If you’re searching for a do-it-all dentist, consider Dr. Matthew L. Bridges as your comprehensive dental care provider. For more information regarding our practice, as well as to schedule a consultation, call us at (580) 255-4880.

When reviewing potential providers, be sure to evaluate both their professional qualifications and services, as well as more practical information like their practice’s location, and whether their office is welcoming and relaxing.

Ask About Their Education and Training

Dentists attain advanced education to practice dentistry, so don’t be afraid to ask about their own educational experienced and on-going training. It’s crucial that your general dentist has the skill and knowledge to handle any complications that may arise during your treatments. Your prospective dentist will most likely have his diploma and other certifications on display in his practice, but it’s a good idea to ask about any additional certifications he/she may hold. Are they associated with any professional dental organizations, such as the Academy of General Dentistry or regional dentistry organizations? Do they have extensive post-grad training in a specific area of dentistry? Answers to these questions can help you understand the level of importance they place on on-going education and the latest industry best practices.

Confirm Offered Services

Does this prospective dentist offer comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care? Do they offer dentistry for the whole family, including children’s dentistry services? Additionally, make note whether or not they provide emergency dental care; while it may not be top of your mind, having a familiar dentist to turn to when a stressful and emotional emergency occurs can help improve your experience and give you increased peace of mind.

Review Practical Practice Information

The more convenient and comfortable a dental practice is, the easier it will be to attend routine appointments. Be sure to take note of the practice’s office hours; will they work with your own busy schedule?

In addition, when you meet and interact with the front office staff and dental assistants, are they welcoming and friendly? Do you feel comfortable asking them questions? While a dentist may be your primary provider, the rest of a practice’s team can play in an important role in whether or not dental appointments are a positive experience!

Gather Information on Financial Responsibility

Finally, if you have dental insurance, ask the front office staff about their specific insurance coverage policies, or whether they accept insurance at all. Ask them when payment is expected, and how insurance claims will be filed. Along with insurance plans, ask about accepted financing plans they offer. These can be a way for patients to break down large treatment costs into attainable monthly payments with little or no interest rates. Some dentists may accept national financing plans such as CareCredit®, or may offer in-house financing options. Look over the terms and application to see if it fits with your financial situation.

Finding Your Local Rush Springs Dentist

If you’re looking for a general dentist who covers all these bases and more, look no further than Dr. Matthew L. Bridges. Our Duncan, OK practice is located just 30 minutes south of Rush Springs, and is accepting new patients! Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

The post Interview Tips for Choosing a Rush Springs Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Planning for a busy holiday schedule? Give yourself a gift before your holiday plans begin, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges of Chisolm Trail Smile Center. Dr. Bridges can ensure you head into the season confident about your oral health. Call his office now at 580-255-4880.

Chew Extra Carefully

So many delicious recipes are tried out around the holidays, and you’ll probably want to taste a bit of everything. Before you dig in, be cautious of biting down on hard fragments like nut shells or pieces of bone. One wrong bite could mean a fractured tooth and emergency visit to your family dentist. Cut your food carefully and slow down when chewing. Taking your time to eat will not only protect your teeth, but it will help you recognize when you’re full and save you from over-indulging.

Keep a Glass of Water Handy

A glass of wine can be a great complement to your meal, but it can also damage your teeth. The high acidity in wine will encourage bacteria to attack your teeth’s protective enamel. To minimize this risk — and stay hydrated after eating high-sodium meals — drink water directly after enjoying your glass of wine. The water will help clean out your mouth and dilute the harmful acidity levels caused by wine or other alcoholic or sugary beverages. In the same way, drinking water after eating holiday sweets will minimize the corrosive impact sugar has on your teeth. So, remember to drink up!

Be Selective at the Dessert Table

When you’re craving something sweet, be choosy. Select the treats you’ll enjoy most and those you don’t see during the rest of the year. Savoring just one or two small desserts, you will do your teeth a big favor by reducing your sugar intake. Eating sugary foods encourages bacteria growth in your mouth and can lead to more plaque buildup, which causes both tooth decay and gingivitis. Plus, by limiting sweets, you’ll avoid the dreaded symptoms of a “sugar hangover” the next day: fatigue, headache, brain fog, and more. (Maybe you won’t pack on the holiday pounds, too!)

Get Ready for Your Close-up

The holiday season presents lots of photo opportunities. If you want to look your best this year, brighten your smile. Consider professional teeth whitening! Dr. Bridges, your Duncan family dentist, offers cosmetic dentistry as well. Choose from in-office or take-home whitening options, both of which offer fast results – just in time for holiday parties. Professional whitening is safe and effective, and the products we use have been approved by the American Dental Association.

Contact Us Before the Holiday Rush Begins

If you’re looking for a family dentist in the Duncan, OK area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges. Offering preventative, restorative, and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Bridges and the staff at Chisolm Trail Smile Center will make your comfort a top priority, and spend time discussing the best options for your oral health. Call Chisolm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880.

The post Healthy Teeth for the Holidays: Tips from a Family Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Mild Fractures

As you might imagine, not all fractures are the same. Craze lines and other superficial cracks usually only affect the outermost layer of a tooth. These types of breaks can cause aesthetic concerns, but generally cause no discomfort. Other types of mild fractures, such as broken cusps, can be harmless at first, but can eventually lead to further damage. Dental bonding or porcelain veneers can address these types of problems.

Dental Bonding

One of the most versatile treatments in dentistry, dental bonding involves the application of a composite resin material. Also used to fill small cavities, composite resin can be color-matched to your surrounding teeth. Dental bonding can change the shape of a tooth, making it wider or longer as needed. After applying the material, Dr. Bridges will harden it with a specialized curing light and will shape and contour your tooth for a natural-looking appearance.

Porcelain Veneers

Designed to bond to the front surfaces of the teeth, veneers can conceal cosmetic imperfections, as well. These custom-made restorations are ultra-thin and are crafted from porcelain for a lifelike sheen. Depending on your situation, you may require multiple veneers to achieve the desired results. Your general dentist in Duncan, OK can help you understand all of your treatment options.

Moderate to Severe Fractures

Larger, more complex fractures typically require more extensive treatment. For example, if a crack runs into the internal structure of a tooth, it may require a crown or root canal therapy.

Dental Crown

A large fracture can often be addressed with a dental crown. This custom restoration fits over the entire tooth structure, and can be fabricated from a variety of strong, natural-looking materials. In order for the crown to fit properly, the natural tooth structure will need to be reduced and reshaped. However, once placed, a crown can provide reinforcement and strength to a weakened tooth.

Root Canal Therapy

When a fracture extends to the pulp of a tooth, the internal structures become vulnerable to infection and bacteria. To remedy this situation, root canal therapy can be performed. During this procedure, the infected tissues inside the tooth are removed, and the root canals are filled with a specialized dental material. The tooth is then sealed with a filling or a dental crown.

Tooth Extraction

Unfortunately, there are some types of fractures that necessitate tooth removal. For example, a split tooth that can be separated into distinct segments or a tooth with a vertical root fracture does not have a good long-term prognosis. In these cases, Dr. Bridges will recommend a tooth extraction. Before moving forward with treatment, your replacement options will be discussed with you as well.

Contact Your General Dentist in Duncan, OK

If you have recently sustained a broken tooth or another form of dental damage, schedule a consultation at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. You can contact us online or call our office at (580) 255-4880.

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