Phone  317.883.3300     Map  Directions    |   Contact Us  Contact Us    |   7605 S. Emerson Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46237

If you need it, we can do it. Make Southport Dental your one stop for all your dental care.

Request An Appointment

Check out our latest offers to save even more on your dental care.

Request Now

Spring Break Dental Tips from Southport Dental

Spring Break Dental TipsSpring break is just a few weeks away. It’s a time when you and your family look forward to getting away together on vacation.

Your vacation is not the time to neglect your teeth. Your overall oral health shouldn’t take a break!

There are a few spring break dental care tips you should know and consider while on vacation.

  1. Drink water. Drinking water throughout the day will reduce the buildup of plaque on your teeth.
  1. Avoid sugary drinks. High sugar drinks such as soda erode the enamel on your teeth.
  1. When traveling, have all regular oral heath essentials with you. Bring healthy snacks (such as apples) that act as a cleanser for your teeth. Carry travel-size toothbrushes and mouthwash for road trips.

Whatever your plans are this spring break, remember to keep up with your dental care. Spring break isn’t the time to give your teeth a break! If you would like to schedule an appointment before your break give us a call.

The staff at Southport Dental is dedicated to providing you and your family the highest quality dental care.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | Your Indianapolis Southside Dentist

Indianapolis Southside Dentist

Southport Dental, located on the Southside of Indianapolis, has been serving the dental needs of patients for over 20 years. Dr. Ryan Mills, DDS stays current with dental techniques and trends by frequently attending continuing education seminars and courses ensuring that his patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced dental care.

If you are new to the area or are looking for a new dentist, Southport Dental offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of every member of your family. Services provided include regular checkups and cleanings, extractions, crowns and bridges, dentures, implants, root canals, tooth-colored fillings, veneers, lumineers and teeth whitening. The friendly and professional staff is always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the services they recommend for your treatment.

Southport Dental is located on Emerson Avenue between Southport Road and Stop 11. The office is just south of the I-65 bridge, on the East side of the road, in front of the Rosegate Senior Community.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | Choosing The Right Toothpaste

toothpasteThese days there are so many different types of toothpastes on the market. You may feel overwhelmed by all the choices available. The truly important thing to remember is to choose a toothpaste that you like and will use everyday.

In choosing a toothpaste, some offer certain benefits over others. You may have sensitive teeth so you will need to choose a toothpaste that’s best for sensitivity. If you are a coffee or tea drinker, you may prefer a whitening toothpaste that helps remove and/or prevent stains from forming on your teeth.

There are toothpastes that meet the oral care of virtually everybody. Whatever your goal is in choosing a toothpaste, make sure that you pick a fluoridated toothpaste. In general, as long as the toothpaste you choose has the American Dental Association Seal of Approval it meets the standards for being safe and effective.

If you have further questions about which toothpaste may be best for you, just ask us on your next appointment.

We are accepting New Patients! Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Are You A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

Dental Implants IndianapolisIf you have a missing tooth or missing teeth you may be a good candidate for dental implants. The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good overall health. Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system.

A few signs Southport Dental will look for in evaluating you for implants are: Healthy Gums, Adequate Bone Support and a Commitment to Oral Health.

Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. Dental implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth. Studies show that in healthy patients most implants have a high success rate of 90% or more! The success of the dental implant lasting for years to come is meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

The steps to see if you are a candidate for implants will require an examination. The exam will include thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, bone density and quantity. Based on your examination and condition of your oral tissue, oral hygiene and personal commitment to aftercare a treatment plan will be recommended.

If you are looking to be evaluated for Dental Implants call our office at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment. Our team at Southport Dental takes the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventative care.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

 

Southport Dental’s Top Four Tips for Avoiding a Cracked Tooth

types of cracked toothThe healthy enamel on your teeth is literally the hardest substance in your entire body. Believe it or not, it’s even harder than your bones! That’s really great news when you consider the enormous force our jaw muscles exert on our teeth when we bite down on something.

But before you get crazy ideas about doing circus tricks with your teeth, it’s important to note your teeth can still be cracked and chipped. Here are four “Don’ts” for avoiding a cracked or chipped tooth.

1. Don’t Chomp On Ice

High powered blenders have specially sharpened blades and settings for crushing ice. So imagine what chewing on ice can do to your teeth! Some people do it out of habit—and others do it when they’re nervous or bored. Just stop! It can chip or crack teeth.

2. Don’t Chew Hard Sweets

Hard candy isn’t good for your oral health anyway. Besides the high sugar content, and the long periods of time the sugar sits on your teeth, hard candy can also crack your teeth. Jawbreakers, suckers, and frozen candy bars are common culprits. If you enjoy these occasionally, consider licking them instead to avoid damage.

3. Don’t Bite Down On Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

We know that they’re difficult to avoid! When you’re enthralled in a movie, the last thing on your mind is the popcorn you’re enjoying. Just try to be aware of those pesky unpopped kernels!

4. Don’t Use Teeth As Tools

They’re not bottle openers. They’re not scissors. They’re not pliers. You get the idea.

Contact Southport Dental Immediately If You Crack A Tooth! Together, we’ll figure out the best course of action.  Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental PC – Tips To Help Erosion of Tooth Enamel

Tooth-anatomyTooth enamel erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to chemical dissolution by acids not of bacterial origin. Some foods and drinks are worse than others for tooth enamel loss.  The most common drinks and food that contribute to enamel loss are Sports Drinks, Energy Drinks, Fruit and Fruit Juices. All of these cause dental erosion because of the citric and phosphoric acids.

