Dry Socket vs. Normal Healing After Tooth Extraction

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A dry socket is a potential complication after tooth extraction. While some discomfort is normal, a dry socket is different. Our Indiana Emergency Dental dentist, who manages tooth extractions in Indianapolis, IN, will explain the difference and help you know when a dry socket might be a problem.

What Is a Dry Socket?

When the dentist extracts a tooth, your body begins healing by forming a blood clot over the extraction site. This helps to protect the structures in that socket, such as bone and nerves.

If you have a dry socket, it means that a blood clot never formed or fell off before its time. The lack of a blood clot exposes the bone and nerves, leading to severe throbbing and pain. You might feel this in your jaw or ear, which can last many days.

Other signs of dry socket include:

You might even be able to see the empty socket. It’s essential to understand that blood clot formation is what stimulates healing. Eventually, the body replaces that clot with new tissue to seal off the socket.

Normal Healing vs Dry Socket

How can you tell the difference? Here are some telltale signs of each:

  • Blood clot—There won’t be one with a dry socket. You should see one with normal healing.
  • Pain level—Some pain is normal, but it should subside over time. With a dry socket, the pain continues and is severe. It will also be throbbing.
  • Taste—You might taste blood during normal healing, but it shouldn’t be unpleasant or have a foul odor.

If you have severe pain or pain that doesn’t go away after a few days, bad-smelling breath, or a clearly empty socket, contact your tooth extraction dentist in Indianapolis, IN, to get treatment for dry socket.

3 Factors That Affect the Longevity of Dental Crowns

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Are you considering same-day crowns in Indianapolis, IN? Without question, crowns are one of the fastest ways to correct cosmetic issues with your smile, and same-day crowns simplify the process. While popular among dentists and patients alike, crowns do not usually last a lifetime. Most will have a life span of about 10 to 15 years, depending on several factors. Take a look at three factors that can affect the longevity of your dental crowns.

Crown Materials

The single most important factor for how long dental crowns will last is what type of materials the crown is made of:

  • Porcelain/Ceramic: Lasts 5 to 10 years
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Lasts 10 to 15 years
  • All-Metal (Gold/Alloy): Lasts 15+ years
  • Zirconia: Lasts 10 to 15 years

Usual Diet and Chewing Habits

Even your usual diet and chewing habits can influence the longevity of your dental crowns. For example, if you eat a lot of hard, crunchy foods, crown wear or breakage can be more likely. By contrast, an individual who tends to eat softer foods, avoids hard candy, and chews in a uniform way will most likely see less wear.

Hygiene Habits

While crowns may not be natural teeth, your oral hygiene habits are still extremely important. Poor oral hygiene like skipping flossing, not cleaning your mouth, and not getting routine cleanings at the dentist can mean faster crown failure. Remember, crown stability relies on the health of the underlying natural tooth material and gum tissue in your mouth.

Discuss Dental Crowns with Indiana Emergency Dental

If you are looking for information about same-day crowns, the best source of advice is a dentist in Indianapolis, IN. Indiana Emergency Dental is here to help you make the best decisions about your smile. Reach out to schedule an appointment.

Life with a Dental Bridge: Tips for Eating, Cleaning, and Long-Term Care

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A dental bridge offers a natural-looking way to replace a missing tooth. If you’re new to life with a dental bridge, you may wonder how to best care for it. It’s an investment in your health, so maintaining it is critical. If something happens to your bridge, you may need emergency dental care in Indianapolis, IN.

What You Can Eat

The first consideration is diet. You can eat most of the same foods you’ve been enjoying for most of your life. You should avoid extra sticky foods like taffy, though. Also, hard, crunchy foods like nuts can cause damage to the bridge.

The best approach for eating with a dental bridge is to take small bites at a time. Cut the meat into small pieces to reduce the risk of damage and make it easier to chew. Also, take your time and chew the food thoroughly.

Opt for food that is not too hot or too cold. If you do eat something like ice cream, eat it slowly. This will allow you to minimize potential discomfort. Over time, your mouth will adjust to the dental bridge, and you can worry less about sensitivity.

Keeping It Clean

You’ll want to give your dental bridge the same care you give to all your teeth in your mouth. Brush at least twice a day, focusing on the prosthetic tooth or teeth in the bridge, the surrounding natural teeth, and the gumline.

You’ll also want to floss at least once a day. Pay attention to the area around and under the bridge to ensure you remove all debris. Flossing with threaders or interdental brushes is often the best approach.

Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque buildup around the bridge. This will keep that area free from bacteria that cause plaque.

Finally, make regular appointments with your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, to ensure the bridge remains stable.

What Is Peri-Implantitis and How to Prevent It

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Dental implants are the industry standard for tooth replacement for a reason. They have a very high success rate and are one of the best ways to restore a smile. Like any medical procedure, though, there are potential complications, such as peri-implantitis. When you get a dental implant in Indianapolis, IN, the staff will review the risk factors with you and explain how to prevent peri-implantitis.

