Family Dentistry

Our Indianapolis dentist, Dr. Jiyun Thompson, believes your dental care should be about more than teeth. After all, science shows there is a direct link between your oral health and overall health.

That’s why we recommend regular six-month exams to check on the health of your smile. Regular dental exams can help prevent dental problems from taking shape or becoming bigger problems, and often detect the first signs of overall health problems. Additionally, by being proactive in your dental care, you can save money and avoid dental pain down the road.

A typical exam at Thompson Family Dental includes:

• Examination of your teeth and gums
• Oral cancer screening
• Digital x-rays (when necessary)
• A custom treatment plan to maintain or improve your smile
• One-on-one time with Dr. Thompson to ask questions or mention concerns

Most often, our dental exams are completed with a professional cleaning by one of our registered dental hygienists.

No matter how well you brush or floss, you still need to get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months on average. Why?

Over time, your teeth can acquire a build-up of plaque. If left untreated, this can cause gum disease and potentially other overall health problems. Your dental hygienist will clean your teeth free of harmful bacteria, and inspect your teeth and gums for initial signs of problems, like cavities or cracks. We use modern technology and gentle techniques to make your visit comfortable and stress-free.

After your teeth are cleaned, we will discuss your at-home dental routine and provide you with tips and education on how to keep your smile at its best. If additional care is needed, we will openly discuss that with you and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Scaling and root planing, also known as conventional periodontal therapy or deep cleaning, is a procedure involving the removal of dental plaque and tartar, and then smoothing or planing of the surfaces of the roots. This helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink, which makes it more difficult for plaque/bacteria to accumulate along the root surfaces.

Do you suffer from dental anxiety or fear? Sedation dentistry may be right for you!

Sedation dentistry allows you to relax and receive the dental care you need and deserve without fear. At Thompson Family Dental at Nora, we offer two types of sedation:

• Nitrous Oxide – Also known as laughing gas. You will be able to drive home after the appointment.
• Oral Sedation – Prescription of sedative pills will be given prior to your dental appointment. These will help you to relax and possibly sleep through most of the procedure. This sedation option requires a driver to accompany your visit.

Are you interested in sedation dentistry? Let’s determine which type of sedation is best for your comfort level.

As part of our comprehensive approach to dentistry, we include oral cancer screenings in your regular dental exams.

Our team is trained on what signs to look for, and with early detection, oral cancer has an overall Opens new tab to cancer research 5-year survival rate of 84%.

Sealants are used to help prevent cavities by filling the pits and fissures on the surface of your molars and premolars (back teeth).

Your back teeth are not usually perfectly aligned or smooth, and they can also be hard-to-reach when brushing, especially for children. This can allow harmful bacteria to collect and create cavities.

With sealants, you can protect your teeth and keep them clean easier. This preventative family dentistry treatment is long-lasting and will be checked during your regular dental visits.

Do you or your child play any sports? We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your smile.

Dr. Thompson can create a custom mouthguard to comfortably fit over your teeth with no impact on your game.

Nightguards can improve not only your smile but also your quality of life. They are used to help with:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Sleep issues (sleep apnea)
• Bite problems (TMJ disorder)
• More!

If you think you or your partner could benefit from a nightguard, call our Indianapolis dental office for an assessment: 317-846-9444.

What is root canal treatment?

A root canal procedure removes infected bacteria inside the roots of your teeth. Root canals are necessary when an infection has spread to the nerve tissue of your teeth. When disease or decay extends into or too close in proximity to the nerve, a root canal is likely the best way to save the tooth and avoid extraction (removing the tooth).

When do I need root canal treatments?

If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold, severe pain or throbbing in your mouth, swelling, or an abscess around your tooth, you may need a root canal. Also, if your tooth suffers severe damage or trauma, a root canal may be the best way to save it.