A new school year brings new routines, fresh opportunities, and plenty of smiles. Making sure your child’s oral health is a priority helps set them up for success both in and out of the classroom. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, our family dental care in Carmel, IN focuses on prevention, education, and gentle treatment so kids can enjoy healthy, confident smiles all year long.
Here are some practical dental care tips every parent can use as their kids head back to school.
Dental emergencies are stressful, painful, and often unexpected. From sudden toothaches to accidents that chip or knock out teeth, knowing how to respond can make all the difference in protecting your oral health. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, our team provides same-day emergency dental care in Carmel, IN, helping patients get relief quickly and avoid long-term complications.
Here’s what to do in common dental emergencies — and why having a trusted emergency dentist on hand matters.
If you experience sudden or persistent tooth pain, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as this can cause irritation. Call us right away — toothaches often signal decay, infection, or other issues that require professional dental care.
Save any broken pieces, rinse them gently with water, and bring them with you to your appointment. Apply a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling. We can often repair chipped or broken teeth with bonding, crowns, or veneers — restoring both function and appearance.
If a tooth has been knocked out, act quickly. Pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, store it in milk or saliva and call us immediately. Teeth have the best chance of being saved if treated within an hour.
If a crown or filling comes loose, keep the restoration and avoid chewing on that side until you’re seen. Dental cement from a pharmacy can provide temporary protection, but it’s not a long-term fix. Our team can reattach or replace the restoration to protect your tooth and prevent further damage.
An abscess often presents as a painful, swollen bump on the gums and should be treated as an emergency. Rinse with salt water to ease discomfort, but call us right away — untreated infections can spread quickly. We provide treatments like root canal therapy or antibiotics to resolve the problem safely.
Q: What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A: Severe pain, knocked-out teeth, abscesses, swelling, broken restorations, or injuries to your teeth and gums all count as emergencies that need immediate attention.
Q: Can I go to the ER instead of a dentist?
A: Hospitals can manage pain or infection but typically don’t treat dental issues directly. For most dental emergencies, calling a dentist is the best option.
Q: Will insurance cover emergency dental care?
A: Many plans cover emergency treatments. Our office can help you understand your benefits and payment options before treatment begins.
Q: What if I’m anxious about emergency treatment?
A: We offer sedation dentistry, including IV sedation, to ensure you feel calm and pain-free throughout your procedure.
Q: Do you see emergency patients after hours?
A: Call our office and follow the voicemail instructions. We make every effort to provide guidance or arrange urgent care as soon as possible.
Dental emergencies don’t wait — and neither should you. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, we provide prompt, effective care to relieve pain and restore your smile. If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, call us right away for help you can trust.
📍 12740 Horseferry Road, Carmel, IN 46032
📞 Call Now: 317-575-6101
🌐 Book Online: www.carmelsmilesdentist.com
A dental implant post may last a lifetime with proper oral health habits. Compared to alternative tooth-replacement choices, implant dentistry offers more long-lasting and sturdier options. Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment and explore your tooth-replacement options.
Request an appointment or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at 317-575-6101 for an appointment in our Carmel office.
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