It’s tempting to ignore dental health when life gets hectic, but it could lead to painful and pricey issues in the not-so-distant future. Preventative dentistry treatments with Dr. Matthew L. Bridges in Duncan, OK, can help you prioritize your oral health without interrupting your busy schedule. Get comprehensive and speedy care at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today by calling (580) 255-4880!

Preventive dentistry treatments keep oral issues at bay while enhancing your overall health. Experts recommend twice-yearly preventative care with a trusted dentist for optimal well-being. So, if you haven’t visited a dentist this year, here are the top reasons why investing in preventative dentistry before 2024 is a wise choice.

Early Detection of Issues

Preventative dentistry focuses on identifying dental problems in their beginning stages. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help catch issues like:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Oral cancers 

Catching these problems early makes treatment less invasive, more effective, and less expensive. 

Cost-Effective in the Long Run

Many people shy away from dental check-ups due to perceived high costs. However, preventive dentistry is a cost-effective approach when compared to the expenses associated with treating advanced dental problems. 

Routine cleanings and examinations are a fraction of the cost of major dental interventions. By investing in your oral health now, you are potentially saving yourself from substantial financial burdens down the road.

Preserving Natural Teeth

One of the primary goals of preventive dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar, preventing decay and gum disease, which helps maintain the integrity of your teeth.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is a prevalent oral health issue that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications (including tooth loss). 

By prioritizing preventative dentistry in 2023, you reduce the risk of developing gum disease and its associated consequences in 2024.

Enhancing Overall Health

There is strong evidence indicating the link between poor oral health and various systemic conditions, including:

• Respiratory infections
• Pregnancy complications
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes 

By adopting preventive dentistry measures, you’re not just safeguarding your smile but also contributing to your overall health. 

Promoting Confidence and Mental Well-Being

Preventative dentistry not only ensures the physical health of your teeth and gums but also contributes to your mental well-being. Knowing that your oral health is in good shape can alleviate anxiety and boost self-esteem, allowing you to smile freely and engage confidently in social interactions.

Establishing Healthy Habits

Preventive dentistry encourages the establishment of good oral hygiene habits. This, in turn, sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral health practices, ensuring that you continue to prioritize your dental well-being beyond 2024.

Schedule Your Preventative Dentistry Appointment in Duncan, OK

Preventative dentistry is not just about addressing immediate concerns – it’s an investment in your future well-being. By taking proactive steps to care for your oral health, you’re not only saving money but also preserving your natural teeth and contributing to your overall health. 

As we step into 2024, let’s make a resolution to prioritize preventive dentistry and smile our way to a healthier New Year. Request preventive appointments online or call Dr. Bridges at (580) 255-4880 for scheduling now!

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Chisholm Trail Dental Center has provided family dental care for generations of Duncan, OK, residents. We believe that a family dental practice has many benefits to offer parents and kids.

Here are just a few of the benefits you will enjoy at our office.

One Location for All Your Dental Care Needs

If you have had to visit different practices to find care for all of your family’s dental health needs, a family dental practice might be a better fit. At Chisholm Trail Dental Center, we offer a diverse list of treatments and procedures, including:

• Emergency Dental Care
• Fillings
• Dentures
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dental Implants
• Preventative Care
• Root Canal Therapy
• TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) Treatments
• Teeth Whitening
• Veneers
• Sleep Apnea Treatments
• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental health care is more convenient when a family dentist can provide most, if not all, of the treatments your loved ones need. 

Personalized Care and Personal Relationships

Studies claim that half of Americans fear dental visits. Personal relationships increase mental comfort and help create a safe environment for you to engage in open discussions about your dental health concerns. Anxiety subsides when you find a great dentist and build a relationship based on trust and support. This is true for adults, as well as children. 

When your child develops a positive relationship with Dr. Bridges and our team, trips to the dentist will become fun and exciting adventures. These relationships can significantly help ease childhood dental anxiety and engage children in their own oral hygiene. 

