If you have older dental work, it’s best to get it checked by a trained professional, like Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Our dentist in Duncan, OK, can check the integrity and function of fillings during a comprehensive check-up. So, go ahead – schedule a visit by calling (580) 255-4880 now!

In today’s post, Dr. Bridges explores how long different types of dental fillings last and the signs that it might be time for a replacement.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

The life of a dental filling depends on the material used and your daily oral hygiene practices. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Amalgam Fillings (Silver)

These traditional fillings are tough. Typically, they can endure for 10-15 years, sometimes even longer!

Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored)

These modern fillings look natural. However, they may not last longer than 10 years.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are super durable. They can last 20 years or more, but they’re not as common anymore.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are long-lasting and beautiful. With the right care, many patients can enjoy these restorations for around 10-15 years.

Glass Ionomer Fillings 

Typically, dentists use glass ionomer restorations for smaller cavities or kids. They can last about 5 years.

Dr. Bridges can give you a better idea of how long your specific dental fillings are likely to last based on their material and placement.

Signs It’s Time to Replace a Filling

It’s not always easy to tell when a filling needs to be replaced, but there are some clues to watch for:

Pain or Sensitivity

If you feel a sharp pain or sensitivity when biting or drinking something cold or hot, it could mean your filling is loose or worn.

Cracks or Chips

Look closely at your teeth in the mirror. If you see any cracks or rough edges on a filling, it might need attention.

Food Getting Stuck

If food keeps getting trapped around a filling, it could mean there’s a gap or the filling isn’t fitting properly anymore.

Discoloration or Dark Spots

Old fillings may start to look stained or discolored. If you notice dark spots, call Dr. Bridges immediately.

Feeling Something Loose

If a filling feels wobbly or comes out completely, don’t ignore it! See our restoration dentist in Duncan, OK, right away.

How to Keep Your Fillings in Great Shape

Want your dental fillings to last as long as possible? Here’s how:

• Brush two times every day and floss nightly to keep your teeth clean and free of decay
• Visit Dr. Bridges regularly for check-ups. He can spot issues with your fillings early
• Avoid chewing on hard things like ice or pens – they can damage your fillings
• Treat teeth grinding (bruxism) if you have it. A night guard can help protect your fillings and teeth

Old Fillings? Replace Them at Chisholm Trail Smile Center!

Dental fillings are amazing tools in restorative dentistry, but they aren’t invincible. By knowing how long different types of fillings last and recognizing signs of wear, you can avoid bigger dental problems down the road. 

If you’re ever unsure about a filling, don’t hesitate to ask our dentist in Duncan, OK. Contact Dr. Matthew Bridges here, or call the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team at (580) 255-4880 for appointments and information.

The post How Often Should You Replace Dental Fillings? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

In Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team prioritize patient comfort, so don’t allow anxiety to rule your health. Instead, call us at 580-255-4880 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges. No one on our team will judge you for the state of your oral health. We will commend your efforts to pursue good health!

Prevalence of Oral Health Problems in the USA

Every year, dentists place 175 million dental fillings and 2.3 million dental crowns in the mouths of your fellow Americans. Crowns and fillings are the most common treatments in restorative dentistry. 

Only 1% of humans avoid tooth decay in their lifetime. The vast majority, 99%, need a filling or crown at some point.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 36 million adults in the USA have no teeth, while 120 million are missing one or more teeth. 

Nearly 59,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. Oral cancer claims the life of one person per hour, every single day. Early detection and treatment are imperative.

These stats should bring you comfort because you aren’t alone. Even better, we’re here to help you on your journey to restored dental health. 

Restorative Dentistry Services in Duncan, OK

As a family and restorative dentist, Dr. Bridges diagnoses, prevents, and treats oral diseases, using proven techniques and patient comfort measures. Our restorative dentistry services improve oral function and appearance while also improving oral (and in turn, overall) health and boosting patients’ self-confidence.

