While many dentists in Oklahoma offer emergency dental treatment, much of the treatment begins at home or wherever the emergency occurs. Dr. Matthew Bridges believes that knowledge and education are extremely important. So, we’ve outlined how to handle these types of situations and our dental team in Duncan, OK is here to help. 

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call (580) 255-4880 for help today. 

Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth is typically the result of trauma or biting down on something too hard. This not only hurts, but it can impact your appearance. After a tooth has been chipped, rinse your mouth out with warm water. If it is bleeding, place a clean cloth or gauze over the area. Then, apply a cold compress to your face at the location of the damaged tooth. This will reduce swelling and relieve pain. 

If you have the chipped part of the tooth, place it in a glass of milk or water until you arrive at the dentist’s office. The dentist may be able to put it back together. If not, dental bonding, a veneer, or a crown may be necessary. 

Knocked-Out Tooth

The sooner a knocked-out tooth is treated, the better. Here are the steps to take when a tooth has been knocked-out: 

1. Rinse your mouth with water. 
2. Apply gauze if bleeding. 
3. Use a cold compress on the face. 
4. Pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root) and rinse it off only if it is dirty. 
5. If possible, place it back in the socket. If not possible, place it in a glass of milk or water. 
6. Call emergency dentists in Oklahoma (Dr. Bridges if you are in Duncan, OK) to find someone who can treat you immediately. 

Gum Tissue Trauma

A sports injury or fall may result in gum tissue trauma. Typically, these heal on their own and do not require a trip to the dentist’s office. For this type of injury, rinse with a mild salt water solution and remove any foreign objects. Then, rinse again and place a damp gauze or cloth over the area. Bleeding should stop within 10-15 minutes. If it does not stop, seek medical care within six hours of the injury. 

If a foreign object is stuck between your teeth and gums, try removing it with floss. Gently slide the floss toward the tooth to dislodge the object. If this doesn’t work, see your dentist as soon as possible. 

Severe Toothache

Toothaches that don’t resolve with pain medication or ones that are accompanied by swelling or other symptoms require emergency dental care. While waiting to visit an emergency dentist, apply a cold compress to the area. 

The toothache may be caused by tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, a damaged filling, infected gums, or an impacted tooth. 

Loose Dental Crown

A loose dental crown can be painful because the enamel from the tooth underneath has been removed. In these instances, you will want to visit the dentist as soon as possible. If the crown is loose, leave it where it is and visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. 

Duncan, OK Emergency Dentist

When an emergency dental situation occurs, Dr. Bridges and our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center spring into action. To find emergency dentists in Oklahoma, simply Google search “emergency dentists in Oklahoma.” If you live in or near Duncan, OK, call us at (580) 255-4880 for treatment. 

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• Your teeth are loose or have fallen out
• You are feeling significant oral discomfort
• Your jaw, face, or neck are swollen

In case of a dental emergency, please follow these four suggestions.

1. Remain Calm and Focused

Decision-making can be difficult in times of crisis. However, patients can make more informed decisions by remaining composed and slowing down. Ironically, Professor Barry Schwartz of Swarthmore College discovered that the most prominent reason people fail to decide is their fear of making the wrong choice. Instead of leaving you out in the cold to wonder what the next correct steps are in case of a dental emergency, we’ve lined them out for you.

1. Stay calm.
2. Take a moment to assess the damage.
3. Schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist in your local area.
4. Arrange a ride to and from the dental clinic. (In case you may not be in the mental state to operate a moving vehicle.)

2. Safely Manage Discomfort

While dental emergency symptoms vary from case to case, it’s vital to control adverse effects as much as possible until visiting the emergency dental clinic. It’s no secret oral pain can be debilitating, and toothache is the most common cause of oral pain. For mild to moderate pain, take NSAIDs. However, it’s important to note that self-medication through excess pain relievers and drugs is dangerous. If the discomfort becomes unbearable, please visit the emergency room until you can see the emergency dentist. Whether your mouth hurts from an abscess, dental injury, or other reasons, an emergency dentist can help treat the root cause of your pain for prolonged relief. 

3. Rinse with Saltwater

Although “rubbing salt in a wound” is typically synonymous with making an event worse, saltwater can help keep the mouth hygienic. Many oral bacteria are salt-sensitive, so rinsing with saltwater can eliminate bacteria that can cause wounds to worsen. Creating a saline rinse is simple: mix one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water. 

