Mon–Wed  7AM–5PM  ·  Thu  7AM–12PM, 1PM–5PM by appointment only

  Carmel, IN 46032

faqs

Frequently Asked Questions | Carmel West Dentistry in Carmel, IN

Working Hours :

Mon – Wed: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  1:00–5:00 PM by appointment only
Fri – Sun: Closed

General Questions

Yes — Carmel West Dentistry warmly welcomes new patients of all ages in Carmel, Indiana. We see individuals, couples, and families including children and patients with special needs. Book online anytime at p.adit.com/iEbB2 or call (317) 253-8631. Our team will verify your insurance before your first visit so there are no billing surprises.

We are open Monday through Wednesday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Thursday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM by appointment. We are closed Friday through Sunday. Our early morning hours are designed to fit around your workday — book online anytime at p.adit.com/iEbB2 or call (317) 253-8631 during office hours.

We are located at 3965 W 106th St #100, Carmel, IN 46032. We serve patients from Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, North Indianapolis, and all of Greater Indianapolis, Indiana. Free parking is available on site.

Carmel West Dentistry serves patients from across the greater Carmel area including Zionsville, Westfield, North Indianapolis, Fishers, Noblesville, and all of Greater Indianapolis, Indiana. Many patients drive from Indianapolis and surrounding communities specifically to receive care from Dr. Tannous.

Call us at (317) 253-8631 during office hours (Mon–Wed 7AM–5PM, Thu 7AM–12PM), email us at carmelwestdentistry@gmail.com, or book online 24/7 at p.adit.com/iEbB2. For dental emergencies, call (317) 253-8631 during office hours and we will do our best to accommodate your situation promptly.
Office hours: Mon–Wed 7AM–5PM, Thu 7AM–12PM · 1PM–5PM by appt

Yes. Dr. Tannous and her team have extensive experience working with patients with physical, developmental, cognitive, and behavioral special needs. We are proud partners of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program and participants in Give Kids A Smile. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for patients who need additional support during treatment. Call us before your visit so we can prepare appropriately.

Your First Visit

You will be greeted by name as soon as you walk in. Dr. Tannous will conduct a comprehensive exam, take any necessary digital X-rays, perform an oral cancer screening, and evaluate your gum health. She explains everything she finds in plain language before recommending any treatment. You will never be pressured to commit to anything on the spot. Most patients tell us it is the most comfortable dental experience they have ever had.

Yes. Dr. Tannous and her team are wonderful with children of all ages. We create a calm, positive environment for young patients and take as much time as needed to build trust. Many families in Carmel have been bringing their children to this practice for years — Carmel West Dentistry is a true dental home for the whole family.

Book online anytime at p.adit.com/iEbB2 — it takes about two minutes. You can also call us at (317) 253-8631 during office hours (Mon–Wed 7AM–5PM, Thu 7AM–12PM · 1PM–5PM by appt). New patients are always welcome. We will confirm your insurance and send appointment reminders before your visit.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency — broken tooth, severe pain, a lost filling, or a dental abscess — call us immediately at (317) 253-8631. We will do our best to accommodate urgent situations during regular office hours. Do not wait — dental pain gets worse, not better, on its own. Office hours: Mon–Wed 7AM–5PM, Thu 7AM–12PM · 1PM–5PM by appt. For severe swelling or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room.

Several things set us apart: Dr. Tannous completed a 2-year AEGD residency and supervises dental students at Carmel West Dentistry — a proud IU clinical teaching site. We offer Gum Builder Therapy, a non-surgical gum recession treatment of which Carmel West Dentistry is one of the leading providers in the area... We have been part of this community for over 60 years.

Cosmetic Dentistry & Botox

We offer professional teeth whitening (in-office and take-home), porcelain veneers, dental bonding, complete smile makeovers, gum contouring, SureSmile clear aligners, and Gum Builder Therapy — our advanced non-surgical gum recession treatment. Dr. Tannous is also an AAFE-certified Botox provider for therapeutic purposes including TMJ and bruxism. Free cosmetic consultations are available — call (317) 253-8631.

Yes — dentists in Indiana are legally authorized to administer Botox for therapeutic purposes including TMJ disorder, bruxism, and jaw muscle pain. Dr. Tannous at Carmel West Dentistry is AAFE-certified for therapeutic dental Botox for TMJ and bruxism. As a dentist, she has unmatched expertise in facial and jaw anatomy, making her uniquely qualified to treat TMJ-related conditions with Botox. Results typically begin within 10–14 days, with most patients noticing improvement within 2 weeks of treatment.

Dr. Tannous is an AAFE-certified Botox provider. Dental Botox at Carmel West Dentistry is used therapeutically to treat TMJ disorder, chronic jaw pain, bruxism (teeth grinding), tension headaches, lockjaw, and neck and shoulder tension caused by jaw muscle overactivity. Treatment takes just a few minutes with no downtime, and most patients notice results within 10–14 days.

SureSmile clear aligners are a virtually invisible, removable alternative to metal braces that use 3D imaging technology to move teeth into the correct position. They are suitable for most teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Dr. Tannous offers a free SureSmile consultation to evaluate your candidacy and show you a digital preview of your projected results before treatment begins.

Professional teeth whitening results at Carmel West Dentistry typically last 12 to 36 months, depending on diet, oral hygiene habits, and tobacco use. In-office whitening produces the most dramatic initial results, while take-home whitening trays allow for convenient touch-ups over time. Dr. Tannous recommends the right whitening approach based on your specific tooth color and sensitivity level.