In addition to preventive and cosmetic treatments, we offer these restorative dentistry services:

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Implants
• Dentures
• Root Canal Therapy
• TMD/TMJ Treatment
• Sleep Apnea/Snoring Cessation
• Full Mouth Reconstruction
• Nitrous Oxide for Patient Comfort

Full-Mouth Restoration

When a patient needs more than two restorative dentistry procedures, Dr. Bridges may create a full mouth restoration treatment plan. Some patients need crowns, fillings, root canal therapy, gum treatments, and replacement teeth, while others simply need extractions and dentures. 

For convenience, affordability, and comfort, we often break big treatment plans into quadrants of the mouth. This means, the dentist will treat one-quarter of the mouth before moving to the next quadrant, over multiple appointments that suit your schedule. 

Full mouth restoration repairs damaged teeth, replaces lost teeth, and heals diseased gum tissue. Furthermore, the dentist makes certain that the patient’s occlusion–how upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed–is balanced. Healthy occlusion prevents tooth wear and breakage and deters temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD/TMJ).

A full set of strong, beautiful teeth and good oral health will also prevent bad breath caused by tooth decay and gum disease. So not only will you feel and look healthier, but your breath will smell fresh after brushing and flossing at home. 

To maintain your restored smile, brush twice a day and floss once, using antibacterial mouthwash afterward. Adding a tongue scraper to your oral care arsenal will help by removing smelly bacteria from grooves in your tongue. Additionally, visit Dr. Bridges every six months for a thorough dental checkup and cleaning. 

Call Today for Your Restorative Dentistry Appointment

We offer everything you need to restore oral health, freshen your breath, and beautify your smile, without anxiety, judgment, or fear. Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, now at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment. We welcome new patients and accept insurance. For large cases, financing is also available.

The post Strengthen Your Smile with Restorative Dentistry  appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, we are proud to offer both types of fillings. Dr. Matthew Bridges can explain your options at your initial consultation. Considering your aesthetic goals, budget, and health concerns, he will help you choose the right material for your needs. 

To learn more about dental fillings or to schedule your consultation, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today.

Amalgam vs. Composite 

Amalgam fillings are sometimes called “silver fillings,” but this refers solely to their color. In reality, amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, copper, and zinc. Amalgam is still widely used, but its popularity has dramatically decreased in recent years from 21.5% in 2017 to just 5.7% in 2022.

Composite fillings are made from a mixture of biocompatible, mercury free materials. To place composite, Dr. Bridges will apply the filling layer-by-layer and use a curing light to harden it. He will also choose a shade that matches the color of your teeth.

Which teeth need to be treated?

If you have cavities in your front teeth, you may want to consider composite fillings. Amalgam will not show at first. Over time, however, it can give your teeth a grayish tint. Since composite will be color-matched to your teeth, you will never have to worry about its effect on your appearance.

Is budget a concern?

Composite fillings typically cost more than amalgam fillings, and insurance companies will not always cover the full price of composite. If you are worried about the cost of treatment, amalgam may be a better option. On the other hand, we also offer several financing options that can make composite a reality for your budget.  

Do you suffer from dental anxiety?

Since they must be applied layer-by-layer, it usually takes longer to place composite fillings. If you struggle with dental anxiety and want your treatment to be as quick as possible, consider amalgam. On the other hand, our nitrous oxide sedation can help you relax during the lengthier process of placing composite. 

Are you concerned about mercury exposure?

Many patients are concerned about the effects of mercury exposure during filling placement. The FDA assures us that the amount of mercury contained in dental fillings is quite low and does not pose a risk for the general population. Nonetheless, some individuals are considered at higher risk for mercury exposure. These people include: 

• Pregnant and nursing mothers
• Children under age 6
• Those with kidney or neurological dysfunction

It is recommended that these individuals choose tooth-colored fillings over amalgam. 

Contact Us to Learn More about Fillings

To learn more about the different types of fillings and to find out what may be right for you, contact us today.

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

The post How to Choose between Amalgam and Composite Dental Fillings 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.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges is always ready to answer questions. At your consultation, he will explain the different materials and outline every step of your treatment. 