It’s important to note that increasing the water does not increase the efficiency of killing bacteria. Simply, warm water only helps the salt dissolve faster.

4. Abstain from Eating and Drinking

Again, it’s essential to keep an oral wound as clean as possible before visiting the emergency dentist. Besides water, we advise patients to avoid eating and drinking until they have been checked out and received necessary instructions for mealtimes. 

When you eat and drink, pressures in the mouth change. Therefore, consuming foods and fluids can increase the risk of damage, levels of discomfort, and irritation. The act of chewing puts pressure on the teeth, which can be detrimental in many dental emergencies. For example, if a tooth is fractured, it may eventually fall apart due to chewing forces. Likewise, using a straw reduces air pressure in the mouth and may lead to a dry socket if a tooth is newly missing.

To play it safe, patients must keep their mouths relaxed and rest until they visit the emergency dentist.

Call Our Emergency Dentist Right Now

To summarize, a dental emergency can be alarming, but it’s essential to follow the three C’s and be (1) calm, (2) clean, and (3) cautious before visiting the emergency dentist. Whether someone has suffered from dental trauma or an oral health complication has escalated, visiting an emergency dentist may turn out to be necessary. Give our experienced emergency dental team a ring as soon as possible to find out how we can help. Call (580)-255-4880 or contact us online to schedule an emergency dental appointment in Duncan, OK.

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What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies cover a wide range of problems and injuries. What separates an emergency from a dental problem is the sudden onset of pain and risk to your health. Dental emergencies cannot wait to be treated. If you experience one of the following situations outside of our normal business hours, you will need to seek help at an emergency room or suitable health clinic. Dental emergencies can include:

• Traumatic injuries to your teeth or jaw
• The sudden onset of pain in or near your mouth
• A severely cracked or chipped tooth
• Tooth abscess
• Lost crown or filling

No matter what type of dental emergency you are experiencing, quick attention can increase the chances of saving your tooth and preventing further complications.

Tips For How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

More than five million adults and children experience a knocked-out tooth every year in the United States. If your tooth has been knocked out, the first step is to try and place the tooth back into its original socket. Be careful not to touch the exposed root of the tooth. Pick up the tooth by its crown. Every precaution should be taken to not contaminate the root of the tooth. These steps will ensure that the tissue is not damaged and that the tooth does not become infected later on. While the tooth is in your mouth, take extra care to not swallow it.

If you are unable to hold the tooth in your socket, rinse it off with water and place it in a container of milk. Tap water is not a healthy way to preserve a knocked-out tooth. Placing the tooth in your mouth is another way to keep it moist while you travel to our dental clinic. You can use gauze or similar material to control bleeding from your tooth socket.

Your goal should be to see our office within 30 minutes after the accident. If your trip to our office takes longer, don’t lose hope. Some teeth have been reattached as long as an hour after the initial tooth loss. With proper attention and quick action, your tooth can be reattached at our office.

Catch Problems Before They Become Emergencies

If you have lost a tooth or experienced trauma to your mouth, time is of the essence. The single most important factor that will determine if your tooth can be saved is the time between your tooth loss and arrival at our Duncan, OK office. Dr. Bridges has the tools and expertise to immediately address your injury.

Many dental emergencies can be prevented with regular dental exams and cleanings. Small cavities, for example, can easily be cleaned and sealed before they develop into an advanced infection that requires tooth extraction or a root canal.

Visit Dr. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK before trauma strikes. As our patient, you’ll have access to a dentist who can treat and, more importantly, help you prevent dental emergencies. Call (580) 255-4880, or contact us online, to schedule your appointment today.

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The world is full of ways to fall and crack a tooth, but you can’t stay cooped up in your house forever! Focus on what you can control, like having a top-notch dentist to call when disaster does strike.

Don’t risk your oral health. Choose a dentist with training, experience, and cutting-edge technology. Choose Dr. Matthew Bridges.

