In fact, the all-on-four implant with dentures system offers patients many benefits that our grandparents didn’t have. In today’s blog, we’ll review some of those benefits and explain how four little implants with dentures can vastly improve your quality of life. 

What Is All-on-Four?

The All-on-Four dental implant technique involves creating a surgical template to guide implant placement so that posts are placed in the most ideal position within the jaw. Four dental implants can hold an upper or lower denture in place. 

The procedure is done in one day, and in most cases, the patient is fitted with a temporary denture at the same time. The temporary will not endure forever, but it will allow the patient to eat, speak, and smile with confidence as osseointegration occurs. The term osseointegration refers to bone growing around dental implant posts, and it takes about nine months. 

After the bone has sufficiently anchored the implant posts, the long-term, actual denture will replace the temporary. 

5 Benefits of the Implant with Dentures System

Patients who wear traditional dentures miss out on many benefits of All-on-Four or a similar implant with dentures system. With implant dentures, you can enjoy:

• Confidence: Knowing that your dentures will never slip, wobble, slide, or loosen will allow you to dine out with friends and family, without worrying about embarrassing denture accidents. You can smile confidently because you’ll look fantastic.

• Comfortable Function: Implants with dentures feel like natural teeth. They function like natural teeth, too. If you’ve experienced speech and enunciation issues due to missing teeth or improperly fitted dentures, don’t expect the same problems with All-on-Four.

• Longevity of Your Investment: With proper care and continued good health, you can expect your implant dentures to last the rest of your life! The denture itself will need replacement with time, but your implants should last forever.

• Jawbone Retention: Another benefit of implants with dentures is that implant posts stimulate the jawbone to aid in bone retention. When you chew foods with natural teeth, teeth roots create vibrations. The vibrations let the brain know that your teeth are still in use, so your jawbone needs nutrition to remain strong.

When teeth are gone, the jaw holds no teeth roots. Even if you wear traditional braces there are no teeth roots. So, your brain tells your body to divert bone-enriching minerals to other bones that are still working, like arms and legs. As a result, the jawbone shrinks, so dentures no longer fit well and your face looks older.

Implants replace teeth roots, so when you eat, they create the necessary vibrations to ensure good jaw health.

Learn More About Implants at Your Consultation

Might implants with dentures be a good fit for you? For an implant consultation in Duncan, call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580.255.4880. Dr. Matthew Bridges will meet with you, review your records, and let you know which treatment options are available to replace your lost teeth or to stabilize your dentures. Most patients in good health qualify for dental implants.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Bridges and his team offer a full range of restorative dentistry solutions. At a consultation, he will explain all of your options. Then he will work with you to choose a treatment that fits your health needs, as well as your budget, comfort level, and cosmetic goals. 

Contact our office to learn more about dental bridges and implants and to find out which treatment may be right for you.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge can replace one or several adjoining missing teeth. Bridges are made of multiple attached dental crowns. The crowns on each end will sit on top of the neighboring natural teeth. To place a bridge and create sufficient room for the crowns, your dentist will need to reshape these teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace the missing dental roots. These small posts will be surgically placed in your jaw, where they will fuse with the healthy bone tissue. This process could take up to six months. Once the implants have fully integrated with the jaw, Dr. Bridges will attach a custom-made restoration to the top of the implant post or posts. 

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a more conservative choice than implants. If you select a bridge, you will not need to undergo surgery. Additionally, you will not need to wait for complete healing before you can receive your restoration. Instead, your treatment will usually take just two appointments spaced a few weeks apart. Finally, dental bridges cost less than implants, and insurance may cover a greater amount of the treatment cost.

The Benefits of Implants

Although bridges are more conservative, implants are usually considered the ultimate tooth replacement. First, implants do not necessitate reshaping otherwise healthy teeth. More importantly, implants help to ensure overall oral health. Like tooth roots, they send regenerative signals to the jawbone, which help to prevent jaw deterioration and additional tooth loss. 

Dental implants are also very durable. Studies show that 90 to 95% of implants last ten years or more. Finally, although implants have a bigger price tag upfront, because they last so long and can prevent the need for further restorative treatment, implants may save you money in the long run.