Contact us to learn more about restorative care at our Duncan, OK, practice or to schedule your appointment.

What are the different types of dental fillings?

There are two materials that you can choose from when selecting your dental filling: 

• Amalgam: Amalgam fillings are often called “silver amalgam” due to their color. But in reality, they are made of a mixture of copper, tin, zinc, mercury, and silver. 
• Composite resin: Dental composite is white and can be color-matched to your natural teeth. 

Are amalgam fillings safe?

Amalgam fillings are approximately 50% mercury, and they can release a tiny amount of mercury into the bloodstream. For most patients, the risks of mercury exposure is negligible. However, for certain high-risk individuals, the FDA recommends avoiding mercury fillings. High risk groups include children, pregnant and nursing women, individuals with neurological conditions or kidney dysfunction, and those with mercury allergies.

What type should I get?

Unless you are one of the high risk individuals mentioned above, your filling choice is up to you. Typically, Dr. Bridges recommends composite fillings for the front teeth since they will match the color of your smile. Amalgam fillings can eventually start to show through, giving your teeth a gray cast. 

Many people choose to avoid the risks of mercury exposure, even if they are not considered high risk. For these individuals, composite fillings are the obvious choice! 

How long do fillings last?

The lifespan of the different materials may also play a role in your selection. On average, amalgam fillings last 15 years, and composite fillings last 7. However, they often last much longer, especially if you take good care of your teeth.

How many times can a tooth be filled?

Once a filling wears out, your dentist will need to replace it, and this can happen multiple times. Each time he replaces it, however, the cavity will grow larger. Eventually, it will be too big for a filling. There is no fixed number as to how many times you can get a new filling. Rather, your dentist will need to evaluate the structural integrity of your teeth each time. 

How much do fillings cost?

The cost of fillings will vary. In general, amalgam fillings cost less than composite. 

Fortunately, insurance will typically cover the cost of a filling. However, you will need to check with your provider if you select composite fillings. Some insurance companies will not cover the cost of composite. Others may only cover them only up to the cost of an amalgam filling. 

Restore Your Teeth at Chisholm Trail Smile Center 

Still have questions about dental fillings? Contact our office to learn more. 

Get in touch via our website or give us a call at (580) 255-4880.

The post “What kind of dental fillings should I get?” and Other FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Fillings are used to repair and restore the structural damage caused by bacterial acids. When mouth bacteria feed on plaque and food residue, they excrete acids that leach minerals from our tooth enamel. When not identified and treated promptly, a patch of demineralized tooth enamel can develop into an actual hole (cavity). Since teeth have no way to heal themselves, the only way to stop the decay and repair the hole is with a dental filling.

Do you need a new or replacement filling? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center to make an appointment with Duncan, Velma, and Rush Springs dentist, Dr. Matthew Bridges. Call us at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment.

The History of Fillings

For as long as bacteria have been creating holes in our teeth, man has been trying to fill and repair them. There is archaeological evidence of primitive fillings made from beeswax and other materials from as far back as 9,000 years ago. Metal amalgam fillings were invented England almost 200 years ago, and quickly became popular with dentists and patients who could afford to fix their teeth. Of course, these first fillings were often made with a high mercury content, so it took them a few decades to realize that mercury was not a safe material for fillings. Early fillings were often made from an amalgam of whatever metals were handy and available: tin, silver, mercury, copper, or gold.

Fillings Today

Nowadays, metal fillings are not as prevalent as tooth-colored composite fillings. Most metal fillings today are found in patients 35 or older and usually only in the teeth at the back of the mouth, where they are less noticeable. Dental composite fillings are equally durable and versatile, but have the added benefit of being more attractive.

What are the major differences between the two types of filling?

Composite Resin Fillings: are made from a micro-bonded combination of acrylic, silica, quartz and glass; last about 7-8 years; and may shrink from the tooth and leak as their lifespan ends.