General & Restorative Dentistry

Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning and comprehensive exam every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or certain medical conditions may need to be seen every three to four months. Dr. Tannous will recommend the right recall schedule based on your individual oral health during your first appointment at our Carmel, IN office.

We use tooth-colored composite resin fillings that match the natural shade of your teeth. Composite fillings are durable, look natural, and require less removal of healthy tooth structure than old-style amalgam fillings. They are completed in a single, comfortable appointment. Dr. Tannous also evaluates existing metal fillings and can replace them with tooth-colored restorations where clinically appropriate.

Yes. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and Dr. Tannous screens every patient at every visit. If gum disease is detected, we provide scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove bacterial deposits below the gumline and stop disease progression. We also offer Gum Builder Therapy — a non-surgical gum recession treatment for which Carmel West Dentistry is one of the leading providers in the area — for patients who have experienced gumline recession.

Call us immediately at (317) 253-8631. We do our best to accommodate urgent situations during regular office hours (Mon–Wed 7AM–5PM, Thu 7AM–12PM · 1PM–5PM by appt). For severe swelling or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait and hope the pain resolves — dental infections and untreated decay worsen quickly and can become serious. If you have a broken tooth, severe pain, swelling, or a lost restoration, call us right away.

Gum Builder Therapy

Gum Builder Therapy is a non-surgical gum recession treatment using calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler — the same biocompatible material used in facial esthetic medicine — injected beneath the gumline to restore lost gum tissue volume. Dr. Tannous uses a precision injection technique to place the filler at recession sites, immediately restoring the gumline. CaHA also stimulates natural collagen production for ongoing tissue improvement. The entire procedure is completed in a single comfortable appointment with no surgery, no sutures, and no recovery period.

Carmel West Dentistry is one of the leading providers of Gum Builder Therapy in the Carmel area. Few local practices offer this non-surgical alternative to gum grafting. If you have been told you need a traditional gum graft, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tannous first to explore this option.

Traditional gum grafting involves surgical incisions, harvesting tissue from the roof of the mouth, stitches, and a recovery period of two to four weeks. Gum Builder Therapy achieves similar gumline restoration without any of the surgical complexity. There are no incisions, no sutures, no donor site discomfort, and no extended recovery. Most patients resume normal activities the same day. For mild to moderate recession, Gum Builder Therapy often produces results comparable to grafting at a fraction of the discomfort.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Dr. Tannous uses topical and local anesthesia to ensure the treatment area is fully numb during the procedure. Any post-treatment sensitivity or mild soreness typically resolves within 24–48 hours. The experience is significantly more comfortable than a traditional gum graft, which involves surgical incisions and weeks of recovery.

Results from Gum Builder Therapy are long-lasting. CaHA filler integrates naturally with surrounding tissue and stimulates ongoing collagen production. Longevity depends on the underlying cause of the recession (brushing habits, bite forces, etc.) and individual patient factors. Dr. Tannous discusses realistic expectations and any lifestyle adjustments that can help maintain your results during your consultation at our Carmel, IN office.

Insurance & Financing

We accept most major dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, MetLife, CIGNA, Aetna, Principal, Humana, United HealthCare, Anthem, GEHA, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare Advantage plans. Call (317) 253-8631 and our team will verify your specific coverage before your appointment — no billing surprises. We also accept CareCredit financing for any treatment.

Our Dental Wellness Membership Plan is a great option for patients without dental insurance. Plans start at $499/year for an individual and include 2 professional cleanings, 2 comprehensive oral exams, all necessary digital X-rays, oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, and 20% off most additional procedures. Some exclusions may apply. No waiting periods, no deductibles, no insurance paperwork. Couple plans are $899/year. Family plans are $1499/year (up to 4 members, $399 each additional). Enroll in person at our Carmel, IN office.

Yes. Carmel West Dentistry accepts CareCredit financing for all dental treatments, allowing you to spread the cost of your care over time with flexible monthly payment options. CareCredit is available for routine care, cosmetic treatments, Botox, Gum Builder Therapy, and all other services. Ask our team about current CareCredit promotional financing options at your next visit or call (317) 253-8631.

The cost of a comprehensive exam and professional cleaning at Carmel West Dentistry varies based on your specific needs and whether X-rays are required. If you have dental insurance, most plans cover preventive care (cleanings and exams) at 100% with no out-of-pocket cost. If you do not have insurance, our Wellness Membership Plan starting at $499/year covers all preventive care. Call (317) 253-8631 for specific pricing information.

Special Needs

Yes. Dr. Tannous and her team have worked with many patients on the autism spectrum and with other developmental conditions including Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. We use gentle, predictable routines, clear communication, and a sensory-aware approach tailored to each patient. We work closely with caregivers before and during every appointment — call (317) 253-8631 before your first visit so we can prepare together.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for patients of all ages who experience dental anxiety, difficulty tolerating procedures, or a strong gag reflex. Nitrous oxide takes effect within minutes and wears off just as quickly — most patients can drive themselves home and return to normal activity the same day. Dr. Tannous evaluates each patient individually to determine whether nitrous oxide is appropriate and beneficial.

We never force a procedure. If a patient becomes distressed at any point, we stop immediately, give them space, and work with the caregiver to determine the best path forward. Dr. Tannous may recommend breaking treatment into shorter visits to build familiarity, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to promote relaxation, or other accommodations tailored to the individual. The patient’s comfort and wellbeing always come first, without exception.

We strongly encourage you to call us at (317) 253-8631 before booking so we can discuss your loved one’s specific needs, sensitivities, and history. This allows us to prepare the right accommodations, schedule an appropriate appointment length, and brief our team before you arrive. You can also book online at p.adit.com/iEbB2 and note any special requirements in the comments field.