If you’re interested in dental crowns, call our office at 580.255.4880 to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Matthew Bridges!

Myth 1: Tooth Crowns Are Painful to Get

The truth is that getting a crown is a relatively painless process. Dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area before preparing the tooth for the crown. Patients may feel some pressure or discomfort during the procedure, but it should not be painful. Additionally, advancements in dental technology and techniques have made the process even more comfortable for patients.

Myth 2: Dental Crowns Are Only for Cosmetic Purposes

While crowns are commonly used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of teeth, their benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. Decayed, weakened, or cracked teeth are commonly restored with tooth crowns. They provide structural support and protection, preventing further damage and preserving the integrity of the tooth. Dental crowns can also be used to cover dental implants and anchor dental bridges, restoring functionality to the mouth.

Myth 3: Dental Crowns Require Special Care

Here’s the truth: Crowns can be cared for just like regular teeth with daily brushing and flossing and routine dental check-ups. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and decay around the crown. Avoiding hard or sticky foods can also help prolong the lifespan of the crown. With proper care, tooth crowns can last for many years, providing long-term benefits for your oral health.

Myth 4: Tooth Crowns Are Noticeable and Ugly

Modern tooth crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of the surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural-looking result. Additionally, advancements in dental materials and techniques have made crowns more lifelike than ever before. Whether made of porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, dental crowns can be customized to achieve beautiful, aesthetic results that enhance your smile.

Myth 5: Dental Crowns Are Permanent

While tooth crowns are durable and long-lasting, they are not considered permanent. Over time, crowns may wear down or become damaged due to normal wear and tear, biting forces, or changes in the mouth. However, with proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years before needing to be replaced. Your dentist will monitor the condition of your crowns during routine check-ups and recommend replacement if necessary.

Myth 6: Crowns Are Expensive

Cost is often a concern for patients considering tooth crowns, but the perceived expense may be a myth. While crowns may require an upfront investment, they are a cost-effective solution for restoring and preserving damaged teeth in the long run. Crowns can prevent the need for more extensive and costly treatments, such as root canals or extractions, by protecting the underlying tooth structure. Additionally, many dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of crowns, making them more affordable for patients.

Dental Crowns in Duncan, OK

Tooth crowns are versatile restorative treatments that provide numerous benefits for patients with damaged or weakened teeth. By debunking common myths and misconceptions, we hope to empower patients to make informed decisions about their oral health.

If you have any questions or concerns about crowns, don’t hesitate to speak with our Duncan, OK dentist. With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can restore your smile and improve your overall oral health for years to come. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

The post Common Myths and Misconceptions About Dental Crowns Debunked appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Do you suspect that a cavity is forming in your smile? Don’t wait until it becomes a painful problem. Contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, today! Patients can easily request information and appointments at (580) 255-4880.

Dental decay is entirely preventable. That’s why dentists recommend once-daily flossing, twice-daily brushing, and biannual dental exams and cleanings. But, even with the best care and maintenance, it is still possible to develop cavities. In this blog, we explore the causes of cavities and the best ways to treat them.

What causes cavities?

Many factors can contribute to cavity formation, including:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Daily brushing and flossing are key components in oral hygiene, as they work to keep cavity-causing plaque off of the teeth. Failure to brush and floss daily can lead to plaque formation, which contains harmful bacteria that produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel.

Sugar and Starch

Eating foods that are high in sugar and starch can also contribute to the development of cavities. These substances provide fuel for the bacteria living in the mouth, which can then produce more enamel-destroying acid.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition in which the salivary glands do not produce enough moisture. Experts believe that roughly one in every four adults suffers from dry mouth, making it a very common oral issue. 

A dry mouth can lead to dental decay. This is because there is not enough saliva to wash away residual food debris and bacteria in the mouth, which can quickly lead to cavities.

Genetics

Even with the best oral hygiene and the cleanest diet, it is still possible to develop dental caries. This is because some patients have a genetic predisposition to certain conditions that can increase the likelihood of dental decay, such as:

• Dry mouth
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome

How to Treat Cavities

The best way to treat cavities is to prevent them. However, even the best preventive measures may not be enough for some patients. So, here are a few ways that dentists can treat cavities:

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a durable material that a trained dentist can use to plug the space left behind after cavity removal. This treatment is long-lasting, with many fillings lasting for decades.

