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5 Reasons to Visit an Emergency Dentist Now

A dental emergency can strike at any time and with no warning. Perhaps a person is playing a game of touch football on Thanksgiving and a family member decides to up the ante and a tackle comes into play, accidentally knocking out two front teeth. Or maybe on vacation in the tropics, someone decides to go deep-sea fishing, but upon climbing into the fishing boat, they slip on the dock and fall, chipping three of the front teeth. From misplaced fly balls to bagel seeds causing a painful bout of inflammation, there are all sorts of dental emergencies.

The Five Most Common reasons for Emergency Dentist visits:

1. Lost tooth

Somehow a candidate for emergency care has managed to knock out a tooth. Whether it’s the result of a sports injury or because of decay, when a tooth is lost, that person has become a candidate for emergency dental care. If the tooth is salvageable, then it can be reattached to the socket, but this must be done within an hour or two.

2. Chipped tooth

A chipped tooth is a universal dental emergency. Small chips can be created by food (nuts and chicken bones have sent many people to the dentist); nevertheless, it’s usually some kind of injury or accident that causes a chip. While a person might be embarrassed to walk around with a chip in a front tooth, it is easily fixed with a crown, bond or veneer.

3. Broken tooth

A broken tooth is more serious than a chipped tooth. When a tooth breaks, it might be due to a tiny or hidden chip. Nevertheless, chances are the discomfort and pain will be more severe.

4. Something stuck

It might seem funny, but getting a piece of food lodged in the wrong place can cause a dental emergency. If something gets stuck deep in a crevice, it can cause inflammation and pain.

5. Lost filling

The loss of a filling happens more frequently than a person thinks. When someone loses a filling, they need to receive emergency care. If this does not occur, further damage could incur to the tooth.

Let’s discuss when to see an emergency dentist

The assistance of an emergency dentist is vital for some instances of dental trauma. As an example, there is no sense seeing a regular dentist if you have nearly unbearable oral pain resulting from teeth being knocked out from a car accident, sports injury or slip or fall.  Professional assistance from an emergency dentist is vital to alleviate the pain, restore the mouth’s functionality and ensure the patient does not end up with a smile they are hesitant to show off in front of others.  Failing to obtain treatment for the oral health challenges outlined above will of cause the conditions to worsen and may require intense therapy in the coming weeks, months or even years.

When there is an injury to the teeth or mouth, seeking emergency care as soon as possible is essential. In the event of a suspected emergency, don’t wait. Contact an emergency dentist right away.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

5 Reasons to Visit an Emergency Dentist Now2024-01-25T10:39:56+00:00

5 Reasons Preventative Dental Care is Important

Preventative dental care is critical. For most people, the word “dental appointment” brings anxiety and dread. There are many reasons why people feel this way like how dentists have been historically portrayed in the media or past bad experiences.

The reality is that a visit to the dentist can save a person a lot of pain, suffering, and money in the long run. The importance of preventive dental care ranges from physical health benefits to improved social interaction. If you have never considered regular dental appointments, some of the reasons why you should book one include:

Why preventative dental care is important

1. The dentist monitors the condition of your teeth and gums

People often think brushing and flossing their teeth daily is enough to give their teeth the spark they want. This is far from the truth. As much as brushing is an essential step for oral hygiene, patient’s need to check in with a dentist who can do a thorough check and identify any developing conditions.

2. You save money

The logic behind why most people avoid dental visits is that they want to save money. Granted, dental appointments might be costly. However, they are not as expensive as they would be if the patient develops a condition that would have otherwise been prevented. Think about it; how much would it cost to go for teeth extraction and replacement? Is it not cheaper to go for the preventive dental appointment where a dentist can diagnose your oral condition early on? Yes! And much less pain and frustration in the process.

3. Dentists offer advice on the best oral hygiene practices

A trip to the store to buy oral hygiene products can be overwhelming. From the thousands of products ranging from toothbrushes to toothpaste that have several ingredients; knowing what to choose can be a challenge. It gets even worse when every product promises the best results. A preventive dental visit will give patients a professional who will talk to them about medically approved products for dental care. Moreover, they always give additional information such as the right technique to clean your teeth and mouth, and a proper diet to follow.

4. Patients get their social life back

Oral health issues such as bad breath, a crooked smile and browning teeth can affect a person’s social life. People with these conditions often suffer from low self-esteem that could lead to depression. Sometimes all it takes to fix this is going for a dental visit. In no time, the patient will say goodbye to the body image issues that arise from oral health problems.

