Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. A cracked tooth during a weekend cookout, a sudden throbbing toothache at work, or a sports injury at a Friday night game can leave you in pain and unsure where to turn. At Tenth Street Family Dental, we reserve time for urgent cases and do our best to see emergency patients the same day. Families throughout Marion and Hancock County rely on us as their emergency dentist in Indianapolis.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
- Severe or throbbing toothache
- A knocked-out (avulsed) adult tooth
- A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums
- A lost filling or crown
- A broken denture or partial
- Bleeding that will not stop after an injury
If you have facial swelling with fever, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing, go to the nearest emergency room right away; these can be signs of a serious infection.
First Aid Steps While You Wait
Toothache
Rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to remove trapped food, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Do not place aspirin directly on the gums. A cold compress on the cheek can reduce swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently without scrubbing. If possible, place it back in the socket and bite on gauze; otherwise keep it in milk. Time matters: the best chance of saving the tooth is within about an hour.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Save any pieces, rinse your mouth, and apply a cold compress. Cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum or dental wax.
Lost Crown or Filling
Keep the crown and bring it with you. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth until your visit.
How We Treat Emergencies
After quickly relieving your pain, we use digital X-rays to find the cause. Depending on what we find, treatment may include a root canal to save an infected tooth, a filling or bonding for chips, a crown for a cracked tooth, or a gentle extraction when a tooth cannot be saved. We also offer same-day denture repairs.
When to Call vs. When It Can Wait
Not every dental problem needs same-day care, but pain is always a signal worth listening to. A small chip with no pain, mild sensitivity to cold, or a slightly loose filling can usually wait a day or two for a scheduled visit. On the other hand, a toothache that keeps you up at night, a tooth that has been knocked out, or swelling that is spreading should be treated as urgent. When in doubt, call our office and describe your symptoms; our team will help you decide how quickly you need to be seen.
Why Waiting Can Make Things Worse
Dental infections do not go away on their own. Pain may fade for a while when a nerve dies, but the bacteria remain and can form an abscess that spreads into the jaw. Getting care early often means simpler, more affordable treatment and a better chance of saving the natural tooth.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Wear a mouthguard for contact sports, avoid chewing ice and hard candy, never use your teeth to open packages, and keep up with checkups so small cracks and cavities are treated before they become painful.
Fast Care for Central Indiana
Our office is in the Smart and Final shopping center on East 10th Street, a quick drive from Irvington, Warren Township, Cumberland, and Lawrence in Marion County and from Greenfield, McCordsville, and New Palestine in Hancock County. Patients from Shelby County and Hamilton County also call us when they need an emergency dentist near them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a same-day emergency appointment?
We do our best to see emergencies the same day. Call as early as possible so we can fit you in.
Do you see emergency patients with Medicaid?
Yes, we welcome Medicaid patients. Our team will check your coverage when you call.
What if my emergency happens on a Sunday?
Our office is closed on Sundays. Follow the first-aid steps above, go to the ER for swelling or fever, and call us first thing Monday morning.
In pain right now? Learn more about our emergency dentistry or contact Tenth Street Family Dental at 6919 E. 10th Street, Suite A1, Indianapolis, IN 46219.