Dental Crowns

In some cases, cavities are too extensive to repair with fillings. Dental crowns are a step above dental fillings, as they offer 360° protection after cavity removal.

Root Canal Therapy

If a cavity spreads too far, then it can cause a root canal infection. Root canal therapy removes infected dental pulp and protects the tooth from further damage.

Tooth Extraction

In extreme cases, a dentist may not be able to save a severely decaying tooth. A health-saving tooth extraction may be a last-ditch effort to save your oral health from a pervasive cavity.

Treat Cavities with Our Dentist in Duncan, OK

Don’t let dental decay rob you of your smile. Get high-quality cavity treatment in Duncan, OK, with Dr. Matthew L. Bridges today! Patients can request appointments here or at (580) 255-4880.

The post Cavities: Why We Get Them and How to Treat Them appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dental crowns are a reliable method for restoring the strength and appearance of your teeth. Your dentist may recommend a crown if you have:

• Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
• Severe discoloration
• Missing teeth
• Weak or damaged teeth

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges provides the community of Duncan, OK with quality restorative dental care. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how dental crowns can repair your smile.

What is a dental crown?

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over your damaged tooth. They can restore the size, shape, and function of a broken or decayed tooth and are made from several different materials including ceramic, zirconia, metal, and porcelain fused to metal.

All-ceramic crowns are the most common choice for their natural appearance. They are also a good option for patients with metal allergies.

Zirconia caps are stronger than ceramic but still offer an aesthetic appearance while also being biocompatible. These crowns are gentle on the gum tissue.

Metal crowns are durable and long-lasting but do not match the appearance of your surrounding teeth. They are a good option for back molars that cannot be seen but need to withstand the force of chewing.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal caps are strong and look natural. In some instances, however, the porcelain can suffer from wear and tear causing the metal to show through.

Reasons for a Dental Crown

While any dental treatment can be nerve-wracking, receiving a dental cap is no reason for worry and you can rest assured that you’re not alone. In fact, single crowns are the most common restorative procedure. Below are several reasons you may be in need of a crown.

Protection and Restoration

One typical reason for a dental crown is to protect and restore a damaged tooth. If your tooth is decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped, a crown can prevent further problems while allowing you to eat, chew, and speak normally.

If you’ve received a large filling or undergone a root canal procedure, your original tooth may be weak or brittle. A crown shields this tooth from danger so you can go about your daily life.

Cosmetic Enhancement

A beautiful smile can be vital to your self-esteem. If you have misshapen, crooked, or severely discolored teeth, a crown can rejuvenate your look. Ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are designed to match the exact shade and shape you want, so your teeth look healthy and natural.

Missing Tooth Replacement

Missing teeth impact the way you look, eat, and speak, and they can also cause serious dental issues. If you lose a tooth, your surrounding teeth will shift, and crooked teeth are harder to clean which increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Crowns are often an important part of prosthetic teeth replacements. They hold dental bridges in place and cover dental implants.

Dental Crowns in Duncan, OK

Dr. Bridges and our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center are proud to serve our community in Duncan. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, contact us online or call 580-255-4880 to get started on your journey to a healthy smile!

The post What are dental crowns and when do I need one? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges can create and place a temporary stainless-steel crown during your first appointment. Impressions of your mouth are sent to a dental lab where your permanent crown is made. The permanent crown will be placed at your next dental appointment.

If you have a tooth that needs to be restored with a dental crown, contact our friendly staff today at 580-255-4880 to schedule an appointment.

What is a dental crown?

A crown is basically a cap that is placed over your natural tooth or placed on top of a dental implant where your natural tooth should be. The cap is created based on the following criteria:

• The visibility of the tooth
• The position of gum tissue
• The tooth’s location and function
• Your personal preference

Dr. Bridges will also suggest a material that is most beneficial to your oral needs. Dental crowns can be created using the following materials:

1. Ceramic: Ceramic, or porcelain crowns, are extremely popular because they look just like a natural tooth. They are recommended for replacing front teeth. However, they are not as durable as other materials.
2. Metal: Crowns made from metal are very reliable and durable. Because they are so strong, they are not easily damaged and rarely have to be replaced or fixed. Although not ideal for front teeth because of their appearance, metal alloys are a great option for replacing posterior teeth.
3. Porcelain-fused-to-metal: PFM crowns offer the best of both worlds because they are made of a metal base covered with tooth-colored porcelain. One potential problem with PFM crowns is that the surrounding teeth can rub against the ceramic causing the metal to show through.
4. Zirconia: This relatively new ceramic-like material is versatile and nearly as strong as metal. Zirconia is so new, in fact, that it is continually being improved for better dental performance.