Candidacy for Bridges vs. Implants

To qualify for a bridge, your nearby teeth must be healthy enough to support the restoration. On the other hand, as a candidate for dental implants, you must have a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone tissue. 

Dr. Bridges can assess your candidacy for both treatments during a thorough exam using our advanced imaging technology.

Learn More about Your Restorative Options 

Restore your smile and protect your oral health. Contact our Duncan, OK, office today to book your restorative consultation. 

Complete our online contact form or call us at (580) 255-4880.

The post Dental Bridges vs. Implants: What’s the difference and how to choose? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

We are almost halfway through this year. Have you scheduled a dental exam and cleaning yet? If not, then it’s time to contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. We offer numerous preventive treatments, including oral cancer screenings and X-rays. Contact our team today at (580) 255-4880 for more information and scheduling.

Brushing and flossing are the most important daily practices for keeping teeth and gums healthy. But, how do you know which products to use? In this blog, our family dentist in Duncan, OK, explores some of the most recommended oral hygiene products by dentists.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes have become increasingly popular in recent years and for very good reason. According to the Oral Health Foundation, they are more effective in removing plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums than manual toothbrushes. 

Electric toothbrushes also have timers and pressure sensors. Our family dentist in Duncan, OK, finds this helpful, as it takes the guesswork out of proper brushing techniques. 

Water Flossers

Water flossers (commonly called oral irrigators) are devices that use a concentrated stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gum line. They can effectively remove food particles and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas, making them an ideal tool for patients with:

• Braces
• Dental implants
• Dental bridges
• Mobility issues

Tongue Scrapers

Tongue scrapers are dental tools that help remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. This can help improve bad breath, as the majority of oral bacteria that cause odor are found primarily on the tongue. Our family dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends tongue scraping at least once a day for improved hygiene. 

Remineralizing Toothpaste

Remineralizing toothpaste is a staple of any good oral hygiene routine. The mineral-rich ingredients (like fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite) help strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay and damage. 

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an effective way to kill bacteria in the mouth, freshen breath, and prevent gum disease between brushings. However, it should not replace regular brushing and flossing.

Sugar-free Gum

Chewing sugarless gum after eating can help encourage saliva production. This is crucial for good oral health because saliva helps to neutralize enamel-destroying acids produced by microbes in the mouth. Saliva also washes away food particles that can lead to decay.

Our family dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends looking for ingredients like xylitol, which deter the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. 

Friendly Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

Using the right oral hygiene products can make all the difference in your daily hygiene routines. Ask our family dentist in Duncan, OK, for more information on how to take your brushing and flossing habits to the next level.
You can reach Chisholm Trail Smile Center online here anytime, or you may call our Duncan dental office at (580) 255-4880.

The post Family Dentist in Duncan, OK, Reviews Oral Hygiene Products appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full range of dental services. With his recognition by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, he is especially qualified to treat sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center to learn more about our services or to book an appointment.

Sleep Apnea

It seems surprising that a dentist can treat sleep apnea. Don’t you need to go to a sleep specialist for care? Actually, a dentist can often provide convenient and effective treatment for sleep disorders. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects between 10 and 30% of adults, occurs when airflow through the throat is blocked. Breathing stops and patients wake up, often unconsciously. Dentists like Dr. Bridges can treat OSA by providing a comfortable, discreet oral appliance. The mouthguard will reposition the jaw to tighten soft tissues and keep the throat open.

Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches are often the result of dental misalignment, bruxism, and/or TMJ Disorder. When your bite is uneven or you frequently grind your teeth, this can damage your jaw joints and cause inflammation in the nearby muscles. 

Once Dr. Bridges determines that your headaches are indeed dental-related, he can design a mouthguard, which will stop chronic teeth grinding. Relaxation techniques can also help, since bruxism is often connected to stress.

Heart Disease 

Ok, so you couldn’t visit dentists for your bypass surgery. But going to the dentist could prevent you from needing such procedures in the first place! There is a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. In fact, research shows that patients with gum disease are two to three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke. 

