Dr. Matthew Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center is just such a practitioner. Dr. Bridges is committed to getting to know his patients individually and to providing treatment that is uniquely tailored to each person’s needs. If he is unable to treat a special needs patient, he will be happy to refer you to an area practitioner who can help.

If you are looking for an outstanding family dentist in Duncan, OK, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today.

Dental Hygiene for Those with Autism 

Individuals with autism often have a hard time maintaining regular dental care. In fact, only about 50% of children with autism brush their teeth twice a day. Further, 61% of parents with autistic children report difficulties with brushing and flossing. For many, these problems are related to sensory processing disorders. The smell or taste of toothpaste or the feel of a toothbrush can be very unnerving for autistic individuals. 

Specific Oral Health Challenges

Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, some autistic patients have limited diets, preferring solely soft or puréed foods. Some may avoid fruits and/or vegetables because of sensory issues. Others may have a marked fondness for sweets. Without vigilance, these dietary choices can further increase the risk of tooth decay.

Individuals with autism may have other unique dental health problems. For instance, an estimated 20-25% of autistic patients suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. This can lead to dental erosion, cracked teeth, and TMJ disorder. Others may engage in non-nutritive chewing, which can also put excess strain on the teeth. And some may inflict self-injury, such as picking at their lips or gums.

Making Dental Visits Easier for Autism Patients

Because of the increased risk for dental problems, it is especially important for patients with autism to receive regular dental care. But this can also be problematic, since the unusual sights, smells, and sounds of the dental office can be quite upsetting. 

Dentists who treat autistic patients take many steps to ensure comfortable, low-stress care. For instance, your practitioner may provide specific music, noise-canceling headphones, dimmer lights, weighted blankets, or other calming devices. Depending on a patient’s individual needs, a dentist could limit interactions, or he could be extremely thorough in describing every step of treatment in advance. 

The best way you can make dental visits easier for yourself or your loved one is to find the right family dentist in Duncan, OK. Then call ahead to the practice to explain your situation and discuss the right strategies for your upcoming appointment.

Contact a Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

Schedule an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today. 

Get in touch online or call us at 580-255-4880.

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Dr. Matthew Bridges is a trusted family dentist in Duncan, OK. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we use state-of-the-art digital imaging, so we can carefully monitor dental development and tooth eruption. With his conservative approach, Dr. Bridges will never recommend unnecessary tooth extraction. But if wisdom tooth removal is required, you can trust us to provide the best possible care. 

To learn more about wisdom teeth or to schedule a consultation for your teen, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today. 

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a third molars that usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. (This is supposedly the age when youth also grow in wisdom, though if you’re in the thick of the teenage years, you may question this nomenclature!)

Though many teens face problems with their wisdom teeth, not everyone is born with them! An analysis of worldwide studies found that 22.63% of people are missing at least one of their wisdom teeth. 

How do I know if my child needs wisdom tooth removal?

In the past, it was common practice to remove wisdom teeth automatically for all patients. Today, dentists are more discerning and may allow asymptomatic teeth to remain in place. 

Beginning in early adolescence, Dr. Bridges will use digital x-rays to evaluate the position of wisdom teeth, as well as the overall shape and size of your child’s jaw. If it looks as though there will not be enough room for the teeth, he will likely recommend extraction before the molars actually start to erupt. This will prevent damage to the other teeth, such as overcrowding and an increased risk for tooth decay. Early removal will also reduce the risk of impaction. This occurs when teeth are not able to emerge fully, instead remaining trapped beneath gum or bone tissue.

When wisdom teeth have already started to erupt, your family dentist in Duncan, OK, will recommend removal if they are causing pain, are infected, or have begun to affect dental alignment. 

What happens during wisdom tooth extraction?

During a simple extraction, your dentist will simply loosen and remove the tooth from the mouth. If teeth are impacted or have not yet come in, your teen will need a surgical extraction. In these cases, Dr. Bridges will refer you to an area oral surgeon. 

To perform a surgical extraction, the doctor will remove the gum or bone tissue covering up the wisdom teeth. To reduce impact to the gums, he or she may take the tooth out in several pieces. Your teen will be given sedation prior to surgery, so they will feel little or nothing during the procedure.

Contact Your Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

It’s important to have your teen’s wisdom teeth evaluated periodically throughout adolescence. 

To schedule an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, contact us online or call 580-255-4880.

