At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full range of emergency and restorative services. Using our state-of-the-art technology, he will diagnose the cause of your toothache before recommending appropriate care. No matter what treatment you undergo, you will enjoy a fully renewed smile and dental function once he is finished. 

An untreated toothache can lead to serious dental damage or even a systemic infection. Contact us right away to schedule your appointment. 

A Cavity

In the early stages, a cavity will be asymptomatic. If decay goes untreated, however, you may experience a toothache. This could be a continuous dull ache, or you may experience sharp pains when biting and chewing. 

The most common treatment for a cavity is a dental filling. At our practice, you can choose between amalgam and tooth-colored composite fillings. Dr. Bridges will help you select the type that best suits your health and cosmetic needs.

Dental Infection

Infection typically occurs if decay goes untreated. Bacteria can spread to the interior of a tooth and down along the dental root. In addition to a toothache, you may experience bad breath, a fever, or swollen gums. 

In most cases, an infected tooth will need root canal therapy. Dr. Bridges will clean and reshape your tooth before placing a custom-made crown.

Gum Disease

Although gum disease obviously affects your soft tissues, it can also cause tooth pain. As your gums recede, your roots may be exposed, leading to sensitivity, especially in response to temperature changes. 

Gum disease treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. Mild cases may only require a routine cleaning. But more advanced gum disease may necessitate gum surgery. If needed, Dr. Bridges can refer you to an oral surgeon.

Bruxism 

Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching, affects 15% of adolescents, 8% of middle aged adults, and 3% of older adults. If you suffer from jaw pain and/or headaches, along with dental sensitivity, bruxism may be the cause. In most cases, Dr. Bridges can alleviate pain with a simple night guard. 

A Damaged Filling 

Even the best fillings can eventually loosen or come out. Sometimes, Dr. Bridges may simply be able to replace the filling with a new one. But if you have experienced subsequent decay or additional damage to your tooth, you may need a crown. 

A Broken Tooth

Broken teeth require various types of treatment, depending on the location and size of the damage. However, if you are experiencing a toothache, it is likely that the dental pulp has been exposed, and you will need more advanced restorative care. 

A crown or root canal may be sufficient. If your tooth and root has completely split in two, you will likely need an extraction. Your dentist can then follow up with a bridge or dental implant. 

Get Effective Toothache Treatment Today

Find out the best course of action for your toothache. 

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

The post What’s the best treatment for a toothache? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you’re in need of a qualified Duncan, OK, emergency dentist, then look no further than Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and his compassionate team are here to address all of your oral health needs, even during a crisis. Don’t waste a single second–call our team now at (580) 255-4880 or send us a message online here.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bridges explores four ways to handle dental emergencies. Using this information could help you save your natural teeth and protect your oral health.

1. Don’t Panic

Emergencies are scary, but panicking can make matters worse. So, if you or a loved one recently suffered dental trauma, then remain calm and assess the situation. If there is excessive bleeding or pain, then call 911 or head to your nearest hospital’s emergency room. 

If you don’t think a call to 911 or a trip to the emergency room is necessary, then call our Duncan emergency dentist immediately. Our team prioritizes dental emergencies, so we fit you into our schedule immediately for urgent care.

2. Keep Loose or Knocked-out Teeth Safe

A permanent tooth that gets loose or knocked out can cause patients to worry that they’ll lose that tooth forever. However, that may not be the case if patients act quickly and smoothly.

Our emergency dentist may be able to salvage wiggly permanent teeth. But, patients must take extra care to leave the tooth undisturbed until Dr. Bridges can assess the damage. Do not touch it with your fingers or tongue. Simply leave it alone until Dr. Bridges can find a way to stabilize the tooth.

But, if the tooth is already knocked out, then there is a different protocol. Patients with a knocked-out tooth should carefully preserve the tooth until Dr. Bridges can see them. So, try putting the tooth back into the socket to keep it safe and moist. If it is too painful to put the tooth back, then simply keep the tooth tucked in the cheek space or in a glass of milk.

3. Control Bleeding

Patients who are bleeding (but not enough to warrant a trip to the hospital) should try to control the bleeding while they wait to see our emergency dentist. We suggest using clean gauze pads and light pressure to staunch the flow of blood.

4. Keep Bacteria at Bay

Keeping the hands and mouth clean while dealing with a dental emergency is critical. Otherwise, an oral infection can worsen the situation and lead to complications down the line (like life-threatening sepsis). So, be sure to wash your hands, and keep the mouth clean by gently rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash or warm saltwater.

Need help? Call our Duncan emergency dentist today!

If you’ve recently experienced a dental crisis, then don’t delay–call Chisholm Trail Smile Center now. Our emergency dentist can help you quickly repair your smile for continued comfort and optimal health.

Call (580) 255-4880 or send us a message here to get started.

The post Our Duncan Emergency Dentist Tells You What to Do In a Dental Crisis appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

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. 

The post How to Handle Emergency Dental Situations appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

• 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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