Visiting the dentist is one of the best ways to prevent periodontitis, which develops when oral bacteria build up in the gums. Routine cleanings can eliminate these microbes. And if you do develop gum disease, a deep cleaning can prevent serious complications like tooth loss.

Pregnancy

Many pregnant women assume that they shouldn’t visit the dentist, but nothing could be farther from the truth! In fact, pregnant women may need more dental care. Expecting mothers are more likely to develop gum disease than other women. Research shows that 60-75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, the earliest, reversible stage of gum disease. If gum disease progresses, it can have serious consequences on unborn babies and may contribute to low birth weight and preterm labor.

Oral Cancer

This last health condition may not be as much of a surprise as the others. But it is included because oral cancer screenings are one of the most important services performed by dentists. 

Taking place at every dental exam, screenings look for mouth sores and other symptoms. Patients who are diagnosed early have a much better prognosis, which is one reason that it is so important to visit your dentist twice a year.

Looking for outstanding dentists? Contact Us!

Dr. Bridges is committed to your systemic health and takes ongoing training to provide the best possible care. Contact our Duncan, OK, office to schedule your consultation. 

Complete our online form or call us at 580-255-4880.

The post 5 Surprising Health Conditions Treated by Dentists appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be treated! 

Obstructive sleep apnea can involve different types of treatment, with some patients benefiting the most from a combined approach. Other patients find lasting relief with one type.  

The most common forms of OSA treatment include: 

• CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) 
• Correcting underlying medical conditions (such as lowering high blood pressure)
• An oral appliance from your local dentist

Chisholm Trail Smile Center offers oral appliance therapy for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. In this article, you’ll learn more about OSA and how your local dentist can treat it. 

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

According to this online article published by the National Library of Medicine, obstructive sleep apnea is primarily characterized by partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep. These are known as apneic episodes and may occur hundreds of times during the night.

Breathing introduces oxygen into the blood. A low blood oxygen level, called hypoxemia, is detrimental to overall health. Oxygen in the blood creates healthy arteries and reduces inflammation, while helping cells rejuvenate. 

Sleep is essential to healthy oxygen levels in the blood and an overall healthy body. An adequate amount of sleep each night contributes to a healthy heart, circulatory system, metabolism, immune system, and respiratory system. Regardless of age, the importance of sleep should not be underestimated.  

What are some symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

• Frequent morning headaches
• Rapid heart rate
• Weight gain
• Abrupt waking with gasping, gagging, and/or choking
• Frequent night wakings
• Exhaustion during the day
• Lack of focus
• Impotence
• Falling asleep at times of low activity

What are some of the risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea?

• High blood pressure 
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Encephalic (mental/cognitive) alterations
• Behavioral conditions (ie: learning problems, mood disorders)

Risk can increase for patients who are 55 years and older, and men are predominately more inclined than women to have this condition. 

Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea

One study suggests that untreated OSA is associated with high rates of morbidity (suffering caused by a disease or medical condition) and even mortality (death). OSA leads to a vicious cycle within the body that quickly worsens symptoms.

Lack of oxygen while sleeping can cause the release of a chemical that induces bladder spasms. Overactive bladders are rarely thought to be a symptom of sleep apnea yet contribute to frequent night wakings which lead to morbidity caused by lack of sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition but treatment can provide lasting relief of symptoms. 

Learn More About OSA Treatment

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges collaborates with local sleep specialist, Dr. Jones, to ensure a solid diagnosis. As a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Bridges provides a wealth of information on OSA and treatment. Contact our office online to learn more or give us a call at (580) 255-4880! 

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November is American Diabetes Month, a time set aside to raise awareness of diabetes and provide new ways of managing the disease. If you suffer from diabetes, you know the far-reaching effects it can have for your overall health – and your dental wellness is no exception. That is why it is so important to receive dental preventive care, in addition to your regular diabetes treatment and management. Fortunately, we provide thorough preventive dentistry to help maintain your oral and physical health.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full array of preventive services. He proudly employs state-of-the-art digital x-rays to make earlier and faster diagnoses. Most importantly, he offers compassionate, personalized care. He will get to know you and your specific health needs to provide the best possible dental treatment. 