When you visit Dr. Bridges for regular checkups and cleanings, he’ll conduct a thorough exam. He may detect small issues – like a surface cavity or chip – and they can be addressed with restorative dental care. If a cavity is left untreated, you could end up with an insatiable toothache. A small crack left unattended can become a deep, painful crack. Your chance for experiencing a dental emergency will decrease dramatically. However, you have to do your part as a responsible patient: make consistent six-month checkups and cleanings, and visit us when you notice an abnormality or have oral pain.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, we also don’t want finances to prevent you from seeking help. Dr. Bridges makes sure we maintain affordable prices for our services. We are in-network with Health Choice and Delta Premier, but we accept many different insurance plans and will file on your behalf. We also accept Medicare and even offer third-party financing through CareCredit, an institution that offers low- and no-interest loans to qualified patients.

Though you can’t be certain that dental emergencies won’t happen to you, you can be prepared. To start, enter Dr. Bridges’ office number into your phone right now: (580) 255-4880.

Common Dental Emergencies

Cracked Tooth

Teeth may seem unbreakable. After all, diamonds are the only naturally-occurring compound that’s harder than tooth enamel. Regardless, a blow to the mouth or a bite on hard candy can cause a tooth to chip or crack. Some cracks are so tiny that they can only be seen through a microscope, but others can split a tooth in two, exposing the nerve; this is quite painful. If you chip or crack a tooth, call Dr. Bridges immediately, and understand that cracks can worsen with time.

Knocked-out Tooth

There are many ways to accidentally knock out a tooth, especially for a kid who plays sports. Luckily, Dr. Bridges treats kids. If your tooth gets knocked out, save it! Be careful to pick it up by the crown, because touching the root could damage the nerve and prevent it from naturally reattaching. Rinse it off, store it in water or milk, and contact our office as soon as possible to increase the chances of successfully reconnecting the tooth.

Lost Crown or Filling

If you feel your crown or filling coming loose, make sure you don’t swallow it. Don’t try to replace a filling. A fully intact, displaced crown might be reattached. Rubbing a bit of Vaseline on the back of the thoroughly dried crown, then reseating the crown on your dried tooth, can temporarily bond it to your tooth while you contact our office.

Painful Cavity

Toothaches can signal a range of issues: internal infection, a chip or crack, or a cavity. Dental cavities vary in severity, but if left untreated, the decay can spread and infect the tooth’s core, or surrounding teeth, or the gums. If you have a toothache, it’s past time to make an appointment. Call us, and we’ll see you the same day, if at all possible.

Sometimes, a toothache is caused by an abscess. The bacteria that cause tooth decay can form a pocket of bacterial infection, called an abscess, in the gums, in the tooth itself, or at the tooth root in the jawbone. If Dr. Bridges can save an abscessed tooth, he will suggest a root canal or another procedure. In some cases, extraction is the only option. After extraction, the tooth should be replaced so the upper and lower teeth fit together for a balanced bite.

Visit Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK before trauma strikes. As our patient, you’ll have access to a dentist who can treat and, more importantly, help you prevent dental emergencies. Call (580) 255-4880, or contact us online, to schedule your appointment today.

The post Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies and Toothaches! appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dr. Matthew Bridges encourages all his patients to stay calm when experiencing dental emergencies, Duncan OK, and call us as soon as possible. We can help you assess your problem, determine whether the situation is an emergency, and make you an appointment to get you seen as soon as possible. Whether you are already a patient or are looking for a dentist, take a moment to add us to your contacts now, so you’ll never be stuck looking for help. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center for your dental emergencies, Duncan OK, at 580-255-4880.

In the meantime, here are some general points of advice, which may help you in the future.

A Knocked-Out Tooth

Knocked-out teeth are common emergencies among athletes young and old, but can happen due to many different types of accidents. If you or a family member has had a tooth knocked out and have recovered the tooth, put it into a small container of milk or saliva and bring it to us ASAP.

A knocked-out tooth can sometimes be reattached in the socket, so it’s important to handle the tooth as little as possible. Do not clean the tooth, as this may disrupt the delicate connective tissues that may make reattachment possible. If the tooth does not take, or if the tooth has been broken in the process, we can help you understand your options for tooth replacement, such as dental bridges and dental implants. We most definitely consider a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any hour if this happens to you!

A Cracked Tooth or Damaged Crown

A cracked or broken tooth is not usually considered an emergency unless it is causing significant pain and limiting your ability to chew or speak normally. Call us if this happens to you and we will schedule a next-available appointment to look at your tooth.
A cracked or dislodged crown should also be seen as soon as possible, especially if the tooth is very sensitive. If the dislodged crown is intact, you may be able to temporarily replace it yourself to keep it in place and protect the tooth until your appointment. Check your local pharmacy for an over-the-counter crown repair kit, which will have a temporary dental adhesive to keep it in place.
In the mean time, limit your diet to soft foods and use the tooth as little as possible. Avoid foods that are chewy or crunchy. Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce any pain; follow the package directions for dosage.