Knowing You Past, Present, and Future

With a dental team you trust and visit repeatedly, the team members will know and understand your health history and personal preferences. As a family dentist in Duncan, OK, Dr. Bridges will be with your children from their first lost tooth forward. For the adults in your family, our team will, over time, learn about your health challenges, personal preferences regarding treatment, and how you take care of yourself. Time will allow us to understand you and your loved ones so that we can deliver highly personalized care. 

Ability to Schedule Multiple Appointments on the Same Day

Finding a family dentist for your entire family can give you more wiggle room in your busy schedule. Depending on the needs of each family member, you could schedule your children’s dental appointments on the same day as yours, or yours and your spouse’s on the same day. You could even schedule your whole family’s six-month checkups at one time. 

Emergency Dental Care Options

When you’re in need of emergency dental care, you won’t want to see a stranger. You’ll feel safer going to a dentist you trust. Dr. Bridges provides prompt and reliable care in emergency situations. Seeing a familiar face during an emergency can also ease anxiety and minimize potential trauma, especially for small children. 

Save Time and Money

A conveniently located dental office with a variety of services will help you save time. Since our team can diagnose and treat a range of dental health issues, you may not need to see a specialist, except for complex treatments. We can also complete multiple procedures in one visit, saving you the trouble of returning for another appointment.

We work diligently to keep our prices reasonable for Duncan, OK, families, as well. For your convenience, we accept most insurances and will help you file claims.

Visit Your Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

If you’ve been searching for the right dental office for your family, look no further. Dr. Bridges and our team at Chisholm Trail Dental Center provide trusted family dental care from our office in Duncan, OK. We see young children, professionals, and retirees, so we can handle all of your family’s dental health concerns. Call us today at 580-255-4880 or contact us online. 

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Your Most Valuable Asset is Your Health

Think of your most valuable asset. What comes to mind? If you said your health, you’re right. Maintaining your oral and overall health helps you function at your best on a daily basis. When you take care of your dental health, you can consume various foods to meet adequate nutrition, clearly communicate, and socialize with confidence. Moreover, regular dental visits help prevent the spread of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions

Now, imagine life without your health. Your ability to take care of yourself and other people might be impacted. Furthermore, your ability to work and complete daily tasks depend on your quality and status of health. Also, your mouth connects to other body parts and might exacerbate other health conditions. For example, you might be surprised that there’s a growing suspicion that the plaque that accumulates in your teeth is connected to the plaque that builds up in your arteries. As a matter of fact, people with periodontal disease have 2 to 3 times the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or other serious cardiovascular events.

Modest but effective adjustments can protect your oral and overall health, including:

•       Brushing and flossing your teeth before bed and when you wake up
•       Undergoing dental exams and cleanings every six months
•       Choosing a balanced diet

We’ll Give You the Tools the Trade Through Patient Education

During a preventive dental exam and cleaning, your dental hygienist will take the time to teach the best practices in oral hygiene—including brushing, flossing, and other techniques that benefit your dental health. In turn, you have the knowledge to take care of your teeth at home.

Anticipate Lifelong, Positive Returns

Preventive dentistry is proactive, and proper preventive care helps patients avoid major oral health issues. Preventive dentistry aims to keep the teeth, gums, and jawbone in tip-top shape. Thus, potentially eliminating the need for more extensive dental care along the way. Additionally, investing in your oral health now might save you money in the long run.

On the other hand, restorative dentistry is reactive. It’s a way for dentists to repair your smile after tooth loss. For instance, if you have a tooth that falls out from extensive decay, the most optimal way to replace your teeth with dental implants. Dental implants give patients the ability to smile again but at a cost. However, wouldn’t it be wiser to avoid needing dental implants by taking care of your natural teeth?

Don’t Waste Another Moment with a Lack of Dental! Smile and Schedule a Dental Visit with Dr. Bridges.

