that kids with braces can eat with little issue. Lean proteins can also help to strengthen teeth as well, including skinless poultry and fish. Be sure to cut the food into smaller bites to help prevent pieces from getting stuck in the brackets or wires.

Certain fruits and vegetables

Mouthhealthy.org writes that since certain fruits and vegetables “are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth.” However, large fruit, such as apples, may be easier to eat when cut up into smaller slices. With corn on the cob, a parent will need to cut the corn off of the cob and have the child eat it in individual pieces. More importantly, have the child brush and floss after to ensure that there are no bits stuck in the braces or teeth.

Xylitol

One difficult area for both parents and children who wear braces is the inability to eat candy. Children with a sweet tooth have to hold back from eating many forms of candy for the issue of causing more harm than good to the braces. Fortunately, lollipops and other candy containing xylitol may be a solution. According to Xylitol.org, “Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants,” which “does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth.” As long as a child with braces does not bite down on the xylitol lollipop, then a child will not harm the braces and help his or her teeth stay healthy.

These are only a few options that children with braces can eat. The most important part, regardless of what the child eats, is that the child keeps up regular dental hygiene and does not break a bracket or knock a wire loose. Damage to the braces will not only cause immense pain for the child but will also risk lengthening the amount of time the child will need to wear braces. For more information on what foods are helpful or harmful to braces, give us a call.

Dental Practice

Our dental practice strives toward a core focus of treating our patient’s teeth in an efficient and comforting manner. We will ensure that all dental issues and concerns are dealt with as soon as possible.

Mass Ave Family Dentistry

At Mass Ave Family Dentistry in Indianapolis, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional team aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.

Our team seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At Mass Ave Family Dentistry, your dental health is our prime concern.

Reasons flossing can improve your oral healthadmin2024-01-25T10:41:21+00:00

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