Contact our Duncan, OK, office today to schedule your dental preventive care.

American Diabetes Month 2022

Every year, the American Diabetes Association choses a different theme for American Diabetes Month. This year, the theme is “Today’s Diabetes Hits Different!” Since the COVID-19 pandemic, diabetes patients face a new set of challenges. The disease hits different communities, has different risk factors, and raises the risks of different complications. Most significantly, today’s patients have different and higher costs to worry about. 

Fortunately, as the American Diabetes Association points out, today’s patients also have different ways to fight the disease. 

Diabetes and Dental Health  

Diabetes can raise your risk for a number of oral health conditions. Gum disease is the most common of any diabetes-related health complication, affecting 22% of diabetes patients.

There are several reasons that diabetes could lead to gum disease. If you have uncontrolled blood sugar, the sugars can also end up in your saliva, providing food for harmful oral bacteria. Second, diabetes can affect your immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections, including periodontitis. Furthermore, if you have diabetes, gum disease may be more severe and difficult to manage. 

But the connection between oral and physical health goes two ways. Research shows that dental preventive care and gum disease management could actually help to lower your A1c.

Dental Preventive Care for Those with Diabetes

So what does oral care look like if you have diabetes? It begins at home with a firm commitment to routine brushing and flossing. If you wear dentures, you should clean the prosthetic at least once a day. After all, tooth loss does not make you immune to gum disease. 

Second, schedule your dental exams and cleanings. At these appointments, your hygienist can remove the plaque and tartar that eventually lead to gum disease. Furthermore, Dr. Bridges can conduct a complete exam to look for the early signs of gingivitis. That way, he can catch the condition in the very earliest stages when it is reversible. 

Be sure to tell Dr. Bridges about your diabetes diagnosis at your first appointment. Although biannual exams and cleanings are typical, he may recommend additional visits since you are in a higher risk group. Plus, he can partner with your healthcare team to provide truly comprehensive care. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center Today

If you are facing a diabetes diagnosis, new or old, don’t let your oral health go overlooked. Contact us to schedule your dental preventive care. 

You can reach us online or call (580) 255-4880.

The post Dental Preventive Care for American Diabetes Month® appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Because full mouth reconstruction is different for each patient, you likely have many questions. Dr. Matthew Bridges will collaborate with you to create your treatment plan. During your consultation at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, he can further address any questions or concerns you may have.

To learn more or to begin planning your treatment, contact our Duncan, OK, office today.

Who is a candidate for full mouth reconstruction?

If you have a large number of missing teeth, numerous broken or worn teeth, and/or widespread dental decay, you may be a candidate for full mouth reconstruction. This treatment can also be a good option if you suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), which can lead to significant tooth erosion. However, Dr. Bridges will need to treat underlying the condition before addressing its effects. 

Note that full mouth reconstruction is not intended as a cosmetic treatment. The primary goal is to restore your bite and oral health. At the same time, it will certainly improve your appearance and often help you look years younger.

What procedures are included?

Full mouth reconstruction is a multi-stage treatment that includes several restorative procedures. These procedures will vary, depending on your health needs, budget, and preferences. They could include:

• Fillings
• Bridges
• Dentures
• Dental implants
• Crowns
• Root canal therapy
• Orthodontia
• Periodontal care

How long will treatment take?

Again, the treatment timeline will depend on the specific procedures included in your reconstruction. Some procedures, such as fillings, can be completed in a single appointment. On the other hand, dental implants require several months for total healing. You may also need to visit a specialist, such as a periodontist or endodontist, and they will provide their own treatment timelines. 

In general, we tell patients that full mouth reconstruction could take up to a year to complete.

How long will the results last?

Although treatment is a time commitment, you could enjoy its benefits for the rest of your life. Individual restorations may need to be replaced. On average crowns last 5 to 15 years, although many last 25 years or more. Implant-supported restorations often last 20 years or more. 