You can trust Dr. Bridges because he delivers on your dental investment by providing excellent dental care at his dental office in Duncan, OK. Start investing in your health and schedule a dental visit at Chisholm Trail Smile Center by calling 580-255-4880 or messaging us online right now.

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Dr. Matthew L. Bridges is a highly trained dentist, who has performed numerous root canal procedures. He is dedicated to patient comfort, and his gentle techniques and thorough explanation of your procedure will help you to relax. If you are suffering from the symptoms of a dental infection, or if you have been told you need root canal therapy, contact our office today.

Do I need a root canal?

Dr. Bridges typically recommends endodontics for patients who have an infected tooth. Dental infections occur when bacteria make their way to the soft pulp in the center of a tooth. Because this soft tissue also contains nerve endings, dental infection can cause significant discomfort. In other cases, structural damage to a tooth may necessitate root canal therapy.

Do root canals hurt?

According to surveys, many patients are extremely intimidated by the thought of undergoing a root canal. However, thanks to modern methods and medications, the procedure is much easier and more comfortable than most patients assume. 

Prior to your endodontic treatment, your Duncan dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb your tooth and gums. During treatment, therefore, you should feel virtually no discomfort. You may experience some mild sensitivity after your procedure, but you can typically manage this with over-the-counter pain medications. 

How long do root canals take?

Most root canal procedures last between 30 minutes and an hour, though in cases of severe damage, it may take a bit longer. Bear in mind that the final step of root canal therapy is to restore the damaged tooth with a custom dental crown. Therefore, you will usually need to return for a second appointment so that Dr. Bridges can attach your permanent restoration. 

Is root canal therapy safe?  

Endodontics is very safe! In fact, dentists perform an estimated 15 million such procedures a year. Not only that, root canal therapy has a remarkable 97% success rate. 

What can I eat after my procedure?

Immediately after treatment, you should not eat until you have regained feeling in your gums. Once the anesthetic has worn off, it is safe to eat, but you should consume soft foods for a few days. Good options include scrambled eggs, yogurt, soups, and well-cooked vegetables. Your tooth may initially be sensitive to temperature, so you may need to avoid very hot and very cold foods. Dr. Bridges often recommends that his patients continue eating a soft diet until they receive their permanent crown. Once your tooth is fully restored, however, you should enjoy complete dental function. 

Why doesn’t my Duncan dentist just extract my tooth? 

Endodontic treatment is an extensive procedure, and some patients wonder if it would not be better simply to remove the damaged tooth. However, Dr. Bridges recommends extraction only as a last resort for teeth that cannot be saved. Root canal therapy can preserve natural teeth and their underlying roots. With extraction, on the other hand, you would need to have additional treatment to replace the tooth. Furthermore, unless you receive dental implants, your missing tooth root could lead to significant jawbone recession and additional tooth loss later down the road.  

Learn more about endodontics with an experienced Duncan dentist

If you have additional questions about endodontics, don’t hesitate to contact our office today! Dr. Bridges and his team are always happy to answer questions and address any concerns that you may have. You can reach us online or give us a call at 580-255-4880.

The post “Do I need a root canal?” Duncan Dentist Answers Endodontics FAQ’s appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

1. The family dentist is only for families.

Family dentists serve not only families but individuals of all ages. Many family dentists perform a variety of dental services, including:

• Preventative Dentistry: People are strongly encouraged to visit the dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning every six months. During preventive visits, a dental hygienist removes tartar. Also, a dentist examines the mouth for signs of developing cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, and other ailments in the mouth and surrounding structures.
• Restorative Dentistry: Family dentists can remove severely damaged or decayed dental tissue or teeth. After removal, they can replace teeth with natural-looking and high-functioning substitutions.
• Cosmetic Dentistry: If your smile is anything but perfect, a family dentist can whiten, reshape, or construct a brand-new, optimized smile.