5. A visit could identify life-threatening diseases

Poor oral health can lead to fatal conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. Preventive dental checkups can help to identify conditions like oral cancer — which is treatable if detected early. The most significant regret people always have when they get a grim diagnosis of a situation they would have otherwise easily managed and wishes they would have seen a professional earlier. Do not be part of the statistics of those who seek help when it was a little too late.

We can help you earn more about preventative care!

If you have never considered preventive dental care for either yourself or your children, it is time to add it to your health care routine. The sooner you start, the better for you. Like the old saying goes: prevention is better than cure. Contact us today!

Looking for preventative dental care near the 46204 area? Call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901.

5 Reasons Preventative Dental Care is Important2024-01-25T10:39:57+00:00

What to Expect During Teeth Extraction?

Sometimes teeth extraction is the best solution for some conditions. The situation could be any of the following:

  • Severe tooth damage
  • Wisdom Teeth Issues
  • Shifting or misaligned teeth
  • Ankylosed teeth (milk teeth not falling out)
  • Jaw Issues
  • Underlying issues such as tumor or cyst

If you have been booked for teeth extraction, knowing what to expect during the procedure will keep your mind prepared.

Before the Surgery

Before the dentist carries out the tooth extraction, they will ask for a comprehensive medical and dental record. Thus, pre-operative consultation may be necessary. You may be asked what medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you have been using. The dentist will also want to know if you have any medical allergy.

Usually, the dentist will perform a dental x-ray to examine the affected tooth to know how close to vital structures such as nerves. Sinuses, or arteries. In complex situations, 3D imaging, or CBCT may be necessary.

The dentist may recommend antibiotics before or after the surgery, based on the length of the surgery or presence of a particular medical condition.

Day of Surgery

Before the surgery, the dentist will give you local anesthesia that will make you numb. Sometimes strong anesthesia may be used to last hours after the surgery. This will provide you with ample time to take your medications before the effect fades out.

Together with the anesthesia, you may get additional medications to help speed up the process of recovery. Like every surgery, swelling may occur a few days after the surgery. The doctor will prescribe anti-swelling, antibiotics, and anti-nausea for use after.

The dentist may sedate you throughout the surgery. If you are not sedated, then the process is minor. Although, some type of anesthesia is necessary at the extraction point. It is normal to feel pressure while the actual removal is going on. However, you will not feel any pain.

The dentist will shift the affected tooth back and forth using forceps until it loosens up for easy extraction.

Surgical Extraction

This process is more complex and commonly used if the tooth has not broken along the gum line, has decayed severely that it cannot be held with a forceps, or the tooth has not developed completely. For the procedure, the dentist will make a minor incision in your gum to reach the affected tooth. This will make the extraction easier.

After removing the teeth, the dentist will proceed to stitch the incision point.

After the Surgery

After removing the tooth, you will be given a piece of gauze to bite on for an hour to stop bleeding from the site of extraction. The pressure will cause blood clotting on the site, which is essential for healing. Occasionally, over the coming days, you will need to replace the gauze and apply pressure as directed.

Finally

It is normal for bleeding to occur, and it will stop eventually. You should remove the gauze before eating or drinking, and should only replace it if you discover active bleeding.

Request a dental appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office.

What to Expect During Teeth Extraction?2024-01-25T10:39:58+00:00

What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?

Not very many people lose their baby teeth, and in exchange, get perfect adult teeth that need nothing done to them. There is always something that can be done to improve your smile. Enhancing your smile means enhancing your life. So, what happens when you get to your dentist, and you ask them about cosmetic dentistry.

Your dentist will go over everything with you but having knowledge beforehand will help you save time and money and give you options that you may not have had before.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Simply put, it is the service in which a dental professional uses traditional and advanced techniques and dental materials to maximize the overall functionality and appeal of your teeth. Most problems must be solved with more of a practical approach, such as cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, over and underbites, etc.

Some people need specialist dentists like orthodontists to ensure their teeth move into the correct position using braces, retainers or clear aligners. The teeth must be problem-free before discussing any cosmetic work. Therefore, we will prioritize the work based on what you need, including cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions

Choosing a solution to your cosmetic problems is done with the help of your dentist. There are always options for every situation, but they will give you the best one, and why it would work best for you. You should be able to trust in your dentist's expertise in choosing the right option. Here are the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures and materials:

Teeth Whitening

This is a simple procedure that uses harmless products and natural remedies to whiten your existing teeth. Some procedures even have nutritional benefits for your enamel and the overall health of your teeth.