The post Family Dentist in Duncan, OK, Explains Everything You Need to Know about Wisdom Teeth  appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Give your smile the gift it deserves with general dentistry treatments at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. You can schedule appointments with our friendly team at (580) 255-4880 now!

In today’s blog, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges gives you five ways to keep your smile off the naughty list with general dentistry treatments.

Professional Teeth Cleaning: A Sparkling Foundation

Start your journey to a brighter smile this holiday season with professional dental cleaning. Regular cleanings with a skilled dental hygienist can remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that accumulate over time. 

As a result, routine cleanings can reveal the natural brilliance of your teeth. Not only does this contribute to a brighter smile, but it also promotes optimal oral health by preventing issues such as cavities and gum disease.

Teeth Whitening for a Dazzling Transformation

Our teeth naturally lose their luster as we age, but certain foods can contribute to duller smiles, including:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Dark juices (like pomegranate juice)
• Red wine

Luckily, professional teeth whitening is a game-changer for lackluster smiles. This general dentistry treatment offers patients a safe and effective way to restore brilliance without sacrificing oral health. 

Whether you choose an in-office treatment or a take-home kit, the results will leave you with a dazzling smile that’s ready to shine during the holiday festivities.

Cosmetic Bonding: Concealing Imperfections

Small chips, cracks, or gaps in teeth can affect the appearance of smiles significantly. Luckily, there is a tried-and-true general dentistry treatment to address these concerns – cosmetic bonding.

This quick and effective solution involves the use of tooth-colored resin applied to problematic teeth to cover minor flaws. The result is a seamless, natural-looking improvement that enhances your smile’s overall radiance for as long as 15 years.

Addressing Dental Issues: A Healthy Smile is a Bright Smile

General dentistry isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. 

Addressing any underlying dental issues (such as cavities, tooth sensitivity, or gum disease) is essential for achieving and maintaining a bright smile. Regular check-ups and preventive care play a crucial role in ensuring that your teeth stay healthy all year round.

At-Home Care: The Key to Long-Lasting Radiance

Adopting good oral hygiene practices at home is crucial for preserving the results of general dentistry treatments. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly can help prevent stains and keep your teeth looking their best throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Cosmetic and General Dentistry in Duncan, OK

The holiday season is the perfect time to invest in achieving a brighter smile through general dentistry. Whether you opt for professional cleanings, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, or a combination of treatments, the result will be a radiant smile that lights up the room and leaves a lasting impression on everyone you meet. Schedule your appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center here, or call our front desk at (580) 255-4880 for booking now!

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Here’s an overview of questions to ask when looking for a family and general dentist in Duncan, OK:

1. Are the support staff and dentist friendly, welcoming, and attentive to patient needs?
2. Is the office on a route you normally travel?
3. Does the dentist’s office accept your insurance?
4. Are all the services your family needs available?
5. Is after-hours emergency dentistry available for patients of record?

Now let’s dive into the last 3 questions and learn how you can determine the answers that best suit your family’s needs.

Does the dentist’s office accept your insurance?

There are a few different ways insurance can be “accepted.” 

LOWEST OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE: First, a dentist can be a preferred provider, which means the insurance company pays the dentist a pre-arranged fee for specific services. If your dental plan is a PPO and you choose a preferred provider, your portion of the bill should be less than if you used an out-of-network dental practice. 

HIGHER OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE: If the dentist you choose is not a preferred provider and you have a PPO, you can still see that dentist. You’ll pay a bit higher out-of-pocket expense, but if your family receives compassionate, gentle dental care and service, it will be worth the extra cost.

GREATEST OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE: If the dentist does not accept insurance, he is truly what we call a fee-for-service (FFS) provider. This means, you’ll pay all of the bill out of pocket at the time services are rendered. Whether you file your out-of-network insurance claim may be left up to you, unless the office files as a courtesy. 

Dr. Bridges is in network with Health Choice and Delta Premier, and our office will file out-of-network claims, as well. We can estimate your out-of-pocket expense when we present your treatment plan. We also accept CareCredit and credit cards, so patients can afford high co-pays and deductibles.

Are all the services your family needs available?

This is an important consideration. Guaranteed, everyone in your family needs preventive checkups and cleanings. Few people avoid restorative care, like fillings and crowns, during a lifetime, so general dentistry services are also important. If you have little ones, be sure the dentist sees kids in your children’s age group. Some dentists do not serve kids under 8, while others only treat teenagers and adults.