2. Baby teeth don’t need as much care as adult teeth.

Even though baby teeth fall out over time, they are still essential for a child’s growth and development. Young children use their teeth just like adults do. Strong, healthy teeth help every man, woman, and child:

• Chew coarse or crunchy foods
• Digest food
• Speak clearly with others
• Express emotions
• Maintain a sense of self-worth

3. My oral health only affects the mouth.

The definition of “oral” means “by the mouth,” so many people associate oral health with mouth health. However, oral health is vital to comprehensive health, well-being, and quality of life. The link between oral and systemic health is becoming increasingly evident and recognized globally. 

Our mouths are complex ecosystems that house many species of bacteria that compete for space. When oral bacteria is balanced, the mouth is healthy, and there are no signs of infection. However, when bacteria flourishes, it can lead to gum disease (an inflammatory response that can dramatically decrease the quality of life). Furthermore, Mayo Clinic staff believe that inflammation may be to blame for causing: 

• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory diseases
• Pregnancy and birth complications

4. The only reason to visit the dentist is if there is a problem.

As previously mentioned, oral health impacts overall health, and patients are encouraged to visit the dentist at least twice per year. The most efficient way to take care of your teeth, gums, and mouth is to visit the dentist for preventive treatment before issues arise. Preventative visits can help prevent a cavity or periodontal disease from developing, which could potentially: 

• Prevent intensive treatment, such as a root canal
• Reverse gum disease
• Save a tooth from permanent loss

Find a Family Dentist Near Bray, OK

Are you interested in learning more about the best practices for oral hygiene, disease prevention, and more? At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges helps patients in Bray, OK, and surrounding cities manage their oral health and the appearance of their smiles. Schedule your next dental appointment with us by calling 580-255-4880 or messaging us online at your earliest convenience.

The post Family Dentist Busts Four Common Dentistry Myths appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Pediatric Dental Examination

The first thing that our dentist Dr. Bridges will do is examine your child’s teeth. He will be looking at your child’s teeth and gums to ensure that they are in good health. In addition, he will check to make sure that your kid’s teeth are developing properly and that there are no early indicators of major dental or orthodontic issues.

Part of the dental examination process may include taking x-rays. These scans help us look for any tooth decay between teeth and make sure that the tooth roots are healthy.

Back-to-School Teeth Cleaning

A teeth cleaning is a must for any child who’s going back to school. Even if your kid is good about brushing, a teeth cleaning is still essential. Brushing your teeth can only do so much to keep your teeth, gums, and tongue clean; a cleaning will help your child’s teeth become as clean as possible.

Teeth cleanings remove the bacteria that lead to cavities, periodontal disease, and other teeth and gum issues. Plaque makes teeth look yellow and dull. Removing this plaque and tartar will ensure that your kid starts out the school year with the brightest and shiniest smile. In addition, a dental cleaning will help prevent your kid from missing school days due to dental issues.

Consider Dental Sealants

Let’s face it – kids aren’t always the best at taking care of their teeth. If you want to help keep your child’s teeth cavity-free, consider having a dental sealant applied. Dental sealants fill in the grooves of the back teeth to help keep acids from weakening tooth enamel. Bacteria eats through this weakened enamel, which is what causes cavities to form.

Tooth sealants have been proven to prevent over 80% of cavities for up to two years. Having a tooth sealant applied can help make sure your kid’s teeth stay healthy throughout the year.

Mouthguards for School Sports

If your kid will be playing sports in the coming school year, you may want to get your child a mouthguard. Mouthguards help prevent teeth from getting damaged or knocked loose during a sports game. It’s important that you get the mouthguard from our dental office – instead of purchasing a one-size-fits-all boil and bite guard – so that we can make sure it fits your child’s mouth securely. And if your kid already has a mouthguard, our dentist Dr. Bridges can check it for wear and tear and make sure it still fits well.

Contact Our Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Duncan, OK

If you’re looking to get your child’s smile ready for the new school year, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Our general dentist in Duncan provides a wide range of dental services, including pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Bridges is devoted to making sure that a visit to the dentist is as stress-free as possible for your children, and he’ll keep your kid’s teeth and gums in good health all year round. Our dental office serves the area in and around the 73533 zip code. Call our office today to schedule a back-to-school dental appointment for your child.