Of course, the longevity of your treatment will depend on your future oral hygiene, whether you have gum disease, whether you smoke, and several other factors. 

Even if one or more of your restorations do eventually need to be replaced, you most likely will never suffer from the widespread damage that you face prior to reconstruction.

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center Today

Dr. Bridges’ experience, compassion, and personalized care make him an outstanding choice for full mouth reconstruction. He proudly treats patients in Duncan, OK, and the surrounding communities. 

Get in touch online or call us at 580-255-4880 to schedule your appointment.

The post Considering full mouth reconstruction? Here’s Everything You Should Know! appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, we can provide both in-office and take-home whitening. Dr. Matthew Bridges will help you select the right option and supervise your treatment to minimize any side effects. With his expertise, your smile could be up to eight shades brighter.

Dr. Bridges prioritizes patient education. Read on for answers to common questions about teeth whitening. Then contact our office to schedule a cosmetic consultation. 

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Whitening treatments use peroxide-based chemical solutions to break apart stained molecules and eliminate discoloration. When you choose a trusted brand of whitening, it is safe and involves minimal discomfort. 

Many patients do suffer from some minor tooth sensitivity after their whitening regimen, but it usually goes away on its own after just a few days.

Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is appropriate for extrinsic discoloration, found on the dental enamel. These stains appear because of food, drink, smoking, and age. Although good dental hygiene and a careful diet can limit extrinsic stains, everyone will experience some degree of discoloration. Teeth whitening is an ideal solution in these cases. 

Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, are located inside of teeth. They often appear due to infection or trauma. Teeth whitening cannot eliminate intrinsic discoloration, but other treatments are available. These include porcelain veneers and dental bonding.

What kind of whitening should I get?

We offer in-office Zoom!® and take-home Opalescence® by Ultradent. Both can achieve comparable dramatic results, although the treatment process differs significantly. During in-office care, Dr. Bridges will coat your teeth in a whitening gel and use a curing light to activate the peroxide. In-take home treatment, you will wear specially made trays filled with whitening gel. 

The type of teeth whitening you select will depend on several factors:

• Your timeline: Zoom! typically takes an hour or less. It can be a great solution if you want immediate results or you are preparing for an upcoming event, such as a wedding. 

• Your level of tooth sensitivity: As mentioned above, teeth whitening can cause some mild sensitivity. If you already have sensitive teeth, this does not automatically exclude you from treatment. But you may prefer in-office care since your dentist can more closely observe and adjust the procedure, as needed. In either case, he may recommend a lower concentration of peroxide. For example, patients who used a 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening solution had significantly less sensitivity than those who used a 40% hydrogen peroxide solution. 

• Your budget: Take-home whitening usually costs less than in-office treatment, although we work hard to make all our options affordable.

Contact Us to Learn More 

Find out more about teeth whitening and whether it is right for you. Contact our Duncan, OK, office today. 

You can easily make an appointment online or call us at 580-255-4880.

The post “Does teeth whitening hurt?” and Other FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges can help you decide on the best treatment plan for your smile. The Chisholm Trail Smile Center team in Duncan, OK, are experts in tooth restoration. Here’s how we’ll renew your smile. 

Smiles Start with a Healthy Mouth

Decay from one tooth can move to other teeth like wildfire. A broken tooth can lead to weakening nearby teeth. Suddenly, you’ve gone from one bad tooth to a mouthful of issues. The only solution is to quickly stop the spread. 

To get started, Dr. Bridges will examine the damaged tooth to see if the tooth is salvageable. If a tooth still has a healthy structure, our team will discuss restoration options with you. 

Dental Filling or Crown?

Treatment options depend on the level of damage in a tooth.  The ultimate goal of our team is to keep as much of the healthy, natural tooth structure as possible while creating an attractive smile that functions comfortably. 

Two common restoration options are fillings and dental crowns. Here’s how they stack up. 

Dental Fillings

When a tooth has a small amount of decay or other damage, a filling may be sufficient.