Dental Veneers

A veneer is a thin surface that consists of porcelain or other materials that covers the natural tooth to give the patient a completely different appearance. The veneers are placed strategically so that they do not interfere with normal functions, like eating, drinking or talking.

Dental Bonding

There are several kinds of dental material used for bonding, such as Amalgam, but the basic idea is that the dentist uses the putty-like substance to mold to an existing tooth, so it can be shaped to correct the defect. Misshapen or crooked teeth that appear intermittently in a smile may be a good candidate for dental bonding.

The dentist applies the putty, then hardens it with a special tool with a UV light. They will then finish shaping, and polishing the bonding material so that it looks exactly like the existing teeth.

Dental Crown

The dental crown process is when a dentist takes a mold of the decayed or damaged tooth before making a dental crown out of artificial material. The dentist will then fit the crown over the tooth where it sits, just above the gum line. In comparison to veneers, crowns cover the entire exposed tooth, while veneers cover just the front part of the tooth.

More Options

Depending on your tooth situation, you may get inlays or onlays, which are fillings that can be gold, silver, or tooth-colored material. If you have missing teeth, a bridge may be used, which is when caps are used on either side of the gap, where a false tooth is placed in between. Obviously, braces are another option that an orthodontist will help you with if you need complete or partial jaw or tooth alignment.

Request a cosmetic dentistry appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office.

 

Source:

https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adults/what-is-cosmetic-dentistry-costs-types

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What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?2024-01-25T10:39:59+00:00

5 Ways to Help Your Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a serious medical issue that affects about 20 percent of people in the U.S. This often results in the person finding every excuse in the world to avoid showing up for dentist appointments. With time, people suffering from dental anxiety end up developing severe complications.

Coping with dental anxiety

Fortunately, for those dealing with dental phobia, many things can be done to help make them more comfortable at the dentist’s clinic. Here are five things that can be done to manage this phobia.

1. Take a trusted person with you

Peer encouragement can help to keep patients that have dental phobias calm at the dentist’s office. It could be a family member, a close friend or workout buddy. Patients should merely find someone they know well that can help ease their anxiety while at the appointment.

2. Find distractions

The unfamiliar machines and tools found in a dental clinic can make anyone nervous. Patients who find the sounds these machines make bothersome should look for distractions when at the clinic. Watch the television if there is one or listen to some songs with a pair of headphones.

3. Use relaxation techniques

There are a lot of different breathing exercising and relaxation techniques that can be used to relax a patient. Patients are advised to try some of these when feeling nervous at the dentist’s clinic. Taking a few minutes to meditate goes a long way when it comes to keeping nervous feelings away.

To practice deep breathing, patients only need to close their eyes and take deep controlled breaths. Doing this helps to lower the person’s blood pressure, relax muscles, and slow down his/her heartbeat. There are many Apps and audio tracks that can aid and assist in learning these techniques.

4. Stay in control

One of the more common reasons why people feel anxious at the dentist is due to the feeling of not being in control of what all is going on. Patients can keep a sense of control during their dental sessions by communicating their fears to the dentist and asking questions about each procedure before it begins. That gives the patient a clear idea of what to expect and that helps to alleviate any fears.

When a dentist is aware of a patient’s dental phobia, he/she will recommend the proper treatments to address it. The dentist can also come up with a safe word for the patient to use whenever he/she feels overwhelmed.

5. Consider sedation dentistry

There are medical solutions for dental phobia. Oral sedation is effectively used to keep patients calm and relaxed before and during treatments. With oral sedation, the patient gets to relax without having to deal with negative emotions.

The use of nitrous oxide is even more popular when it comes to sedation dentistry. This gas is delivered via a gas mask and helps to keep patients relaxed. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting gas, and its effect is felt within minutes of it being administered to a patient. The gas wears off just as quickly, and patients are often allowed to drive home after being sedated with nitrous oxide.

Our office will gladly help you fight your phobia

Want to learn more about combating dental phobias? Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today. We have many years of experience in aiding patients in fighting their aversion, and no one should feel embarrassed about having these fears.

Request a dental appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office.