Metal Amalgam Fillings: are made from a combination of silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury; last about 12 years; and may expand as they age and crack the tooth, if not replaced.

You can still get gold alloy fillings today, believe it or not. They are preferred by some patients because they have a much longer lifespan than typical metal amalgams (20 years or more). However, they are significantly more expensive and require dentists who have special training in using this material.

If you have metal fillings you would like to replace with tooth-colored fillings, call our office to schedule a visit. This is a very common procedure and can often be accomplished in a single appointment!

Are Fillings with Mercury Safe?

Todays metal fillings are composed of an amalgam of several metals, including a small amount of mercury. It has been determined by scientists and medical researchers that the mercury content is low enough and bound well enough to the other metals that it poses no health risks to patients. It simply has no way to get “free” to be absorbed by the body.

While some countries have banned the use of mercury in metal fillings, it is not due to the health risks to patients. Rather, they are concerned primarily with the environmental risks of improperly disposed waste materials. Countries without strict laws governing the removal of medical and dental waste (which would include mercury) must ensure that the toxic metal stays out of their sewage and environmental waste system.

To learn more about the research behind the decision to allow a small amount of mercury in fillings, read the American Dental Association’s statement on amalgam fillings.

The Process

Getting a filling is a pretty straightforward process, though it will vary somewhat depending on the size, depth, and location of the decay.  The process involves:

1. Taking X-rays to determine the size and dimensions of the cavity.
2. Injecting an anesthetic to block the nerve if the cavity extends past the enamel and into the dentin or pulp.
3. Treating the tooth; i.e., using a drill or laser to remove decayed tooth matter and bacteria.
4. Cleaning and preparing the inside of the tooth.
5. Filling the cavity with the material of your choice.
6. Using a curing light to harden the material (composite resin only).
7. Cleaning and polishing the restoration.

Teeth with cavities that extend into the inside of the tooth (the pulp chamber) require an additional step known as root canal therapy. This treatment removes all the living tissues from inside the tooth, such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues, to make sure the infection is removed. This is called endodontic treatment; endo means “inside” and dontic means “tooth”. If you require root canal therapy, the appointment may take a bit longer and requires a few extra steps.

Patients often experience some sensitivity in a tooth in the first few days after a filling. Avoid hot and cold beverages as your tooth gets used to the filling—but call us if you experience any pain that is severe or doesn’t go away after three days.

Do you have questions about dental fillings? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center to learn more about your restorations. If you need a Duncan, Velma, or Rush Springs dentist, Dr. Bridges is your man! Call us at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment.

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You probably know someone who has had laser vision correction, and surgical lasers can cut tissues more precisely than scalpels. Lasers can cauterize tissues, as well, letting us recover faster from surgical procedures. Dentistry is no exception from these innovations, and lasers have been used in this field for more than two decades. As laser technology has advanced, so have the ways we can care for and repair your teeth.

Do you need a family dentist that uses the best tools technology has to offer? Call our Duncan, OK office at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment.

What is Laser Dentistry?

All lasers work by harnessing energy into focused beams of light. At varying frequencies, concentrated light can accomplish a number of different tasks. They can cut soft and hard tissues; they can illuminate teeth in ways that ordinary lights cannot; and they can kill bacteria and break down plaque more efficiently than metal tools.

Some of the Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Laser tools may be more expensive than traditional dental tools, but many dentists have adopted their use because they offer several benefits:

• Lasers can reduce the need for needle injections in some procedures.
• The use of lasers is quieter than many traditional tools, which can reduce anxiety in patients who are triggered by noises.
• Lasers allow for more conservative cavity treatment, so dentists can preserve more healthy tooth matter.
• In soft tissue treatments, lasers minimize bleeding and swelling and reduce healing times.

Commonly Used Laser Dentistry Treatments

Laser dentistry tools have a number of uses. All of them can make the patient’s experience in the dental chair more comfortable, and the treatments more effective. Here are some of the ways lasers may be used in a dental office:

Easier Filling Treatments – With laser-based “drills,” filling are quieter and there is less need for anesthetic injections. With lasers, a filling that usually requires Novocain can be accomplished without a needle jab—plus, there are fewer jarring vibrations and loud noises.