Toothache

Toothaches can be nagging, throbbing, sporadic, or constant. They usually indicate deep dental decay, but they can also result from deep cracks or—worse—an abscess. A toothache that is so severe that it disrupts your ability to sleep or perform your usual routines is always a dental emergency. We never want to see anyone suffer in silence, so call us at any hour and we will make an appointment for you.

If a toothache is accompanied by swelling in the face or jaw, this usually indicates a dental abscess and will require a tooth extraction. If your toothache is extremely painful, but is not accompanied by swelling, you may need root canal therapy to address the infection but often will be able to keep the tooth. If your toothache is accompanied by a fever, go directly to an emergency medical clinic or ER, as you may have developed a life-threatening systemic infection.

For a non-emergency toothache, topical anesthetics such as eugenol (clove oil) can be effective at numbing dental pain. NSAIDs can also reduce the pain of a toothache that comes and goes while you wait for your appointment. Even an ice pack applied to the cheek (not inside the mouth, however) can reduce your pain. Stick with liquids and soft foods to avoid aggravating the tooth, as well.

Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center for Dental Emergencies, Duncan OK

For any dental crisis, call us and a member of our staff will listen to your symptoms. Depending on the nature of the situation, we will schedule an emergency or next-available appointment and advise you of the steps you should take to protect your health and reduce sensitivity until your appointment. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center for your dental emergencies, Duncan OK, at 580-255-4880.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we understand that dentistry costs are not always easy for hard-working families to cover up-front. If you think not having dental insurance (Duncan, OK) means you can’t visit the dentist, let us show you a workable solution.

Visit our office for a check-up and we’ll explain our new patient specials and financing options. Call (580) 606-6932 or contact us online to make an appointment.

The Care You Need, With or Without Dental Insurance (Duncan, OK)

If you have dental insurance, we will work with your insurer to find out the estimated costs of necessary treatments before we present you with a treatment plan. We are currently in-network with Health Choice and Delta Premier. That doesn’t mean we do not accept other insurance; it just means there is a greater chance you may need to pay some of the treatment costs out-of-pocket.

Whether you have insurance or not, we can provide you with an in-house payment plan that allows you to spread the fees out over several payments. We also offer specials for new patients and new families. We have many patients who take advantage of our financing plans, so don’t be shy in asking for details!

Routine Visits Save You Money

Unfortunately, a common symptom of not having dental insurance is missing out on routine preventive appointments. If you and your family are not getting regular teeth cleanings and exams every six months, however, you are actually more likely to need expensive restorative treatments. Why is this?

Routine visits let us catch cavities and damaged enamel in the early stages–when they are more easily treatable. If a cavity sits neglected for a year or longer, however, you may find yourself needing a root canal or dental bridge to replace the tooth. If you wait until you are in pain to go see a dentist, you are missing out on the best part of dentistry: prevention.

Preventive visits also give us the chance to give your teeth a thorough professional teeth cleaning. This cleaning goes beyond what you can accomplish at home with your usual toothbrushing and flossing, and removes the calcified plaque (tartar) that leads to cavities. Dental cleanings and fluoride treatments ensure your teeth do not develop serious problems down the road. If you maintain a schedule of six-month check-up visits, you are far less likely to have a painful toothache emergency (or lose a tooth) in the future.

We monitor gum health during routine visits, as well, which is crucial to keeping your teeth for life. We also check for signs of oral cancer and other oral health issues.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, You Can Afford Dentistry!

If you’ve ever felt that dental care is a luxury you can’t afford, give us a call and make an appointment. We will do everything we can to make your treatments affordable. No one should have to put their oral health on the back-burner, with or without dental insurance (Duncan, OK). Call us at (580) 606-6932 or contact us online to schedule a visit and learn about our financing options.

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If you have been in accident or sustained an injury that may involve broken bones or a bleeding wound, always seek medical attention before you call the dentist! Otherwise, call our office and we’ll arrange an appointment as soon as possible.

