In the event of a dental emergency, call North Meridian Dental Excellence at 317.204.7134.
Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht and his professional dental team offer emergency dental services in Indianapolis, IN. Whether you have lost a tooth or have a toothache, our staff will discover the right treatment option for you.
We are committed to finding solutions to dental problems using advanced modern technology. Our experienced dentists perform with a high standard of care to ensure that patients have happier and healthier smiles. Handling dental emergencies is one of the general dentistry services we provide at North Meridian Dental Excellence.
Common Dental Emergencies
If you are not sure that you are having a dental emergency, call our office. We will help you determine the cause of your problem and will find a solution. Dental emergencies often fall under these categories:
- A chipped or fractured tooth
- Tooth abscess
- Gum or tooth infection
- A knocked-out tooth
- Severe toothache
- Broken or lost dental restoration
We work with patients to help restore their smiles and provide long-lasting results. Our dentists are passionate about giving comfortable and comprehensive care in the Carmel, Meridian Hills, and Indianapolis areas.
Emergency Dental Services
We offer multiple treatment options to restore patient’s smiles in our Indianapolis office. Our professional team:
- Repairs chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Repairs and replaces dental fillings and crowns
- Provides emergency tooth extraction
- Fights tooth infections
- Treats gum swelling
- Relieves tooth pain
- Provides dental implants to replace lost teeth
If any of these services are relevant to you, call our dentist in Indianapolis, Indiana at 317.204.7134. Our staff will work quickly to find an appointment opening.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about our emergency services:
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any issue that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, control bleeding, or save a tooth. Examples include severe tooth pain, broken or knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue. If you’re unsure, contact your dentist to explain your symptoms, and they can help you decide if you need emergency care.
Can I go to the emergency room for dental issues?
While emergency rooms can temporarily relieve dental pain, they typically lack the tools and specialists to address the underlying cause. ER doctors can prescribe pain relief or antibiotics but usually recommend seeing a dentist for definitive treatment. For true dental emergencies, it’s often more effective to go directly to an emergency dentist.
How do I know if my tooth pain is a true emergency?
Severe, sudden, or persistent tooth pain can indicate a dental emergency, especially if accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing. Tooth pain caused by trauma, deep cavities, or infection should be evaluated promptly. If over-the-counter pain relief doesn’t help or interferes with eating or sleeping, it’s best to seek emergency dental care.
What are the risks of delaying emergency dental treatment?
Delaying treatment for a dental emergency can lead to worsening pain, infection, and further damage to teeth or gums. For instance, untreated tooth decay or infection can spread and result in tooth loss or more extensive treatments like root canals. Seeking prompt care helps prevent complications and improves the chances of a successful outcome.
Can children receive emergency dental care?
Yes, emergency dental care is available for children. Dental injuries, toothaches, and infections in children should be treated promptly to prevent pain and complications. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle children’s dental emergencies, but many general emergency dentists can also treat younger patients in urgent situations.
How much does emergency dental care cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Emergency dental care costs depend on the treatment needed and your dentist’s fees. Dental insurance often covers part of the cost for necessary emergency procedures like extractions, fillings, and root canals. Check with your insurance provider, as they may cover a portion of emergency care, especially if it’s needed to relieve pain or prevent further damage.
What is the most common dental emergency?
The most frequent dental emergency is a toothache. There are a number of probable causes, including tooth decay or teeth grinding. You can check your mouth for any food or other debris that may be irritating your teeth by rinsing your mouth with warm water and flossing the area to remove it.
Is a cracked tooth an emergency?
A cracked tooth is considered a dental emergency. Cracked teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies. If your tooth has cracked it is advised to save any pieces so we can repair it as best as possible.
What happens if you leave a cracked tooth untreated?
The pulp and other tissues within a broken tooth might get infected if the crack is not repaired. This raises the risk of losing the tooth. It is important to remember that the earlier you take action to stop the fracture from spreading, it will relieve your discomfort, and ultimately aid in saving your tooth.
How do you handle a dental emergency?
Keep any pieces of cracked teeth that you can, if applicable. Warm water is ideal for rinsing the mouth and removing any foreign objects. Gauze should be applied to the region for about 10 minutes, or until the bleeding has stopped.
To reduce swelling and ease discomfort, place a cool compress on the exterior of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken or chipped tooth. Get in to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
You can call North Meridian Dental Excellence for relaxing care at 317.204.7134. You can also contact us on our website. If you have any further inquiries about the treatments and services we offer, a member of our staff will gladly help you.