General dentist Dr. Chris Hardin is passionate about helping you and your family enjoy healthy and confident smiles for life. He believes that good oral health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. From routine dental cleanings to protective sports mouthguards, Dr. Hardin provides complete general dentistry services in Indianapolis, IN.
General Dentistry Services
Dr. Hardin is here to maintain your oral health with general dental services. He’s also here to help you prevent dental problems before they worsen. At Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, Dr. Hardin offers a variety of general dentistry services to meet your needs:
- Emergency Dentistry. Accidents happen, and when they do, you need immediate care. Our emergency dentistry services are here to help you when you need it most. Whether it’s a toothache, a broken tooth, or any other urgent dental issue, we’re just a call away.
- Sedation Dentistry. We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some patients. Our sedation dentistry options keep you relaxed and comfortable during your visit. If you need some help to calm your nerves or want sedation for a procedure, we’ve got you covered.
- Tooth Extraction. Sometimes we need to remove a problem tooth to protect your oral health. Our skilled team performs tooth extractions with care and precision. Modern tooth extractions can be a smooth and pain-free experience.
- Custom Mouthguard. Protect your teeth during sports or at night with a custom mouthguard. We create custom-made mouthguards tailored to fit you. Athletic mouthguards provide maximum protection and comfort.
- Family Dentistry: We love taking care of families! Our family dentistry services cater to patients of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. We provide comprehensive care to ensure that every family member has healthy teeth and gums.
Composite Fillings
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth.
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.
- Reasons for composite fillings:
- Chipped teeth.
- Closing space between two teeth.
- Cracked or broken teeth.
- Decayed teeth.
- Worn teeth.
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as needed. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.
You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Dental exams and cleanings are an important part of preventative and general dentistry. When you visit our office twice a year, Dr. Hardin takes the time to look at your teeth, gums, and bite. Our team will begin your visit with an initial consultation, where we’ll discuss your dental history and your concerns. Then we’ll fully examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any potential issues.
Our skilled hygienists will then perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, leaving your teeth feeling fresh and clean. We may also take X-rays to get a closer look at your teeth and jaw. Digital imaging gives us a complete picture of your oral health.
Based on the examination, Dr. Hardin will discuss any necessary treatments with you and create a personalized plan to address your dental care needs. Throughout your visit, our goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and informed about your oral health.
Benefits of Routine Dental Care
Routine dental care helps you maintain a healthy smile. One of the primary benefits of regular dental visits is that we help you prevent cavities. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from your mouth that can lead to tooth decay.
Routine visits can also prevent gum disease. Early detection and treatment of gum issues in our office can prevent more serious complications in the future. Dr. Hardin will examine your gums and look for gum pockets for recession and inflammation.
Home Care: How to Brush and Floss
Our ultimate goal when treating patients is to create a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal.
We recommend that you brush and floss at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA-approved soft-bristle brush, toothpaste, and floss of your choosing.
Follow these tips to get the best clean:
Brushing
Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Then, gently brush using a small, circular motion and ensure you always feel the bristles on the gums.
Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth. Use the brush’s tip to clean the inside of the front teeth. Finally, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Flossing
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces but prevents plaque colonies from building up. A good floss can also prevent infections that damage the gums, teeth, and bone.
First, cut a piece of floss to around 18 inches long. Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of the right hand. Keep your hands 2-3 inches apart.
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, and gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion. Then curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Why Do I Have to Brush and Floss?
Brushing and flossing every day helps protect your teeth and gums from common problems. Good oral hygiene can prevent decay, gum disease, bad breath and more.
Tooth Decay
Cavities are one of the top reasons people lose teeth. It happens when plaque builds up in your mouth. Harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches left in your mouth. The digestive acids of these bacteria wear away your tooth enamel.
Decayed teeth are painful, and you may need to treat your teeth with fillings, crowns, or even a tooth extraction. Removing harmful bacteria from your teeth every day can stop this process.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious condition that ca cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and even lead to tooth and bone loss. It starts when plaque and tartar build up along the gumline. The toxins in plaque harm your gums and may also affect your overall health. Brushing your teeth and flossing between your teeth helps remove harmful bacteria and keeps your gums healthy.
Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, often happens when food particles stay on or between your teeth. Bacteria feed on this leftover food and release smelly gases.
The fluoride in toothpaste keeps your breath fresh. We also recommend brushing your tongue after you brush your teeth and gums. Food debris and bacteria can sit on your tongue and contribute to bad breath.
Tooth Stains
Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and tobacco can stain your teeth over time. Brushing and flossing help remove these stains before they become permanent. The more often you clean your teeth, the brighter and whiter they will stay.
Oral Hygiene Aids
Regular dental checkups keep your mouth healthy and catch problems early, but they aren’t enough on their own. You also need to take care of your teeth at home to avoid future dental issues.
Some of the most common oral hygiene aids for home care include:
Dental Floss
Floss helps clean between your teeth and under your gums, where your toothbrush can’t reach. It comes in different types and flavors. Most floss is made from thin nylon or soft plastic ribbons. Use floss gently to avoid hurting your gums. We also recommend that you floss at least once a day.
Interdental Brushes
These small brushes clean the spaces between your teeth. Many dentists and dental hygienists recommend using them in addition to floss. You can also use an interdental brush if you have a bridge or denture. Interdental brushes are soft on the gums and come in different sizes and shapes to fit your teeth. These brushes can also get into small crevices that may be hard to reach.
Mouth Rinses
Mouthwash can be cosmetic or therapeutic. Cosmetic rinses make your breath smell better but don’t do much to fight plaque or bacteria. Therapeutic rinses have active ingredients that can reduce plaque, cavities, and bad breath. These may be over-the-counter or prescription. You can use mouthwash after you brush, and ask our dentist which type is best for you.
Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators, like Waterpiks, spray a stream of water to clean around the gums and below the gumline. They wash away food and bacteria but shouldn’t replace brushing or flossing. Water flossers work best when used with your regular daily routine. We also recommend water flossers if you have braces or dental restorations.
Rubber Tip Stimulators
This tool helps remove plaque from the gumline and also increases blood flow to the gums. Gently trace the rubber tip along the edge of your gums once a day. Rinse the tip after use, and replace it when it wears out. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Tongue Cleaners
Tongue cleaners remove bacteria and food from the surface of your tongue. Cleaning your tongue can help prevent bad breath and may lower the risk of some health problems like heart disease and stroke. Tongue cleaners can be made from plastic, metal, or wood. Use them before brushing your teeth to avoid swallowing harmful bacteria. You can also use your toothbrush instead of a scraper as well.
Toothbrushes
Most dentists recommend electric toothbrushes because they remove plaque more effectively with less effort. The spinning or vibrating motion helps clean around the teeth and gums. Manual toothbrushes can work well, too, but you need to be more thorough.
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and an ADA seal of approval. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are worn.
Schedule an Appointment
Taking care of your oral health is just a click or a call away. At Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we make it easy for you to schedule your next dental visit.
You can fill out our online appointment form on our website to request an appointment. One of our team members will get back to you promptly to confirm your visit. Feel free to give us a call at 317-830-0073. We’ll be happy to find a convenient time for your appointment.
We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Don’t wait. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards excellent oral health!