Need a Duncan, OK Emergency Dentist? Call us at (580) 255-4880! Not having an emergency at the moment? Save time by putting our number in your phone today under “emergency dentist.”

A Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is always considered a dental emergency. Why? In many cases, it’s possible to re-attach the tooth if it is handled correctly, and if you can get to a dentist fast enough.

If a tooth has been knocked out:

1. Put the tooth in a small, clean container of milk, water, or saliva.
2. Do not clean the tooth, as you may accidentally remove the connective tissues that may make reattachment possible.
3. Bite down on a clean cloth or sterile gauze if you are experiencing any bleeding.
4. Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at (580) 255-4880 and let us know you have a knocked-out tooth you are bringing in. Leave a message with our answering service if it is after hours and a member of our staff will call you back promptly.

Do not try to reattach the tooth the tooth yourself. Always seek the help of a professional, as improper pressure on the tooth or gum tissue can lead to infection or injury.

If your tooth cannot be reattached, we can help you understand your options for tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge or dental implant and crown.

A knocked-out baby tooth is not typically considered an emergency. Baby teeth should not be reattached, as this may damage the adult teeth developing in the jaw. Depending on the tooth and age of the child, the tooth may need to be replaced with a prosthetic to preserve the child’s dental function and proper speech.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

It doesn’t take much to break a tooth—a bike accident, sports mishap, or injury to the face can easily create enough pressure to fracture a tooth. Although a broken tooth may seem like an emergency, unless you are in pain, you can take your time getting to the dentist. Depending on the size of the break or chip, we may treat you with a crown, veneer, or dental bonding to restore the appearance and function of the tooth.

If the tooth has a deep crack that extends beneath the gum line or causes sensitivity, call us right away,  so we can arrange a next-available appointment for you. A deep crack can leave the tooth vulnerable to infection and should not be ignored.

Damaged Dental Work

It can happen to anyone; a hard bit of nut shell in a brownie or an unpopped popcorn kernel is often all it takes to break or dislodge a crown. Sticky foods and candies are often the cause behind a dislodged filling, especially if it’s approaching the end of its lifespan.

If your dental work comes loose, don’t panic. Call us, and we’ll arrange a next-available appointment for you.  If you can replace the crown or filling, do this. This will protect the tooth until we get the chance to look at it. If the crown or filling does not want to stay in place, you can usually find temporary dental cement in a “dental repair kit” from your local drugstore. Even a small piece of chewed sugarless gum can provide enough adhesion to keep it in place and prevent pain and sensitivity until your appointment.

Severe Toothache

The worst of all dental emergencies is the dreaded severe toothache. When you have a throbbing toothache, there’s nothing else you want to do except get to the dentist. You can’t eat, sleep, or carry on with your usual routine, as the pain is often excruciating.

A severe toothache is often the result of decay that reaches the inside of the tooth (where the nerve endings are) and we will treat you with a root canal therapy and filling to stop the pain and restore your tooth. A bad toothache does not always indicate the presence of a cavity; sometimes a crack, particle of food, or gum injury can be equally painful. Regardless of the cause, we will get to the bottom of your pain, and fix your tooth if possible.

Toothache? Broken Tooth? If you are in pain, we are here for you! Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at (580) 255-4880 for a Duncan, OK emergency dentist.

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Are you suffering from tooth or gum pain? Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center and our friendly staff will get to the bottom of your pain. Call for an appointment with our Duncan and Velma, OK dentist office. Contact us online or at 580-255-4880.

There are many possible causes behind the feelings one might describe generally as “toothache.” These can include problems with the teeth or gums, and are not always caused by tooth decay (cavities).

Food Stuck in the Teeth

If you have mysterious pain, always do a thorough brushing and flossing to make sure there isn’t a piece of food lodged between the teeth (or the teeth and gum tissue). Sometimes a bit of food can be just big enough to apply pressure and initiate a response that you feel in the whole tooth. Also note that it doesn’t take much to irritate the gums; sometimes a stubborn particle of food can lead you be too aggressive with a toothpick, leaving you with a very sore spot on the gums.

If you feel like there’s a piece of food stuck in your tooth, such as a raspberry seed, use floss or a pick designed for teeth cleaning (not a wooden pick) to gently displace it. If the feeling persists despite a careful cleaning, give us a call and we’ll get to the bottom of your problem.