If anyone in your family is nervous about visiting the dentist or has special needs, you may want a dental practice that offers nitrous oxide or sedation dentistry. 

As a family and general dentist in Duncan, OK, Dr. Bridges provides all general, restorative, and prosthetic dental treatments. He also offers cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry, emergency dental care, and dental implants. All of our clinicians at Chisholm Trail Smile Center consistently provide a calming, attentive chairside manner, and we offer nitrous oxide to enhance patient comfort.

Is after-hours emergency dentistry available for patients of record?

What would you do if your dentist didn’t accept emergency appointments, and your child had a permanent tooth knocked out at a baseball game? You’d have to rely on Google to find an emergency dentist who would see a new patient, perhaps after office hours. 

Families encounter dental emergencies, so it makes sense for parents to choose an emergency dentist like Dr. Matthew Bridges. For patients of record (current patients), Dr. Bridges is always available to see emergencies, even after the office closes. New patients, as well as patients of record, can call for same-day emergency appointments during office hours. 

Your Family and General Dentist in Duncan, OK: Dr. Matthew Bridges

Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580.255.4880 today, and schedule a time to meet Dr. Bridges. Experience our five-star service firsthand and interview the doctor to find out if CTSC is the best dentist office for your family.

The post How to Choose a Family and General Dentist in Duncan, OK: Part 2 appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

A Note About New Patient Appointments: Parents commonly send their kids for an appointment with a new dentist before visiting the dentist themselves. We suggest the family decision-maker, Mom or Dad, be the first to visit a new dentist because a kid’s priorities are different than a parent’s.

Here’s an overview of questions to ask when looking for a family dentist in Duncan, OK:

1. Are the support staff and dentist friendly, welcoming, and attentive to patient needs?
2. Is the office on a route you normally travel?
3. Does the dentist’s office accept your insurance?
4. Are all the services your family needs available?
5. Is after-hours emergency dentistry available for patients of record?

Now, let’s explore the intention behind these questions and customize the best answers for your family. (This is part one of a two-part blog.)

Are the support staff and dentist friendly, welcoming, and attentive to patient needs?

The only way to know this for sure is with a visit. You can call a dentist’s office and gauge how the front desk team serves patients over the phone. (Sometimes this is enough to strike through a potential dentist’s office.) However, you won’t really know if a dental team prioritizes patient service unless you visit the office as a patient. 

While you’re at a new patient exam, consider how your husband/wife and kids will feel under this particular dentist’s care. The dentist’s personality is a significant factor in whether your family will enjoy dental visits. Also, as for a special request, like a pillow or bottled water and see what happens. 

As a patient, also evaluate the gentleness and attentiveness of the dentist and assistant. After the clinical part of your visit, if you like the appointment so far, ask the dentist questions that will help you decide whether he/she is right for your family.

Is the office on a route you normally travel?

Making time for dental checkups and cleanings is difficult enough with busy schedules and lots of commitments. Finding a great dentist whose office is on or very near your regular daily driving route will make appointments more convenient. 

How often will you visit your dentist? You and your household members will always need six-month preventive denitstry appointments, and being able to book them back-to-back or simultaneously is a benefit you should inquire about. You may also need restorative procedures after your checkup, and those can take one to three appointments, in most cases. Restorative dentistry includes fillings, crowns, bridges, etc. Also, if someone in your family wants Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to visit the dentist every six weeks until treatment completion. 

Your Family Dentist in Duncan, OK: Dr. Matthew Bridges

Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580.255.4880 today, and schedule an introductory meeting with Dr. Bridges. You can get a checkup or consultation, experience our five-star service firsthand, and ask questions so that you can return home with answers for everyone. You love your family, and they deserve the best. We agree.

The post How to Choose a Family Dentist in Duncan, OK: Part 1 appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Want to ask your questions in person? No problem! Schedule an in-person appointment with our Duncan dentist, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, today! All patients can reach our dental office in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 for scheduling, information, and advice.

We love curious patients, which is why we want to answer some of your general dentistry FAQs. In this blog, our Duncan dentist does his best to shed some light on your oral health.

What is general dentistry, and what services does it include?

General dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, identification, and treatment of oral health issues. Typically, general dentists offer a range of services, including:

• Dental cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Oral cancer screenings
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Root canal therapy
• Gum disease treatment
• Orthodontia
• Sleep apnea and bruxism treatment

However, not all general dentists offer such a wide range of services. Therefore, it is always best to confirm that a Duncan dentist offers the treatments you seek before scheduling an appointment. A quick journey to their website or call to their office can help you determine if a general dentist provides the necessary services.