5 Ways to Help Your Dental Anxiety2024-01-25T10:40:00+00:00

Which Foods and Drinks Stain Your Teeth the Most?

If you are worried about foods and drinks that stain your teeth, you are not alone. You can only do so much with flossing, brushing and attending 6-month dental visits. Many of the foods and beverages you enjoy pose a direct threat to the look and functionality of your teeth.

Foods/beverages laden with sugar, acid and food dye will likely discolor your teeth. Eating enough of these foods while failing to brush your teeth after eating, will create unsightly stains surprisingly quickly.

You Teeth Reflect what You Eat

Take a moment to think about your daily routine. You likely start out with coffee. Maybe you transition to a cigarette, have a protein shake or oatmeal. You segue to the noon hour when you have soup, sandwich and a soda. You enjoy red wine with dinner. Each of these foods and beverages stains the teeth.

These are some of the worst culprits out there. Soda is particularly problematic for the teeth as it is acidic. This acid will actually cause the teeth to become more porous and prone to subsequent staining. Dark sodas such as those of the cola variety will discolor teeth more than lighter varieties.

Avoid Fruit Juices

Fruit juice is acidic. The acid in fruit juice will make the teeth that much more likely to stain. Furthermore, fruit juice has sugar that feeds bacteria, leads to the formation of cavities and stains the teeth.

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce tastes amazing yet it can reduce the visual appeal of your teeth. The sauce is highly pigmented, acidic and consequently a direct threat to tooth enamel, the outer layer of the teeth. If the enamel is in constant contact with too many acidic foods, the enamel will become more porous and prone to staining.

Curry

Curry is all the rage these days. It is in Indian dishes, dishes featured throughout England, rice dishes of all types and beyond. Unfortunately, curry harms the teeth. Eat a dish with curry and you will almost certainly have orange or yellow teeth pigmentation. Thus, it is crucial to clean your teeth after consumption.

Certain Fruits are Terrible for Your Teeth

Fruit with strong pigmentation such as blueberries and blackberries will stain your teeth. Pomegranates are also another common culprit. These fruits have red and purple pigments that leave residue on the teeth, causing considerable harm.

Red Wine

Red wine has tannins that cause staining. Onlookers will immediately notice red stains on your teeth after you enjoy even a couple sips. If you are concerned about the look of your teeth, drink red wine toward the end of social events or completely abstain so you will not be self-conscious throughout the night.

Coffee and Tea

It seems like everyone enjoys coffee or tea. However, these drinks have tannins that cause the teeth to turn brown or grey. Those who consume coffee or tea on a daily basis are that much more likely to have discolored teeth.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Mass Ave Family Dentistry, request an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk. Or call us at (317) 218-9901.

 

Which Foods and Drinks Stain Your Teeth the Most?2024-01-25T10:40:01+00:00

Are There Dental Treatments for Worn Teeth?

Some people assume that it is not possible to restore the natural wear and tear of teeth. In reality, there are many methods for helping to restore teeth. By meeting with us, you will learn all about the many different options available to improve the condition and aesthetic of your teeth.

Here is a look at some of the ways dentists beautify such teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

We can apply dental veneers to damaged teeth to improve the smile aesthetic. For the most part, we use dental veneers on the front teeth since they are the most visible when smiling. These veneers conceal stains and other imperfections to create a smile worth showing off at every opportunity.

Dental Crowns

We can cover natural teeth that wear down with dental crowns. Have the dentist add dental crowns to your teeth and you will enjoy benefits beyond a beautiful smile. Dental crowns are especially helpful for teeth since they can repair already-damaged portions and also prevent additional damage in the future.

Dental crowns also strengthen teeth and mitigate tooth loss. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying dental crowns for your damaged teeth.

Dental Bonding

Teeth that are chipped or cracked can be corrected with tooth bonding. This procedure realigns the bite through a reshaping of the tooth’s surface. A resin material matching the color of the teeth is applied with the use of adhesives and a specialized curing light. After applying the dental bonding material, the teeth will look and feel like normal pearly whites.

Dental Fillings

Most people assume dental fillings are only necessary for teeth plagued by decay. Dental fillings are certainly helpful for thwarting tooth decay yet they also play another important role. Dental fillings remedy those aged and leaky fillings caused by gradual wear over the years.