Inflamed Gums

An all-over aching sensation can sometimes be the result of inflamed gum tissue. Gum disease is far more common than most people realize. More than half of all adults over 40 show some signs of gum infection, and one of the first symptoms is tender or inflamed gums. If you have pain in the gum tissue or bleed when you brush or floss, you may need gum disease treatment to control the infection.

Sensitive Teeth

If you get a sharp or jarring sensation when drinking hot beverages or eating ice cream, you may have sensitive teeth. As we get older and our enamel wears down, the sensitive part of the tooth called the dentin may become exposed. This can happen to many teeth at once or just in one or two spots. If the teeth are sensitive primarily at the gum line, this can be a sign of gum recession, which often indicates gum disease.

A toothpaste made for sensitive teeth can help you prevent temperature sensitivity, but you should always make an appointment if you experience pain. This will give us the chance to check for other problems associated with worn down enamel and provide advice for dealing with your sensitive teeth.

Failing Dental Work

If your toothache is in a tooth that’s had a filling or crown, there’s always the possibility your dental work needs repair. Fillings do not last forever. Metal fillings tend to last a few years longer than tooth-colored composite fillings, but all fillings have a finite lifespan. Sometimes the filling becomes loosened when the material shrinks or leaks after so many years, which can expose the sensitive part of the tooth called dentin, or even lead to secondary decay.

With regular dental appointments we can monitor your dental work and let you know when it needs replacement. Getting you a new filling is usually a fast and easy matter—and it may put an end to your pain!

Pain Associated with Bruxism

Teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause tooth pain, especially in the molars. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, you may be wearing down your tooth enamel and exposing the sensitive dentin of the teeth. Bruxism can also make your teeth more prone to cracks and fractures. Such cracks can cause pain on their own, but they also leave you vulnerable to bacterial infection and cavities.

If you grind your teeth, we can fit you with a special night guard to prevent further damage to the teeth. If you have a deep crack, we can repair and protect the tooth with a durable dental crown.

Tooth Decay and Abscess

The most common cause of severe localized toothaches (i.e., in just one tooth) is decay. When bacterial excretions damage your tooth enamel, it destroys more and more of the tooth, until the nerve endings become exposed. Let a cavity develop for too long, and the infection will reach the inside of the tooth (pulp chamber), requiring root canal therapy. If a tooth does not get treated in time, the decay may destroy so much of the tooth that we cannot save it, and the only “treatment” is extraction.

Abscesses develop when an infection spreads beyond the tooth, and into the soft tissue surrounding the root. A pocket develops to contain the infection and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the body. This can be extremely painful, and usually requires the extraction of the tooth. If you ever experience severe toothache that is accompanied by facial swelling and a fever, you may have an abscess and should seek medical attention right away.

When you come to our office for regular dental appointments, we can examine your teeth for signs of decay. We can even catch cavities before they happen, by identifying and treating spots of demineralization. If a cavity is small, we can provide a filling to halt the spread of decay and ensure you never experience the pain of an infected tooth.

Got a Toothache? We Can Help!

If you are experiencing any form of oral pain, you should always make an appointment with your dentist. If you need a Duncan, OK or Velma, OK dentist call Chisholm Smile Trail Smile Center and we’ll help you get the best oral health possible.

Even if it’s been a few years, we welcome everyone to our practice and treat our patients with respect and dignity. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges and you’ll see the value of compassionate quality dentistry. Contact us online or call us at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment.

The post 6 Most Common Causes of Toothaches appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Restorative dental procedures can be costly, but routine prevention is far more affordable. If you’ve been putting off dental care in Duncan OK, now is a great time for you to get back in the dental chair. Give us the chance, and we will help you find a way to pay for the treatments you need to keep your teeth and gums in good health, so you can avoid costly restorations in the future.

Are you worried about affording dental care, with or without dental insurance Duncan, OK? Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center and talk to one of our staff members about affordable dental care. Call us at 580-255-4880 to learn more.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we believe everyone is entitled to high quality dental care. For that reason, we’ve made it a priority to help make payments affordable for every patient who walks through our doors. No matter what your situation, we will have suggestions and lend a helping hand to find a solution that works for you.

What We Will Do

Dental insurance does not work in precisely the same way as medical and it can be confusing to understand. Benefits can vary greatly, depending on the employer and the plan chosen. Our team is very well versed in how different insurance plans work, so we’ll help you understand exactly what your plan covers. Once a treatment plan has been written and reviewed, we work with each individual patient to determine a payment option that will meet your needs and fit your budget.