Why is it important to see a general dentist regularly?

As a trusted and verified authority, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular visits to a general dentist for optimal oral health. For most patients, twice yearly appointments with a Duncan dentist are enough to prevent issues and keep the mouth healthy.

But, why is it so important to visit a general dentist regularly? Well, general dentists can identify and treat problems in the early stages, which prevents them from becoming more severe and costly to treat later. 

They can also provide preventive care to help you avoid future problems. Additionally, regular dental checkups can help detect early signs of other health problems, such as:

• Oral cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease

What can I expect during a dental checkup with a Duncan dentist?

During a dental checkup, our Duncan dentist examines your teeth, gums, and mouth for potential signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. We may also take x-rays to get a closer look at your teeth and jawbone. 

Ordinarily, dental cleanings are part of a dental checkup. So, a dental hygienist may remove built-up plaque and tartar on your teeth during a routine dental appointment.

How can I maintain good oral health at home?

Maintaining good oral health at home involves:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Flossing daily
• Using mouthwash between brushings

It is also important to:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol intake 

Meet Our Duncan Dentist Today

Are you ready to see why our patients love our Duncan dentist? Then, schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today! Patients can contact our Duncan, OK, dental office online or at (580) 255-4880 for appointments and more.

The post Duncan Dentist Answers General Dentistry FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Are you looking for gentle, personalized dental care that doesn’t break your budget? You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew L. Bridges in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 today!

Choosing the right Duncan, OK, dental service for you can be a daunting task. But, you don’t have to sift through your options alone. In this blog post, we give you some tips to help you choose the right dental service for you.

Consider Your Needs

The first step in choosing the right Duncan, OK, dental service for you is to consider your needs. Here are just a few questions to ask yourself before scheduling an appointment:

• Do you need a routine check-up and cleaning, or do you have a more serious dental issue that requires specialized care? 
• Are you interested in cosmetic treatments?
• Do you have dental insurance, or are you paying out of pocket? 

These are important factors to consider when choosing a Duncan, OK, dental service. If you aren’t sure what your needs are, then ask! Our team may be able to point you in the right direction.

Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations

Ask your family, friends, and colleagues for recommendations on dental services that they have used and trust. You can also ask your primary care physician or local dental association for referrals and recommendations.

Alternatively, you may find recommendations for Duncan, OK, dental services online. It is important to read online reviews and check the credentials of any dental service you are considering before pursuing treatments.

Give Yourself Options

A good dental service should offer a comprehensive range of services. This includes routine check-ups and cleanings, as well as specialized care for more complex dental issues, such as:

• Root canals
• Orthodontics
• Oral surgery

By choosing a Duncan, OK, dental service that offers a comprehensive range of treatments, you can avoid having to visit multiple dental providers. As a result, you can save extra time and money!

Check for Insurance Acceptance and Flexible Payment Options

If you have dental insurance, it is important to choose a dental service that accepts your insurance plan. This can help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses. It also ensures that you receive the maximum benefits available under your plan.

But, even if a Duncan, OK, dental service does not accept your insurance plan, it may still be worth exploring that facility. Many dental providers offer flexible payment options to make dental care more affordable for the nearly 34% of uninsured or underinsured patients living in America. 

Get to Know Our Duncan, OK, Dental Service

Exploring all of your Duncan, OK, dental service options can feel overwhelming. Let the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center help. Contact our team today by calling (580) 255-4880 or by sending us a message here to inquire about available smile solutions.

The post How to Choose the Right Duncan, OK, Dental Service for Me appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Your mouth facilitates entry of external elements into your body. It makes perfect sense, but have you really thought about it? Everything you put in your mouth, from foods to fingernails to your own toothbrush bring either good or bad elements into contact with your teeth, soft oral tissues, and potentially into your stomach and bloodstream. We call this the mouth-body connection.

Your family dentist should explain the mouth-body connection and its implications. Why? Because the mouth-body connection has a significant impact on whole-body health. 

“The mouth is a portal to the body,” says dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

Scientists discovered the mouth-body connection years ago and research continues to reveal new ways the mouth and body are intertwined. The bottom line is, your mouth is a portal to your body. 

When bacteria in the mouth feast on starches inside the oral biome, they release acids that weaken tooth enamel so that cavities (tooth decay or dental caries) form. Tooth decay is present, at some point, in 99% of humans, so it’s important that you understand the importance of balance in the oral biome (the atmosphere in your mouth). Good and bad bacteria, as well as pH levels, affect teeth, gums, and whole-body health.

