In the event of a dental emergency contact our office immediately for advice on how to proceed. After hours calls will be directed to an answering service that will contact the dentist on call.
Call (317) 865-1300
Dental emergencies should be managed by your dentist at Paradox Dental for appropriate advice and care designed to minimize permanent damage. We will see dental emergencies on the same day as needed to address your needs promptly.
Tips for Common Dental Emergencies
Although it is always recommended that you consult with our office in the event of an emergency, there are specific things that can be done immediately to ensure the best outcome.
- If a tooth has been knocked out, DO NOT grab it by the root. Pick it up from the crown, or top of the tooth, and put it in a cup of milk or your own saliva to protect root surface cells.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse gently with water, but do not use soap to clean it. Do not wipe it down, or wrap it in anything. A knocked-out tooth needs to stay moist to protect it from infection.
- Do not try to put it back in the socket it fell out of. This can cause more harm than good.
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain or discomfort when chewing food can have a wide range of causes and should be addressed as soon as possible. Contact our office immediately if you are experiencing sudden or acute tooth pain. To address pain, an over-the-counter pain medication can be taken at home in addition to placing a warm compress on the outside of your cheek. Do not place pain medication directly on the tooth.
Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth should be repaired as soon as possible to minimize damage to the tooth, gums or changes in the bite. If the damage is causing pain, contact us immediately to discuss the situation and determine the best course of action. An over-the-counter pain medication and a warm compress on the outside of the mouth can help reduce your discomfort while at home.
Knocked Out Tooth
If a tooth has been knocked out, try to locate the tooth and pick up by the crown (top). Place the tooth in a clean container of warm milk or place between the cheek and gums if you are directed to our office. To minimize bleeding and swelling, a compress on the outside of the cheek can be used for comfort. In some cases, the tooth can be placed back in the socket and will reattach over time using splinting. This should only be done by a dentist or an endodontist.
Broken Dental Crown
A broken crown should be evaluated by one of our dentists. In some cases, a chip can be repaired. In other situations, a new crown is recommended to maintain function, and stable oral health.