The Battle Against Bruxism

Bruxism will gradually wear away at teeth until they become quite painful, ugly and small in size. The key to preventing such damage is to thwart bruxism before it can wreak havoc on your mouth. The use of a mouthguard while sleeping will help mitigate the damage. Ideally, this mouthguard will be custom-made by the dentist to suit your mouth’s idiosyncratic dimensions.

Do not delay the treatment of your bruxism. If you let the bruxism continue, it will impact more than just your teeth. Bruxism can also harm gum tissue through inflammation. If the inflammation is bad enough, it might even lead to gum recession.

Bite Correction

A dentist can correct your misaligned bite with surprising ease. Once your bite is in proper alignment, you will no longer grind your teeth as frequently or forcefully. Bite correction is possible with or without surgery/braces. Options for bite correction include a reverse pull facemask to an upper jaw expander, reshaping through cosmetic dentistry, jaw surgery and braces. Meet with your dentist to determine which approach is optimal for your mouth.

You might be wondering:

For more information on your teeth or to schedule an appointment with Mass Ave Family Dentistry, request an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk. Or call us at (317) 218-9901.

Are There Dental Treatments for Worn Teeth?2024-01-25T10:40:02+00:00

What to Do if You Chip, Crack, or Break a Tooth

Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth, it’s easy to end up with a chipped tooth or, even worse, a cracked or broken one. That’s because chips can arise from a number of mundane activities like opening a package with your food, eating hard crunchy foods, or accidents that lead to you getting hit in the mouth.

A chipped tooth can be painless, or it can come with intense pain. What is certain about a chipped tooth is the fact it takes away from your smile and can even make you feel self-conscious.

The best way to deal with a chipped tooth is to have it checked out and fixed by a dentist as soon as possible. The procedure your dentist will opt for depends on the specifics of your situation.

First aid for a chipped tooth

It might take a few weeks before you are able to go to the dentist when you chip a tooth, but there are some things you can do before your scheduled appointment that can make it easier for you to live with it until you can get professional help. For starters, save any piece of the tooth you can find. Your dentist might be able to attach it back with an adhesive.

If there is pain associated with the chip, take over-the-counter pain medication. That will help to minimize the pain and control the swelling. Rinsing your mouth often can also help you to remove food particles that can end up aggravating the tooth.

If brushing your teeth leads to pain and discomfort because of the chip, clean the areas furthest from the tooth in question and use a quality mouthwash to clean the rest of your mouth.

If you still experience lots of pain even after taking over-the-counter painkillers, apply an ice pack to the area around the tooth. This will further reduce any swelling and pain associated with the injury.

Procedures used to address chipped teeth

Your dentist has a handful of options when it comes to addressing chipped teeth. These include:

1. Dental bonding

If you are dealing with a minor chip, your dentist might decide to use a dental bond to address the issue. The dentist applies a soft resin to the chip and molds it into the gap. The dentist then hardens the resin using a special light. Dental bonding can also reattach a piece of your tooth that breaks off if you are able to save it.

2. Dental crowns

Crowns are often for more serious cases of chipped teeth. Also known as caps, these crowns act as a protective cover for any natural tooth that sustains damage. It protects the pulp and nerves from damage due to exposure to food particles and high/low temperatures.

3. Veneers

These act as covers that are used to cover imperfections on a tooth like a chip. The enamel of the tooth is filled off by your dentist to ensure a naturally-looking fit.

Contact us to find out more about what can be done about a chipped tooth and restore your smile.

For more information on chipped teeth or to schedule an appointment with Mass Ave Family Dentistry, request an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk. Or call us at (317) 218-9901.

What to Do if You Chip, Crack, or Break a Tooth2024-01-25T10:40:03+00:00

Dental Cavity Symptoms

A Dental cavity is a hole that develops in your tooth after damaging the enamel. This occurs when plaque in the mouth produce acids from food particles that stick on or between the teeth.

Proper oral hygiene removes these harmful acids from mouth before any damage to the teeth can occur. While having small amounts of plaque on the teeth is normal, it should not remain on the teeth for more than two days. After two days, it eventually turns into tartar, which turns sugar into acid.

These bacteria thrive when you consume sugary products. When left unchecked, cavities can lead to more serious issues like tooth root infections. The earlier you detect a cavity, the better. That gives you a chance to fill it up with a filling and prevent it from damaging the tooth any further.

Not sure if you have cavities? Here are a few things you should look for:

1. Unrelenting toothaches

If you are having a hard time getting any sleep or completing any other tasks for that matter due to a persistent toothache, chances are you have a cavity. The pain is often increased when the damaged tooth comes in contact with anything from hot or cold beverages to food.