All humans produce plaque, a sticky matrix of bacteria, saliva, and minerals that clings to teeth. Plaque carries bad bacteria that build up on and between teeth. Plaque that is not removed by brushing, flossing, or a professional dental cleaning, can irritate gum tissue and lead to the development of gum disease, which is the main cause of adult tooth loss. Researchers link gum disease to conditions like:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes complications
• Low-weight birth
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Lung conditions

Furthermore, when the bacteria that cause tooth decay, called Streptococcus mutans, or simply S. mutans, enter the bloodstream through the mouth, a patient can develop endocarditis. This heart condition can be fatal if not treated.

However, if you practice good oral hygiene daily and visit Dr. Bridges, your dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, twice a year for checkups and cleanings, you may avoid all of these symptoms and the destruction they cause on whole-body health.

Introducing outside elements to the body via the mouth has consequences. This listicle explains how specific elements affect oral and overall health.

Foods and Drinks

Avoid starches, including sugars, when possible. Certainly reduce your intake of sugars and bready foods, like breads, cereals, crackers, chips, and cookies. Foods and drinks with excessive starch feed oral bacteria. So, after you consume starches, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water afterward and don’t brush your teeth for at least a few hours. This will help your body re-establish healthy pH in the oral microbiome, while also hydrating and rinsing away bad bacteria.

Water

Our bodies are 55-60% water, and without proper hydration, the whole body suffers. Drink pure water throughout your day. Avoid sipping on sugary beverages. Limit any drink other than water to mealtimes or drink them through a straw to reduce contact with teeth and gums. 

Note that babies should only go to bed with a cup or bottle of water. Never put your child to bed with juice or milk. Babies and toddlers who fall asleep drinking anything but pure water, over time, may develop a painful condition called baby-bottle mouth syndrome. This condition involves severe tooth decay and requires extensive dental treatment to re-establish good oral health and reduce pain. 

Tobacco, Alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol cause dry mouth. (Alcohol also contains sugar.) In turn, dry mouth allows oral bacteria to reproduce rapidly. If you smoke cigarettes or dip tobacco, ask Dr. Bridges for help finding a cessation program. If you drink more than a few glasses of alcohol a day, consider cutting back for the health benefits. 

Medications

Some medications cause dry mouth, clinically known as xerostomia. If you experience dry mouth, purchase artificial saliva at your pharmacy. One brand, Biotene, comes in flavored spray, gel, and mouthwash. Keeping your mouth hydrated and salivated will reduce the amount of and reproduction of bad oral bacteria. 

Pen Caps, Fingernails, Toothpicks

Chewing on items not intended for your mouth can harm your teeth and gums. Furthermore, they may introduce germs into the oral microbiome and into your body. If you like the feeling of chewing, consider munching on sugarless gum. It can freshen your breath and aid in saliva production!

Your Own Toothbrush

Flushing an open toilet literally sends germs into the air via water particles. Studies show that these particles can land on nearby items, like your toothbrush. It’s best to keep a toothbrush in a drawer or zipper bag, and to close your toilet lid prior to flushing.

Also, replace your toothbrush every 90 days or so, because when bristles soften and fray brushing becomes less effective.

Bacteria & Brushing

How can you get rid of bad bacteria and keep it from entering your stomach and blood stream? We need bacteria in the oral microbiome, but it’s beneficial to reduce the amount of bad oral bacteria. Daily brushing and flossing do the job

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste (unfluoridated for kids under three years old). Floss once a day. Also consider using a tongue scraper to remove plaque on your tongue. An antibacterial mouthwash will help control the level of bad bacteria in your oral microbiome, as well.

Need a dentist at Chisholm Trail who will educate you and your family about oral health?

Call on Dr. Bridges, your dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. Visit us online at www.chilsholmtrailsmilecenter.com or call 580-255-4880. 

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Dr. Matthew Bridges is a great example of this dedication to continuing education. Thanks to his training, the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center is able to offer a wide range of unique services. Our Duncan, OK, patients benefit from our cosmetic treatments, state-of-the-art dental restorations, TMD treatment, and sleep apnea expertise. 

Contact our office to learn more about Dr. Bridges’ education and how it can benefit you.

How long do dentists go to school?

