We want our patients to live in optimum oral health. We can do this by developing long term partnerships with each patient. Our goal is to serve our patients with Golden Rule dentistry. In this process, everyone wins.

Our goal is to provide complete dental care fit to your individual needs in a timely and affordable way. We want your visits with us to be comfortable and pleasant, while providing you and your family with the finest dental care.

If you have never had a cavity, congratulations! If you have had one, you are not alone. About 78% of us have had at least one cavity by the time we reach age 17, according to a 2000 report by the U.S. Surgeon General. Fortunately there's a time-tested treatment for cavities: the dental filling.

Fillings do just what the name implies seal a small hole in your tooth, i.e., a cavity, caused by decay. This prevents the decay (a bacteria-induced infection) from spreading further into your tooth and, if untreated, continue on to the sensitive inner pulp (nerve) tissue located in the root canal. Should that happen, you would need root canal treatment.

There are a variety of materials used to fill teeth these days, but the process of filling a tooth is similar regardless. The first step is a clinical exam of the tooth with x-rays, to determine the extent of the decay. Then the decayed area of the tooth is removed, usually with a handheld instrument such as a dental drill. Of course, your tooth will be anesthetized first, so you won't feel any discomfort. If you normally feel nervous about receiving numbing injections, it's possible that taking an anti-anxiety medication or using nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed. After removing the decay, the remaining tooth structure is roughened or etched with a mildly acidic solution; then translucent cement is applied to bond the tooth and the filling material together.

Amalgam The classic silver filling in use for more than a century, dental amalgam is actually an alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The mercury combines with the other metals in the amalgam to make it stable and safe. These fillings are strong and inexpensive, but also quite noticeable. They also require relatively more tooth preparation (drilling) than other types.

Cast Gold Among the most expensive restorative dental materials, cast gold combines gold with other metals for a very strong, long-lasting filling. It is also highly noticeable, which can be considered a plus or minus.

Composite A popular choice for those who don't want their fillings to show, composite is a mixture of plastic and glass, which actually bonds to the rest of the tooth. Composites are more expensive than amalgam fillings, and the newer materials can hold up almost as long. Less drilling of the tooth is necessary when placing composite as compared to amalgam.

Porcelain These high-tech dental ceramics are strong, lifelike, and don't stain as composites can. They are sometimes more expensive than composites because they may require the use of a dental laboratory or specialized computer-generated technology. While considered the most aesthetic filling, they can also, because of their relatively high glass content, be brittle.

Glass Ionomer Made of acrylic and glass powders, these inexpensive, translucent fillings have the advantages of blending in pretty well with natural tooth color and releasing small amounts of fluoride to help prevent decay. They generally don't last as long as other restorative materials.

The numbness caused by your local anesthesia should wear off within a couple of hours. Until then, it's best to avoid drinking hot or cold liquids, and eating on the side of your mouth with the new filling. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal in the first couple of weeks after getting a tooth filled. If it persists beyond that, or you have any actual pain when biting, it could signal that an adjustment to your filling needs to be made. Continue to brush and floss as normal every day, and visit the dental office at least twice per year for your regular checkups and cleanings. And remember, tooth decay is a very preventable disease; with good oral hygiene and professional care, you can make your most recent cavity your last!

The Natural Beauty of Tooth-Colored Fillings The public's demand for aesthetic tooth-colored (metal free) restorations (fillings) together with the dental profession's desire to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible, has led to the development of special adhesive tooth-colored restorations... Read Article

Tooth Decay A Preventable Disease Tooth decay is the number one reason children and adults lose teeth during their lifetime. Yet many people don't realize that it is a preventable infection. This article explores the causes of tooth decay, its prevention, and the relationship to bacteria, sugars, and acids... Read Article

Tooth Decay How To Assess Your Risk Don't wait for cavities to occur and then have them fixed stop them before they start. Modern dentistry is moving towards an approach to managing tooth decay that is evidence-based on years of accumulated, systematic, and valid scientific research. This article discusses what you need to know to assess your risk and change the conditions that lead to decay... Read Article

A native of Northeast Indianapolis, Dr. Kevin D. Ward graduated from Lawrence Central High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University in 1982 and graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1986.

Dr. Ward served as a Dental Officer in the United States Navy, where he gained further clinical proficiency through several specialty rotations. Dr. Ward returned home to Indiana in 1990 and founded his dental practice, Fishers Dental Care in 1994. He is a faculty member at Indiana University School of Dentistry, where he continues to teach since 1990 and has been honored as its 'Best Clinical Instructor.

Dr. Ward is a member of the American Dental Association, theIndianaDental Association, the Indianapolis District Dental Society, The Academy of Operative Dentistry, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Ward is also a Fellow of The American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists. Dr. Ward serves both as Chairman of the Indianapolis District Dental Society's Peer Review Committee and as a CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments) Dental Board Examiner.

Dr. Ward views continuing education as vitally important, as he and his entire team continue to deliver the highest quality dental treatment for their patients. He maintains active membership in the Spear Study Club and past affiliation with The Seattle Study Club and The INDENT Study Club.

Dr. Ward maintains active community involvement with Fishers Rotary Club, Fishers Chamber of Commerce, and Knights of Columbus. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and traveling. Dr. Ward and his wife, Susan, have three children and have lived in Hamilton County since 1992.