Here are 3 tips from Southport Dental on things you can do to minimize tooth enamel erosion:

1. Don’t rush to brush 

– Wait for 30-60 seconds after drinking a soda so your teeth have time to re-mineralize from the acid softening the enamel on the teeth.

2. Drink through a straw

– By drinking through a straw the contact to your teeth will be minimalized because the acidic beverages will not come into as much contact with teeth.

3. Don’t eat before bed

– When you sleep the saliva flow dramatically decreases taking longer to neutralize the acids. It’s best to not eat anything at least an hour before bed.

You might not notice enamel erosion at first because the differences in your teeth are subtle. However, as you lose more enamel, you’ll begin having additional symptoms. If your teeth hurt or throb when you eat something hot or cold, you probably are experiencing some enamel loss. This problem gets worse over time.

The enamel around your teeth is very important because it protects teeth from damage and allows you to eat foods without hurting your teeth. As long as you take good care of your enamel, you’re teeth will continue to be protected for years to come.

Our team at Southport Dental takes the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventative care.

We are accepting new patients! Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Why Do I Need a Regular Dental Exam?

Dental Exam Indianapolis

Dental exams are normally on the bottom of our to-do list unless we have a tooth causing pain. However, if you are doing so then not only are you missing the opportunity to keep your teeth longer, you are also missing out on learning about other medical issues you haven’t considered.

Here are some other conditions we can alert you to when you have a dental exam.

  • Anemia – Gums that appear light pink or almost white can indicate a very low iron level, which is an indicator of anemia.
  • Antidepressant Use – The dry mouth that comes from taking antidepressants can create a problem with increased cavities in your teeth.
  • Stress – When you are stressed, your body creates more cortisol, which is the main cause of inflammation. During stressful times, gum and tooth problems are likely to worsen. Not only is the risk of inflammation greater, but we also tend to neglect things like our teeth when stressed.
  • Diabetes – One of the many side-effects of this disease is the repeated creation of abscesses on the teeth roots and sometimes between teeth. This is often one of the earliest signs of diabetes.
  • Autoimmune disorders – Many times these disorders can cause either red or white spots in the mouth. While the spots themselves are easy to treat, if left untreated, they can turn into ulcers. These ulcers are extremely painful and difficult to treat.
  • Heart disease – This is the big one. The same bacteria that cause gum disease also causes heart problems by clogging the major arteries feeding the heart. It is very likely that a person with long-term gum disease may also have heart trouble.

We are accepting New Patients! Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.


 

Want to Take Care of Your Smile? There’s an App for That!

dental phone apps

There’s an app for nearly everything today.  If you are looking for ways to take care of your smile and maintain good oral health, just download an app on your smartphone.  These dental apps will help in taking care of your teeth.

Check out some of the most popular dental apps that help maintaining proper dental care and have a little fun at the same time!

We are accepting New Patients!

Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

Southport Dental – Are You Being Taken Advantage of by Your Chain Dentist?

The level of confidence is changing in dentistry because of the emergence of dental chains. In today’s society there are some dentists that are out to cash in on their patients. Dental chains are known for recommending unnecessary procedures to their patients for the sake of increasing their bottom line profits.

Southport Dental only recommends necessary procedures.

The ADA News, the official publication of the American Dental Association published an article by pediatric dentistry Jeffrey Camm describing a disturbing trend he called “creative diagnosis”-the peddling of unnecessary treatments.  Dr. Camm went on to say that there were several instances where dentists recommended a procedure with the thought it’s covered by insurance so it’s not hurting the patients.  At Southport Dental we will only recommend dental procedures that we feel you truly need!

Up-selling in dentistry isn’t anything new it’s just becoming more of a phenomenon since tuition is on the rise and many dentists are taking jobs with chains.  Many of these dental chains have turned dentists into salespeople.  In recent years several chains have been sued over allegations of unnecessary fillings, extractions and root canals that were covered by Medicaid. Several other chains have been sued over similar allegations.

The word to the wise is just be cautious when seeing your dentist or a new dentist that you feel may be recommending excessive procedures.  It doesn’t hurt to seek a second opinion on dental care. Dr. Ryan Mills and his staff are dedicated to providing you and your family the highest quality dental care.

At Southport Dental we are committed to providing a warm, stress free environment in which our patients are treated as family. Only necessary procedures are recommended, in other words, no one is pressured with “up selling.” When considering treatment, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options.

We are accepting New Patients! Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental’s Top 3 Oral Health Tips for 2015

Here are three easy Oral Health tips to consider for 2015.  Make Southport Dental your one stop for all your dental care.

Flossing and Oral Health Southport Dental

 

  • Improve Your Brushing and Flossing Techniques. Brushing and flossing are two of the most important things you can do to prevent plaque build up.
  • Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months. Regular check ups are recommended to check for tooth decay and the health of your gums.  Routine dental exams can help address serious dental problems before they arise.
  • Control Your Sweet Tooth. Sugar from snacks and sweets increase the plaque production.  Plaque is what sets the process of tooth decay in motion.  Limiting the intake of sweets reduce the bacteria bearing plaque and reduce decay.

Make it your resolution to start the new year off by improving your oral health in 2015!

We are accepting New Patients! Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

What our patients are saying about us.

Dr. Mills and his team are the best in my book! Great service, excellent care, beautiful office and affordable services. I will never consider another dentist as long as I'm located in central Indiana.
- Chris B.

Read More Testimonials