We Accept All Plans

At present, we are an in-network provider for Delta Premier and Health Choice. If you have other insurance this means we are out-of-network, but that doesn’t mean you will not have coverage. It simply means you might have to make a payment to cover the difference.

Whether you are in-network or out-of-network, we can process your paperwork for you. Before you commit to any procedure, we will do the work to find out what portion of the payment is covered by your insurance and what you will have to pay out of pocket.

We also accept Medicare for qualified procedures. Call our office to learn more about this service and how we process payments.

No Dental Insurance? We Can Help

Even if you are currently uninsured, we want to help you get the high quality dental care you deserve. How do we support uninsured patients? For one, we accept CareCredit payments.

If you have a source of income, you may qualify for a CareCredit account. This credit service is geared specifically toward helping people cover the cost of medical and dental procedures and offers low interest payments that can be spread out over a course of several months (there is no interest charge if you pay within 24 months). CareCredit is not like other credit cards, as it can only be used for medical, dental, veterinary, etc. Even if you are averse to opening credit accounts, you may be surprised by how helpful a CareCredit account can be.

We also offer in-office payment plans. Speak to a member of our patient care staff to learn how you can spread out your payments over a period of time to make dental services more affordable.

We hate to see patients forgoing dental care due to money worries, so we go the extra mile to help you find a solution. Talk to a staff member and we’ll do some creative problem-solving to find out how to get you the care you need! Call us today at 580-255-4880 for a consultation.

No dental insurance, Duncan OK? Chisholm Trail Smile Center can help!

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Although it can be a little bit alarming when your child loses their first tooth, it can also be a joyous occasion since it usually means a trip from the tooth fairy is in order. However, when your 16-year old son loses a tooth, it is cause for concern and should be considered a serious dental emergency.

Dental emergencies are certain to happen, especially if your child plays contact sports or rough plays. They can even happen during the simplest activity in the calmest environment. As soon as a tooth is damaged or knocked out, there are certain steps that should be immediately taken. Being well prepared for dental emergencies can reduce anxiety and protect your child’s oral health. Below are five tips for what to do during a dental emergency.

For dental emergencies, please call our Duncan, OK practice today at (580) 255-4880 and we will provide the urgent care you need.

Locate the Missing Tooth

In cases where the permanent tooth is broken, locate all the missing pieces and place them in a container of saltwater solution. Milk or saliva will also do if saltwater is not easily accessible. After gathering the pieces, rinse the mouth with warm saltwater. If there is bleeding, you can apply gauze and light pressure to slow the bleeding. Avoid touching the damaged tooth. If the tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (avoid touching the roots) and rinse it with lukewarm water. Try to gently reinsert it into the socket and lightly bite down. If you are unable to reinsert, place the tooth in a container of saltwater, milk, or saliva.

Call the Dentist

Because dental emergencies tend to occur after hours, it’s important to have a dentist on hand that is easily accessible so that urgent care can be provided. When a tooth is damaged or knocked out, care should be administered immediately. Delaying your office visit could prevent the tooth from being salvaged.

Apply Ice to the Face

Pain and swelling are normal side effects of a facial injury that resulted in a cracked or knocked out tooth. Icing the cheek or outer jaw can help reduce these side effects and prevent bruising from occurring. Be sure and apply the ice pack or cool compress in 20-minute intervals. Doing so can also help minimize any discomfort.

Take a Pain Reliever

In addition to icing the area, take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce pain and inflammation. Acceptable pain relievers include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. Be sure and read instructions carefully on the appropriate dosages for children and adults.

Prepare a First Aid Kid

If your child participates in confrontational physical activities or plays sports, such as football, basketball, karate, or baseball, where equipment or an extremity can come in contact with the face, it may be in your best interest to prepare a tooth first aid kid that can be easily transported to each game and practice session. This kit should include pain relievers, an ice pack, saltwater solution, and container to hold the damaged pieces or lost tooth. Having your dentist’s number programmed into your phone will also ensure quick access, should an emergency arise.

Call Today

Dr. Matthew Bridges can quickly and effectively handle dental emergencies at our Duncan, OK office. If you or anyone in your family is currently experiencing a dental emergency, please contact us today online or by calling (580) 255-4880.

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