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is the medical term for an inflammatory response around a dental implant that causes bone loss. Inflammatory responses are how the body responds to infection or tissue damage. It is what causes wounds to heal and swelling when you sprain your ankle.

In many ways, peri-implantitis is similar to traditional gum disease, but it occurs around a dental implant instead of a natural tooth. When this inflammatory response occurs around a dental implant, it typically means that plaque is building up there. Plaque is a byproduct of bacteria, which could indicate a potential infection.

Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis

Symptoms of peri-implantitis include:

  • Gum redness and bleeding
  • Swelling around the implant
  • Gum recession
  • Pain around the implant
  • The implant falling out

You should contact your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, if you have any of these symptoms with a dental implant.

Preventing Peri-Implantitis

The staff at Indiana Emergency Dental will go over how to care for your new dental implant. The key to protecting it is good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. The dentist will recommend that you brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. They may also suggest using a water flosser to clean debris around the implant.

In addition, you’ll want to manage any underlying medical problems that might affect the health of the implant, such as diabetes or osteoporosis. They can impact healing.

If you have questions about dental implants, call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in Indianapolis, IN, and learn more.

When Does a Toothache Mean You Need a Root Canal?

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Does a persistent ache in your tooth mean you need a root canal? Pain of any kind needs attention. If it’s intense pain or comes with other symptoms such as a fever, then you should contact your emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN. A root canal, though, is a specific procedure done for a particular reason.

What Is a Root Canal?

During a root canal, the dentist removes infected pulp from the tooth’s root. The pulp is the part of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. Once the pulp is removed, your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, will thoroughly clean the inside of the root to remove any bacteria and then seal it to prevent the infection from recurring.

Why Is a Root Canal Necessary?

The purpose of a root canal is to save the natural tooth. Without this procedure, it would be necessary to remove the tooth. By preserving the roots, the dentist can use them to secure a prosthetic tooth or crown, keeping as much of the natural tooth in place as possible.

Does a Toothache Mean You Need a Root Canal?

The most honest answer to this question is ‘maybe.’ Pain is a symptom of infection in the tooth, and the most common treatment for that is a root canal. However, other dental problems might cause pain.

For example, there might be a cavity in that tooth. A cavity is a hole in the tooth that can expose the nerves, causing pain. It’s possible that you have a chip or crack in your tooth and are not aware of it. That might also expose the nerve.

If you have a toothache, the only thing you know for sure is that you need emergency dental care in Indianapolis, IN, to find out why. Call today and make an appointment.

 The Silent Threat: Why a Horizontal Impaction Needs Attention

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If you experience the occasional jaw pain or a constant dull ache, it is easy to dismiss it as something that will pass. However, it may be the subtle sign of a more serious but often ignored issue—horizontal impaction. Left unaddressed, this can have a significant impact on your oral health. We see a lot of horizontal impactions in Indianapolis, IN, at Indiana Emergency Dental.

What Is a Horizontal Impaction?

A horizontal impaction means the tooth sits parallel to the gumline. It may be stuck in the jawbone or sitting in its normal position in the soft tissue, just turned sideways. Technically, this can happen to any adult tooth, but it is most common in wisdom teeth, which are the last to erupt.

What Causes a Horizontal Impaction?

Many factors can contribute to horizontal tooth impaction. There may not be enough space in the mouth, causing a misalignment of the other teeth. This misalignment can push the wisdom tooth enough that it sits at an angle in the jawbone.

It may also be a genetic issue. Horizontal impactions tend to run in families. Another possibility is jaw size. A smaller jaw may not have enough space for the molars.

What Are the Symptoms of a Horizontal Impaction?

Horizontal impactions are sometimes called a silent threat because they can exist without you knowing they are there. There may be no symptoms. Still, they can cause significant problems left untreated, such as:

  • Damage to nearby teeth
  • Infection
  • Cyst formation

Regularly seeing your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, is your best hope for early intervention. The dentist will monitor the adult teeth with advanced imaging technology like 3D X-rays to ensure they grow properly, especially between the ages of 17 and 25. That is when the wisdom teeth make their appearance. Early detection of a horizontal impaction can prevent serious complications later and protect the health of all your teeth.

 Is an Abscess a Dental Emergency?

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If you ever truly experience a dental abscess, you’ll feel like it’s an emergency and want to rush straight to a dentist’s office. But maybe you feel a little bit guilty. Is it really an emergency where you need to ask for special treatment and rally everyone around you for help? The answer is yes, you should see an emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN when you have an abscess, because this condition definitely qualifies as an emergency.

What to Do Until You See Your Dentist

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce bacteria and alleviate discomfort. Any salt will do; it doesn’t have to be special salt harvested from the Himalayan mountains. Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage pain temporarily, but don’t take aspirin. Your best bet is to lay a warm or cold compress against your mouth where it hurts. Some people respond to warmth, others to cold. If one doesn’t work, try the other.

