Here at Washington Street Dentistry, we believe that our patients deserve the highest standard of care we can provide. Dental emergencies are something that no one can predict, but we make every effort to see you as soon as possible should you experience an urgent need. Our highly trained, compassionate team is able to take care of the gamut of dental emergencies in our practice. If you live in Indianapolis, or in a surrounding neighborhood like Greenfield, Cumberland, or Anderson, and experience a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or have had a tooth knocked out, we can take care of you. If you are travelling through our area and experience a dental emergency, contact us and we will arrange a prompt visit. Your dental concerns are our business.
If an urgent situation arises during office hours, contact us right away and we will make every effort to schedule an immediate appointment. We keep hours during the week and on the weekend, making it as easy as possible to see us for urgent dental care. In the instances of dental emergencies, we understand the discomfort and stress that can accompany a concern and we want to see them as promptly as possible, and alleviate their discomfort.
Treatment for dental emergencies varies depending on the specifics of the condition. Inflammation and infection may be treated with antibiotics and pain relievers until the most suitable procedure can be performed. A broken or chipped tooth may be repaired with a filling, crown, or veneer. Upon evaluating your dental need, your Indianapolis dentist will be able to devise the most appropriate treatment plan to restore full function and comfort.
Ideally, we would like to prevent dental emergencies through regular preventative care. We encourage our patients to visit us every six months for examinations and dental cleanings. During these visits, we can catch problems early and provide conservative treatment, and discuss ways in which oral health can be maintained with at-home care. There is no way, however, to avoid all dental emergencies. In your time of need, we make ourselves available to address your dental emergency as quickly as possible.
Whether you are a resident of the area, or travelling through Indianapolis, we are happy to serve your dental needs. Contact us for your visit at Washington Street Dentistry.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental situation that needs urgent dental care. If delayed, a dental emergency leads to the following:
- Unnecessary pain
- Widespread infections
- Further health complications
Dental emergencies need treatment within hours or the next day. If you’re unsure whether you need emergency dental care, it’s best to contact your dentist for guidance.
What are the common dental emergencies?
Injuries, infections, and neglect are the most common causes of dental emergencies. Our office is trained to handle most, if not all, dental emergencies. The most common dental emergencies include:
- A severe toothache
- A broken or fractured tooth
- A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Bleeding gums
- Signs of tooth infection, including tooth sensitivity or discoloration
- A loose or fallen-out crown or filling
- A dry socket after tooth extraction
How do I handle my dental emergency?
It depends on the type of dental emergency. Here are general guidelines for handling one.
- Toothache: Swish your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to remove stuck objects, and apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek. Don’t place aspirin directly on the tooth. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
- Broken tooth: Save broken pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Schedule an emergency dental visit promptly.
- Knocked-out tooth: Gently rinse the tooth with water and avoid touching the root(s). Try to place it back into its socket. Store it in a saline or milk solution and seek urgent dental care if that’s impossible.
- Lost filling/crown: If a filling or crown comes loose, keep it safe and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. You can use temporary dental cement until you see your dentist.
It’s important to remember that home remedies aren’t a substitute for professional care. First aid relieves pain and prevents the situation from worsening. Always contact an emergency dentist immediately to protect your oral health.
How does a dentist help with dental emergencies?
When you reach out to us, we’ll provide clear instructions over the phone to help manage your situation until you arrive at our office. Once you’re here, we’ll quickly assess your condition to identify the root cause of the issue. Based on our findings, we’ll recommend the most appropriate treatment options, including:
- Tooth fillings for cavities and minor tooth damage
- Root canal treatment to resolve dental infection
- Emergency extractions for an irreparably damaged tooth
- Dental crowns for significantly damaged teeth
- Pain medications and antibiotics
Are dental emergencies preventable?
Although dental emergencies cannot be prevented 100%, they can be reduced in frequency and severity. Take the following proactive steps to avoid dental emergencies.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens
- Floss your teeth to prevent plaque buildup between teeth
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- Attend regular dental check-ups to catch potential issues early
Do you need emergency dentistry?
Do you have an infected, painful, or damaged tooth? Call (317) 333-6788 to schedule an appointment with Washington Street Dentistry. We’ll relieve pain and restore oral health with emergency dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana.