Like most college graduates, dentists spend four years pursuing their undergraduate degree. Then they spend an additional four years in dental school. Some select programs combine undergraduate and graduate training into a single six-year program.

How much continuing education do dentists undergo?

A dentist’s education is never done. The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry requires that dentists undergo 40 hours of additional training every three years. Among other topics, this education must include training in opioids, CPR, and ethics. 

But this is just the minimum. Many truly passionate dentists like Dr. Bridges undergo much more training, often focusing on areas of special interest.

What do all those letters mean after a dentist’s name?

Typically, you will see a dentist’s name followed by “DDS” or “DMD.” DDS is the abbreviation for “Doctor of Dental Surgery.” DMD represents “Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry” or “Doctor of Dental Medicine.”

So what’s the difference? Nothing! Different schools use different names for their degrees but the education and curriculum are identical.

What kind of training does a hygienist need?

Dental hygienists play a key role in your oral health. Typically, hygienists are the ones who will clean and polish your teeth at routine visits. Hygienists also prep patients for x-rays and treatment, and they may assist dentists during lengthier or more involved procedures. 

A hygienist also undergoes extensive training, although it is not as rigorous as a dentist’s education. Hygienists are required to have an associate’s degree, as well as a state license. However, many hygienists – like our own beloved Michelle – have a bachelor’s degree, as well. Like dentists, hygienists are required to take continuing education courses.

What is Dr. Bridges’ educational background?

Dr. Bridges received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and worked in software development. Realizing his love for dentistry, he decided to change careers. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma. 

Dr. Bridges has a keen interest in related health conditions, such as TMJ Disorder and sleep apnea. Thanks to his many additional hours of training, he has been named a Qualified Dentist by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He has also completed the renowned Dawson Academy continuum to combine the practical side of dentistry with practice philosophy. 

Contact a Highly Trained and Experienced Dentist 

If you are looking for a dentist who is dedicated to education and training, you have come to the right place! 

Schedule an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center online or call us at 580-255-4880.

The post “How long do dentists go to school?” And Other FAQs about Dental Training appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we are committed to patient comfort. Dr. Matthew Bridges takes as much time with each patient as needed so that you will never feel rushed or pressured into treatment. Furthermore, we offer nitrous oxide sedation so that even the most fearful patients can receive the treatment they need. 

With our gentle and personalized care, you don’t have to suffer from fear of dentists. Contact our Duncan, OK, office to learn more about how we treat dental anxiety or to book your first appointment. 

Dental Anxiety and Phobia: What You Should Know

Dental anxiety causes mild to moderate fear of dentists, and it is common, affecting an estimated 36% of the population. Anxious patients may suffer from a racing heartbeat, sweating, insomnia the night before an appointment, and spinning thoughts. 

Dental phobia is characterized by an extreme fear of dentists, and it affects about 12% of the population. Patients with dental phobia may experience panic attacks. Many delay treatment altogether. This can have drastic effects for their oral health, such as gum disease and widespread tooth loss. Neglecting dental care can also have serious consequences for their general wellness, since gum disease has been linked to poor cardiovascular health.

Patient Comfort Is Our Top Priority

Dr. Bridges and his team have a true heart for service and for providing outstanding care to anxious patients. We know that dental anxiety is not something that you can fully control. That is why we do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and at home in our office. We take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly explain your treatment options, and answer all your questions.

And, of course, Dr. Bridges’ gentle touch will ensure comfortable treatment with minimal discomfort. 

Nitrous Oxide for Anxiety Relief

We know that many patients will need something more to help them overcome their anxiety. That is why we offer nitrous oxide, more commonly called laughing gas. Administered through a facial mask, nitrous oxide causes feelings of deep relaxation and even mild euphoria. Varying levels of sedation can be achieved, depending on your needs.

Reassuring Facts about Nitrous Oxide

Some anxious patients also feel a bit nervous at the thought of sedation. If you are among them, the following facts may set your mind at ease: 

• Nitrous oxide has an established safety record, having been used by doctors and dentists since the mid-19th century.
• Nitrous oxide wears off quickly. Though you will likely need a ride home from your appointment, you should be able to resume most of your normal activities the same day.
• Nitrous oxide distribution has at least 12 visual and auditory safety features to reduce the already low risk of complications during administration.

Overcome Your Fear of Dentists at Chisholm Trail Smile Center

Even if you have been afraid of dentists since childhood, we can help you overcome your lifelong anxiety. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center online or call us at 580-255-4880.

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