• Materials: Fillings come in two options, amalgam (dark) and composite resin (white). Amalgam fillings are made up of metals including zinc and mercury. Composite resin fillings are made from a plastic mixture. To give a more natural look, our team will customize the resin is customized to match your damaged tooth.
• Durability: Amalgam fillings can last around 15 years while composite fillings last around five years. Both are highly durable and don’t require special care. If a filling becomes loose or chipped, the affected tooth may need either a new filling or a crown. For instance, replacing a large filling with a new filling may not provide enough structural integrity for the tooth. In this case, Dr. Bridges may advise a crown instead of a filling. 
• Costs: Amalgam and composite filling costs are very similar, though both vary based on insurance coverage. On average, costs are:
  • Amalgam Fillings: $50 to $150
  • Composite Fillings: $90 to $250

Both options are cheaper than dental crowns, but not as long-lasting. 

Dental Crowns

When a tooth has extensive damage, a dental crown protects the remaining healthy structure of the tooth.  A dental crown is a cap placed on top of an existing tooth; it looks and feels like your natural tooth. Here’s a quick review on dental crowns.

• Materials: Chisholm Trails Smile Center offers four different options for dental crowns; all ceramic, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) combination, and zirconia. Dr. Bridges will go over the options with you to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
• Durability: All dental crowns are durable and can last between 15 and 25 years.  Created with the strongest material, zirconia dental crowns are generally the most durable. 
• Costs: Dental crown costs can fluctuate depending on the material used and insurance coverage. 
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: $500-$1500
  • Metal: $600 to $2000
  • All Ceramic: $800 to $3000
  • Zirconia: $1000 to $2500

Flexible spending accounts often help bring down costs. 

Transform Your Smile with Dental Crowns and Dental Fillings Today!

Tooth damage dragging you down? The team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center can help. Dr. Matthew L. Bridges provides comprehensive dental care in Duncan, OK, and for patients of all ages in the surrounding areas.  Come see us and we’ll get you smiling again. Call us today at 580-255-4880.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges is a skilled Duncan, OK, general dentist, who has been named a Qualified Dentist by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is also a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and takes ongoing education in this important field. 

But how exactly can a dentist treat a sleep disorder? Read on to learn more. Then contact our office to schedule an appointment and find out how you can enjoy relief from your symptoms. 

How can a general dentist treat sleep apnea?

The connection between dentistry and a sleep disorder is not immediately apparent. In fact, there are two forms of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is uncommon, affecting an estimated 0.9% of Americans. It is often related to other health conditions and may require the care of a neurological expert or other physician. 

On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by improper jaw position. As the facial muscles relax during sleep, soft tissues can droop into the throat, blocking normal breathing. A dentist can easily treat OSA with a small oral appliance. The device realigns the jaw to keep the airways open. Because these appliances are similar to retainers, dentists are uniquely suited to provide this treatment.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea often causes the following symptoms:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Dry mouth 
• Headaches
• Waking up with gasps for air
• Irritability 
• Insomnia

I snore. Does that mean I have sleep apnea?

Not necessarily. 94% of OSA patients report chronic snoring. However, up to 60% of the general population snores, and only an estimated 7% of these suffer from sleep apnea. If you snore, you should schedule a consultation with a general dentist, but don’t assume that you have OSA. 

What happens if I don’t seek treatment?

The reason it is so important to schedule a consultation, even if you only suspect sleep apnea, is that the condition can have a major impact on your overall health and quality of life. First, it can cause excessive fatigue, which can affect your mood, your performance at work, and your personal relationships. Plus, drivers with sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a car accident.

On top of that, sleep apnea can increase your risk for serious health complications, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Atrial fibrillation
• Metabolic syndrome
• Abnormal liver function 
• Complications with healing following surgery

A simple oral appliance provided by your general dentist in Duncan, OK, can quickly improve the quality of your sleep and reduce your risk for these life-threatening conditions.

Schedule an Appointment with Your General Dentist in Duncan, OK

Treatment for OSA is fast and simple, yet highly effective. Protect your health today by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bridges. 

You can complete our online contact form or call us at 580-255-4880.

The post “How can a general dentist treat sleep apnea?” and Other FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.