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Dr. Matthew L. Bridges provides excellent, comprehensive preventative care for patients of all ages. Our practice provides a variety of preventative treatments and teaches your child healthy oral habits for the upcoming school year. Continue reading to learn more or call our office today at (580) 255-4880 to set up an appointment and discuss what treatments will be helpful for your child.

Preventative Treatments for Children

We believe prevention is the best policy when it comes to your child’s oral health. At our Duncan, OK dentist office, we provide any of the following treatments during your child’s appointment:

• Routine Exam: Bridges will check for proper development of your child’s teeth, gums, and surrounding structures and look for any signs of tooth decay.
• Regular Cleaning: To help prevent cavities and plaque build-up and support gum health, regular professional cleanings are extremely important.
• Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride works to strengthen the tooth enamel (the outer protective layer of the teeth) and stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Cavity Detection: As part of the routine oral exam, Dr. Bridges will look for any signs of cavities in your child’s teeth.
• Dental Sealants: To combat cavities, a thin, plastic coating can be painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This protective shield bond to the teeth to prevent tooth decay.
• Orthodontic Spacers: If a child loses a tooth too soon, their other teeth may begin to shift or space out into the extra room. Spacers are small and unobtrusive and help keep their teeth in their correct spots.
• Orthodontic Assessments: Based on Dr. Bridge’s examination, he may decide that your child needs orthodontic treatment. If that is the case, he will refer you to an orthodontist for a full assessment.

Creating Healthy Oral Habits at Home

Dr. Bridges and his team want to work with parents to help their children create healthy oral hygiene habits at home. We love teaching our patients how to care for their teeth! Here are a few tips that will help them maintain healthy, beautiful smiles:

• Brush at least twice a day. We will demonstrate for your child how to get to the most difficult parts of their mouth, so no tooth is left out! Proper brushing techniques are extremely important for keeping damaging bacteria at bay.
• Floss once a day. Flossing gets to the crevices between the teeth more a toothbrush can. It is also helpful for maintaining healthy gums.
• Keep a healthy diet. Children rely on their parents to feed them nutritious food. We can help you find foods that your child will enjoy and that will help keep their teeth healthy.
• Visit our office for regular dental cleanings. If your child gets into the habit of visiting the dentist every six months now, he or she will be more likely to continue coming when they are old enough to set up their own appointments. Now is the time to help them form healthy habits!

Schedule a Back-to-School Appointment Today!

Preventative care is necessary and important for your child’s oral health. Start teaching them healthy habits like regular dental cleanings and good school attendance by scheduling their appointment before school starts! Give us a call today at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online to make an appointment with Dr. Bridges. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon!

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• Toothaches
• Tooth sensitivity to sweets and hot or cold substances
• Holes or pits in teeth
• Black, brown, or white stains on teeth

Velma dentist, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, has been helping his patients prevent and treat tooth decay for decades. His desire is to create a comfortable, compassionate, and welcoming environment for patients to learn how to prevent or treat their tooth decay. At Chisolm Trail Smile Center, we believe prevention is the best policy! Children as well as adults can begin prevention treatments today. To set up an appointment, visit our website for more information or contact us today.

What causes tooth decay?

Bad habits, stress, and other uncontrollable factors can wreak havoc on the enamel of your teeth. Here are the five top causes of tooth decay:

1. Poor oral hygiene: The best defense against decay is to form good oral hygiene habits. These include:
   1. brushing your teeth at least twice a day
   2. flossing regularly
   3. brushing your tongue
   4. using mouthwash

All of these things work together to restore any damage that is done to your teeth during a long day of eating and drinking substances that may be harmful to them.

