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

Tagged: affordable dentists indianapolis

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Implant Supported Dentures

ImplantSupportedDenturesWhat is an implant-supported denture? Implant supported dentures are over-dentures fixed to the gums by mini implants. Implant-supported full or partial dentures can counteract the cons of denture wearing and help you achieve better form and function.

For patients with uncomfortable or loose-fitting dentures, stabilizing it with mini implants can be a more comfortable and functional solution. People who opt for implant-supported dentures are more confident when they talk, laugh, and eat in public. Implant supported dentures typically make it easier to chew food and reduce the problems often associated with traditional dentures and bridges. Plus, they look and function more like natural teeth, which can restore confidence in your smile.

Not everyone is a candidate for implant supported dentures. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. The procedure can take multiple visits over several months. During the first visit, an anchor is placed into the jawbone and the site is allowed to heal for several weeks or months. This gives your tissue time to grow around the anchor to more firmly hold it in place.

When considering treatment, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options.

If you would like to learn more about implant supported dentures or other dental implant options, give our dental team a call.

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 | 10 Facts You Should Know About Tooth Decay

stages of tooth decay IndianapolisTooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. To repair a cavity, the decay must be removed and replaced with a manmade substance.

There are different types of materials used to fill cavities, including gold and metal alloys.

If you have ever had tooth decay, you should know:

  1. Tooth decay is one of the most common of all diseases, second only to the common cold.
  2. Tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children ages 2 to 5, half of those ages 12 to 15, and more than 90 percent of U.S. adults over age 40.
  3. Tooth decay causes pain, suffering and disability for millions of Americans each year — even more disturbing, tooth decay is preventable.
  4. If it is not treated, in extreme and rare cases tooth decay can be deadly. Infection in an upper back tooth can spread to the sinus behind the eye, from which it can enter the brain and cause death.
  5. Tooth decay is an infectious process caused by acid-producing bacteria. Your risk for decay can be assessed in our office with a simple test for specific bacterial activity.
  6. Three factors are necessary for tooth decay to occur: susceptible teeth, acid-producing bacteria and a diet rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates.
  7. Babies are not born with decay-causing bacteria in their mouths; the bacteria are transmitted through saliva from mothers, caregivers, or family members.
  8. Fluoride incorporated into the tooth structure protects teeth against decay by making the enamel more resistant to acid attack.
  9. Sealants, which close up the nooks and crannies in newly erupted teeth, stop bacterial collection where a toothbrush can’t reach. Teeth with sealants have been shown to remain 99 percent cavity-free over six years.
  10. Restricting sugar intake is important in preventing tooth decay. Your total sugar intake should be less than 50 grams a day (about ten teaspoons) including sugars in other foods. A can of soda may have six teaspoons of sugar — or more!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss possible tooth decay issues. We are accepting new patients!

You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Decay – The World’s Oldest and Most Widespread Disease.”

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 | Get a Whiter Smile with Teeth Whitening!

Teeth whitening Indianapolis

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Dental bleaching or tooth whitening is a common procedure in general dentistry.

Tooth whitening is not a permanent solution. It can last a few months to up to three years. The whitening effect varies from person to person. The whitening will not last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea, or coffee which can all stain your teeth.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

  • Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
  • Natural aging of tooth structure.
  • Brighten your smile.

Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it’s ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings). If you think you might be a good candidate for teeth whitening, let us know and we will schedule you for a teeth whitening evaluation.

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’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.

What our patients are saying about us.

I have been treated by Dr. Mills for 8 years. He has kept my teeth in excellent condition. His dental assistants are friendly and very well trained. Dr. Mills has never recommended any treatment I did not need. He capped my four front teeth as I had darkened caps from a 1980's accident. They are beautiful and I am very pleased. He did all of the work through his office and I did not have to go to other dentists to have the work completed. Best of all, he arranged the work to be done in steps so my dental insurance would cover each cap. He is a great care-giver and he is considerate of his patients!
- Karen V.

Read More Testimonials