Food particles will often become stuck inside your tooth when you’re dealing with cavities, increasing the pain.

2. Bad breath

Bad breath sometimes indicates the presence of cavities. In fact, many people find that bad breath also includes a sour taste in the mouth. Cavities are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria since food particles easily stick to them.

The acids that the bacteria produce in cavities can also affect your gums and lead to gingivitis if your oral hygiene habits do not improve. If you notice your breath persistently smells bad, you are due for a visit to the dentist.

There are a few other oral health issues that can cause bad breath. Your dentist knows what the solution is for whatever you are dealing with.

3. Bleeding when brushing

It is not uncommon for people with cavities to bleed while brushing their teeth. Cavities can grow deep enough to reach the nerves in your teeth, and these often bleed when aggravated. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of gum disease. Either way, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

4. Visible holes in your teeth

Depending on the location of the cavity, you might be able to see it when you stand in front of a mirror. You can also use a finger to feel your teeth if you think you have cavities. If you are exhibiting other symptoms of cavities like bad breath and toothaches, a personal examination of your mouth is a good idea.

How can you really use this?

These are only a few symptoms of dental cavities. While it is important to be able to recognize what these symptoms mean, visiting a dentist is even more important. A dentist will also help you explore the options available to you.

Request an appointment in our Indianapolis dental office here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk. Call us at (317) 218-9901 for more helpful information from Mass Ave Family Dentistry.

Dental Cavity Symptoms2024-01-25T10:40:03+00:00

When to Visit an Emergency Dentist in Indianapolis

There is only so much that an individual can do to prepare for a dental emergency. No matter what preventative measures one takes, there is always the chance of an accident damaging the teeth. In other cases, an infection can suddenly cause incredible pain in certain teeth and require emergency treatment. If someone falls and chips a tooth, it is crucial to seek professional treatment right away.

Available when you need emergency treatment

Since most people cannot plan for dental emergencies, the only time that an emergency dentist is not needed is for routine appointments and teeth cleanings. While we perform those and recommend scheduling them twice a year, we know how critical it is to be available for patients when they need help.

Thus, we always leave room in the schedule to help patients when they call and recommend you do so at the first sign of an emergency. In fact, adding our phone number to your phone contacts is a good idea since you never know where you will be when the emergency occurs.

Types of emergencies

Very often, dental emergencies are the type of things that no one can ever expect to happen. For example, we receive calls from parents who have rushed to the school after a child breaks a tooth on the playground. We help people that had a tooth knocked out while on a ski trip, taken care of patients whose crowns suddenly fell out in the middle of a birthday dinner, made time for patients who woke up with a toothache and much more.

These are just a few of the examples of how we have helped patients over the years but it all comes down to availability. We are here when patients need us so that regardless of what the emergency is or when it happens, they can get the help they need as quickly as possible.

What is a true dental emergency?

A lot of times people are afraid to call in an emergency because they are not sure if they are overreacting. The best thing to do is simply call our office, explain the situation and at that time, we can assess whether it is a true emergency and requires immediate care or if it would be okay to schedule an appointment in the next week.

In most cases, we have found that if patients are calling because they think it is an emergency, it actually is one. Some signs that there is an emergency requiring urgent help are:

  • Bleeding from the mouth that is persistent and does not stop after biting down on gauze
  • Dental pain that makes it too difficult to eat
  • Teeth being cracked or chipped
  • Teeth getting knocked out
  • Physical damage to the structure of the face or mouth

In these situations, visiting the emergency room at a local hospital in Indianapolis will not do a lot of good. They provide incredible care but are trained to treat the body, not the mouth, teeth or gums. As such, they can perform triage and prescribe pain medication but will ultimately refer patients to a dentist.

In our opinion, it is far better to visit an emergency dentist in the first place because that means receiving treatment faster and speeding up the recovery process. If you are suffering from a dental emergency, do not delay in calling Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901. Let us know what is happening so that we can provide the urgent treatment you need to recover.

When to Visit an Emergency Dentist in Indianapolis2024-01-25T10:40:04+00:00

Request an appointment

Our office offers a full array of dental services to help you create a satisfying smile. For any business or financial matters, you can reach Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 2189901.

Complimentary parking, for patients with appointments only, is located around the corner from the dental office on East Tippecanoe Street and North Delaware Street.

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