Remember, during your first appointment, Dr. Bridges will place a temporary stainless-steel crown on the damaged tooth to protect and strengthen the tooth while you wait for your permanent crown.

Why would I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns are a restorative treatment, but they can also have cosmetic benefits. Here are some specific reasons you may need a dental crown:

• To protect a weak tooth from decay
• To restore a broken tooth
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To mask a misshapen or discolored tooth
• To cover a dental implant

Although dental crowns are an effective option, Dr. Bridges might also recommend other restorative dentistry options like inlays and onlays, dental bridges, root canal therapy, or dental implants. If your tooth is discolored or has a small chip and needs cosmetic treatment, we offer teeth whitening and veneers. Contact us today at 580-255-4880 to learn if any of these restorative or cosmetic treatments are right for you.

Visit Your Duncan, OK Dentist Today

A damaged or decayed tooth often causes unnecessary pain and discomfort. Fortunately, dental crowns are a safe and effective option to relieve you of that pain. Dr. Bridges and our experienced staff are prepared to restore your smile’s health and function. Call our office today at 580-255-4880 to set up an appointment.

The post When Is a Dental Crown Necessary? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Sensitivity to cold beverages, toothache, difficulty chewing … these are all common side effects of a cavity. Did you know that over 90 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with at least one cavity by the time they reach the age of 35? That’s a pretty staggering statistic. Cavities are quite common and the chances of you getting one at some point in your lifetime are very high. That makes visiting the dentist every six months all the more important.

While cavities can be detrimental for adults, they can be even more so for children. If a cavity is left unaddressed it can cause the infection to spread to nearby teeth, and even result in tooth loss. Going without a tooth can cause space issues, TMJ disorder, and jaw pain. Repairing cavities as soon as they occur is vital to an individual’s long-term oral health. Depending on the size of cavities, teeth can be repaired with dental fillings or dental crowns.

Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center offers both dental fillings and dental crowns at our Duncan, OK dental office. But prefers to use stainless steel crowns for kids rather than large fillings. Continue reading to learn more. To book your child’s consultation, contact our practice online or give us a call at (580) 255-4880.

Why Preventative Care for Children is Important

Compared to adult teeth, children’s teeth have softer enamel and are much more susceptible to tooth decay. As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, it’s important to discuss with the dentist ways to protect your child’s developing teeth. Some of the first steps should include:

• Monitor sugar intake
• Implement a good oral hygiene regimen (brushing twice a day and flossing daily)
• Visit the dentist every six months
• Strengthen teeth with professional fluoride treatment
• Protect back molars with dental sealants

Losing a baby tooth before it’s time can wreck havoc on your child’s dentition and oral health. Primary teeth serve as anchors to permanent teeth, helping to guide them into proper position. If a tooth is lost too soon, it can cause nearby teeth to shift out of place and require the need for adolescent orthodontic treatment.

Why Stainless Steel Crowns May Be Better

When cavities strike, the restoration used to repair the tooth needs to last until permanent teeth come in. In cases of large cavities in children, Dr. Bridges prefers to use stainless steel crowns compared to large fillings due to their durability and lasting abilities. Dental fillings don’t always provide a secure bond, which can result in retreatment or bacteria reentering the space between the filling and tooth. Some of the advantages of stainless steel dental crowns include:

• Affordable and lasting treatment
• Full coverage and better protection
• Minimal to no dental sensitivity
• Reduced risk of retreatment
• More successful than amalgam or composite fillings in young children

Does You Child Have a Cavity?

If you’re concerned your child may have a cavity, meeting with an experienced dentist can protect and preserve their growing teeth. Dr. Bridges offers a variety of treatments for patients of all ages and is passionate about providing the utmost dental care so patients can maintain healthy teeth and gums. To book your appointment, please contact our Duncan, OK dental office online or give us a call at (580) 255-4880.

The post Stainless Steel Dental Crowns vs. Dental Fillings for Kids appeared first on Chisholm Trail.