Why It’s an Emergency

Left untreated, an abscess can lead to significant complications, including the spread of infection to other parts of your body. That’s why, whatever you do, do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself, as this can worsen the infection. In rare cases, it can even become life-threatening. Immediate dental care is necessary to drain the abscess, eliminate the infection and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

Ignoring an abscess can have serious consequences, so prompt treatment is crucial.If you’re experiencing symptoms of an abscess, contact your dentist in Indianapolis, IN immediately for an emergency appointment. We’ll try to get you in as soon as possible. At Indiana Emergency Dental, we’re ready to take care of all your dental emergencies.

 

What Is a 3D Panoramic in Dentistry?

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X-rays help dentists see beyond the standard teeth stains and receding gum lines. However, as technology advances, the types of images have changed over time. If you’re curious about how 3D panoramic images work in the dental world, we’ll look at what you should know and how it might affect your treatment plan.

What Are 3D X-rays?

3D X-rays show a more detailed picture of your teeth, adding more dimension to the jaw, teeth, and gums. With this extra insight, dentists have a better chance of catching problems before they have a chance to progress. So, if you have a damaged nerve or blood vessel, a dentist in Indianapolis is more likely to catch it if they have the help of the right pictures.

How Are 3D X-rays Used?

A dentist might implement 3D X-rays for any number of reasons, though they tend to be used before the dentist makes bigger decisions about your wisdom teeth. The dentist can see the positioning and spacing of your teeth, such as how they’re impacted or whether there’s abnormal bone growth, so they can come up with the best (and safest) approach. While you might not always see the differences between traditional X-Rays and 3D X-Rays, there’s a reason why dentists feel more confident in their treatment plans when they have all the information they need at their fingertips.

3D X-rays in Indianapolis, IN

If you’re looking for 3D X-rays in Indianapolis, IN, especially if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, talk to the team at Indiana Emergency Dental to learn more about our technology and what we do for patients. Whether you’re facing a dental emergency or just need a regular dental exam, we’re here to give you the best care.

What You Need to Know about All-on-4 Dental Implants

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Are you thinking about getting dental implants in Indianapolis, IN? Then you probably want to know your options…right? Have you ever heard of all-on-4 dental implants? They are an affordable alternative. Here is what you need to know about them.

All-on-4 Dental Implants Explained

All-on-4 dental implants are an affordable alternative to a whole month of implants. This option is excellent for people missing all or most of their teeth. A dentist in Indianapolis, IN, can perform the implant procedure.

All-on-4 implants are stronger and more stable than traditional dentures. They differ from a full mouth of implants because only four implants are used versus one for each tooth.

How Many Teeth Do You Get with All-on-4 Dental Implants?

Typically, a single arch consisting of 14 teeth is used. However, only four dental implants are needed to hold that arch in place. Thus, the name all-on-4s.

Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Last Forever?

No, all-on-4 dental implants don’t last forever. They typically last between 15-20 years. But that’s just for the artificial teeth portion of the implant. The titanium post/screw part of the implant that is placed into your jawbone will usually last forever.

Can You Eat Normally with All-on-4 Dental Implants?

Yes, there are no diet restrictions with all-on-4 dental implants. You can eat normally. However, right after your dental implant procedure, you must wait about three to six months before you can eat certain foods. Your dentist will make recommendations based on your progress.

Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Feel Like Your Natural Teeth?

Yes, dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth!

Looking for an Exceptional Dentist in Indianapolis, IN?

If you are interested in getting all-on-4s, you are going to need a dentist. Please Contact Indiana Emergency Dental today to schedule a dental implant consultation. We’d love to show you how affordable implants can be!

Alternatives for When Dental Implants Are Not an Option

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Were you disappointed when your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, told you that you were not a good candidate for dental implants? Don’t worry! There are dental implant alternatives available—in fact, several of them. Here are some options to consider if dental implants are not an option for you.

Alternatives for When Dental Implants Are Not an Option

Consider some of these options if you are not a good candidate for dental implants in Indianapolis, IN.

Bone Augmentation

This method is used when you don’t have enough bone to support a dental implant. Your dentist will use bone additives to restore your jawbone (if possible).

Ridge Expansion

This method is used if your jaw is too narrow to support a dental implant. Your dentist will graft material along the top of your jawbone to widen it.

Sinus Lift

This procedure is used if the bone below your sinuses has deteriorated due to you having missing upper back teeth. Your dentist will add bone just below your sinuses.

Immediate Load Dental Implants

This procedure is used if you have enough bone to support an implant but need to place a temporary tooth. The purpose of this is to allow the placement of a temporary tooth on the same day as your implant placement.

Mini Dental Implants

This procedure is used if you have a narrow jawbone. Your dentist will insert tiny, extremely narrow implants into your jawbone. This option is mainly used to stabilize a lower denture. You might consider this a better option than settling for traditional dentures.

Do You Need a Dentist in Indianapolis, IN?

Don’t stress it if you’re not a good candidate for dental implants! You have options! Please Contact Indiana Emergency Dental today. We are a full-service dental team that does more than just treat emergencies. We are also experts in dental implant alternatives. Let us help you get your smile back.