Cavity Detection – Laser lights can be used to spot cavities and spots of demineralization before a cavity is formed. This makes cavity detection faster than traditional means, and more efficient.

Periodontal Treatments – When a patient has periodontal pockets due to gum disease, those spaces must be cleaned of bacteria and calculus regularly. With traditional tools there is more trauma to the gum tissue during deep cleaning, but lasers allow dentists to kill bacteria and clean the teeth more conservatively.

Faster, Better Root Canal Therapy – During a root canal therapy, the dentist must thoroughly sterilize and remove tissues from the inside of the tooth (pulp chamber). Lasers let us do this with greater precision, so there is less of a chance the root canal will fail at a later date.

Faster Teeth Whitening – Laser lights can be used during in-office whitening treatments to speed up the chemical processes that remove stains from the teeth.

Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center to Learn More

As a dental practice that puts patient comfort first, we have adopted laser tools to give you a better experience. Ask Dr. Matthew Bridges or a member of our staff to explain the laser tools we use at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

Ready for a great dental appointment? Call our Duncan, OK office at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment.

The post How Does Laser Dentistry Make Dental Appointments Better? 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.

It seems that no matter where you live these days – traffic is inevitable, and trying to get from point A to point B can be frustrating and exhausting. Parents today spend their days working fulltime and taking their children to school and a host of extracurricular activities, and that doesn’t even include medical appointments. What if you and your children could go to one location for all your dental care needs? Convenient and hassle-free dental care is the way of the future. More and more dentists today are offering services for the whole family to make visiting the dentist easy and convenient.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, our family dentists can provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. This blog discusses five reasons why a family dentist can make your life easier. To book your appointment, please call our Duncan, OK practice at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online.

Simplifies Dental Care

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits is simplified dental care. A family dentist provides a family-friendly environment that meets the needs of patients of all ages, from toddlers to senior adults, and anyone in between. Long gone are the days of dental exams with multiple providers on different days. With a family dentist, you can schedule your family’s routine dental cleanings and exams together (all on the same day) to simplify your life.

Develops Good Rapport with the Dentist

Each member of your family will get to know the family dentist on a personal level. The longer you see the same family dentist, the stronger the relationship will be. This is especially beneficial for young children. The sooner your children start going to the dentist, and the more comfortable they become, the less likely they are to develop dental anxiety later on in life. Having the same dentist as a child on into adolescent and adult years provides steady dental care.

Provides a Wide Variety of Services

Because a family dentist is equipped to treat a range of ages, they offer a wide variety of services. Our dentists provide preventative services for both children and adults, including dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and mouth guards, as well as restorative and cosmetic dentistry services catered to the specific needs of patients. Some of these services include:

• Dental fillings
• Dentures
• Dental implants
• Porcelain veneers
• Teeth whitening

As an added incentive, we provide emergency dental care for those unexpected emergencies.

Makes Tracking Dental History Convenient

When children start with a pediatric dentist and then switch over to a general dentist, it opens the door for issues to get overlooked. Once you start seeing a family dentist, x-rays will be taken and a file started to track your complete dental history year after year. This allows the family dentist to have easy access to your file to detect any abnormalities or changes from your previous appointment so that optimal dental care is provided.

Instills Good Oral Health Habits in Your Kids

Parents who make oral health a priority set a good example for their little ones. At a family dental center, your children will have the opportunity to see you sitting in the dental chair and getting your teeth cleaned. When children are exposed to dentistry at a young age, they are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene habits long into their adult years.

Need a Family Dentist?

Dr. Matthew Bridges and Dr. Terry J. Schreiner provide family-friendly dental services for patients living in the Duncan, OK area. Schedule appointments for the whole family by calling (580) 255-4880 or contacting us online.

The post 5 Reasons a Family Dentist Makes Life Easier appeared first on Chisholm Trail.