2. Unhealthy eating habits: Candy, ice cream, and soda aren’t the only things bad for your teeth. Foods that are high in carbs, like breads, and high in acid, like oranges, can eat away at enamel. Overeating these types of foods will have a negative impact on the health of your teeth.

To protect and build the enamel, replace the unhealthy foods with others that are high in calcium (like cheese and yogurt) and phosphorus (like meats and eggs). Drinking milk, water, and green and black teas is also helpful.

3. Tooth grinding: Stress and anxiety can cause people to grind their teeth while sleeping. This grinding breaks down the enamel on the outer layer of the teeth, resulting in decay. To reduce stress, try taking 30 minutes every day to do something relaxing. Additionally, bite guards will also help prevent tooth grinding.
4. Dry mouth: Saliva contains elements that help restore teeth and prevent plaque from growing. Medications, medical conditions, or genetics can reduce the production of saliva. If you are suffering with dry mouth, an orthodontist can help determine the cause and recommend helpful treatments to keep your mouth moist.
5. Delaying dental treatment: Regular dental cleanings and exams help to prevent and can reverse the erosion of enamel. At home prevention isn’t always enough to stop decay from happening. That’s why routine dental cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth healthy, strong, and beautiful.

Make an Appointment Today

Whether you’ve been taking great care of your teeth for years or you feel they have been neglected, if you haven’t received a dental cleaning recently, it’s time! Your Velma dentist, Dr. Bridges, and his team have been creating and maintaining radiant smiles for decades and are prepared to examine, discuss, and treat any issues or concerns you may have. To set up an appointment with your 73533 dentist, call (580) 255-4880 today.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Decay appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you are a parent in the Duncan, OK, area, choose the right dentist for you and your children: choose Dr. Matthew L. Bridges! Dr. Bridges has a heart for those patients who are fearful or anxious of the dentist’s office. He can help create a more positive, comfortable experience for your entire family. If you are new to the area, or simply looking for a new provider, call us today to schedule a consultation. See for yourself the warm, welcoming environment at Chisolm Trail Smile Center.

Early and Often is Key

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises parents to bring their child in for their first dental appointment by age one (or within six months of developing the first tooth). Early trips to the dentist help children become more familiar — and more comfortable — with treatment. Afterwards, Dr. Bridges or your local dentist can advise how often your child should return for routine exams and cleanings. Usually, about once every six months is normal.

Play “Dentist” Beforehand

If your child has never been to a children’s dentist, or is expressing signs of worry about the appointment, it could be beneficial to play through a normal dental appointment scenario with them. It’s important when speaking about the dentist to use simple language. Avoid works like “needle,” “drill,” or “pain.” Instead, explain that the dentist will simply be checking to make sure his/her smile is strong. Use a mirror to show your child his/her teeth that the dentist will be looking at, and make a game of counting and pointing to each one of their teeth.

Explain the Importance of Healthy Teeth

When answering questions about “why” they need to go to the dentist, keep things positive. Explain that healthy, strong teeth help your child eat their favorite foods, smile, laugh, and ultimately grow into a healthy adult. By keeping discussions about teeth, dentists, and oral hygiene positive, you can prevent undue stress at the prospect of visiting the dentist.

Let the Dentist Lead

When you arrive at your child’s dental appointment, try to allow the dentist and dental team to lead the conversation and appointment process as much as possible. A children’s dentist will have lots of experience treating young children who may be upset or scared about receiving an examination. They most likely have their own, gentle ways of helping relieve children’s anxiety so they can complete treatment or cleaning.

Depending on the situation, your children’s dentist may have you help in different ways. The instinct may be to jump in to try to talk to your child, however, by letting the dentist establish a relationship with your little one, you are helping them become less fearful of the dentist and more apt to having a better experience in the future.

Schedule your Children’s Dentist Appointment Today

If it’s been at least six months since your child last saw the dentist, it’s time for another examination! Use these tips to help ensure that your trip to Chisolm Trail Smile Center is as smooth as possible. If you have questions about your child’s dental health, reach out to our office. We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

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