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.

Wondering if you are a candidate for dental implants? Take our quiz to find out if this treatment may be right for you. Then visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Dr. Matthew Bridges will honestly assess your candidacy based on your oral and physical health. 

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. 

1. How many teeth are you missing?

No matter how many teeth you have lost, implants may be appropriate for you! Dental implants can support many types of restorations, including a single crown, a dental bridge, or a full denture. They are suitable for both the upper and lower dental arches. 

2. Are you willing to undergo oral surgery?

You should only choose dental implants if you are willing to have surgery. During the first stage of treatment, an oral surgeon will place the implant posts in your jawbone. Once your jaw has healed, and the implants have integrated with your bone tissue, you will return to your implant dentist who will attach your restoration.

Fortunately, Dr. Bridges will refer you to a skilled local expert who will perform a precise procedure with minimal discomfort and a brief recovery time. According to one study, the most prominent side effect is swelling. Swelling will typically subside within five days, although women may have a slightly longer recovery time than men.

3. Do you suffer from periodontal disease?

One of the most significant consequences of periodontal disease is gum recession.  When gum disease is left untreated, the soft tissues will pull away from dental implants, and the posts won’t have enough support.

In many cases, however, appropriate periodontal care can restore your candidacy for implants. Although you will have a slightly higher risk of implant failure, the treatment is quite successful. Periodontitis patients have a 79.2% to 100% rate of implant survival over 1.2 to 16 years. In contrast, patients without gum disease have a 91.67% to 100% survival rate over the same period.

4. Have you been wearing dentures a long time?

If you have been missing teeth for many years, you have likely suffered a significant degree of jawbone loss. As a result, you may not currently have enough healthy tissue to support implant posts. Nonetheless, many patients qualify for bone grafting. In this procedure, an oral surgeon can restore lost tissue and create a sound foundation for implant posts.  

5. Do you have any chronic health conditions?

Some long-term health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, blood clotting disorders, and autoimmune disorders can make it difficult to heal from surgery. Additionally, certain medications can impact healing. Your implant dentist will discuss your medical history at your consultation. Although you may still qualify for implants, your surgeon will need to work in conjunction with your physician to assure your safety and wellbeing. 

Visit Your Implant Dentist to Learn More

Think you may be a candidate for implants? Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center to find out for sure! 

You can reach us via our online contact form or give us a call at 580-255-4880.

The post Are implants right for you? A Quiz from Your Implant Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and his caring team can help you repair your smile with quality dental bridges. From start to finish, you’ll get the patient-centered care that you deserve. So, don’t wait–call our Duncan, OK, dental office now at (580) 255-4880 or request an appointment online here.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, then you might be wondering if dental bridges are right for you. Here, Dr. Bridges will answer five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about dental bridges to help you make the right choice for you.

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic made from high-quality materials to resemble the appearance and function of natural teeth. Typically, a dental bridge contains one or more false teeth, which are held in place with the help of dental crowns on neighboring teeth. However, some dental bridges maintain their position in the mouth by fastening to sturdy dental implants.

Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?

Traditionally, an ideal candidate is one who has at least one missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. But, tooth loss alone is not a sufficient qualifier for candidacy.

Patients must also have good oral health before getting a dental bridge. Otherwise, cavities and gum disease will continue to wreak havoc on the patient’s oral and overall health. 

Nonetheless, most patients with one or more missing teeth in a row are usually ideal candidates for a dental bridge. And because a traditional dental bridge is minimally-invasive, it is a suitable alternative to dental implants.

Are there different types of dental bridges?

Yes, there are many types of dental bridges. But, the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center only offers traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges.

Traditional bridges use dental crowns to hold their place in the mouth. Whereas, implant-supported bridges require surgically implanted titanium posts for stability.

Ultimately, an in-depth consultation with Dr. Bridges will help you choose the right type of dental bridge for you, your health, and your lifestyle.

How long does a dental bridge last?

With the proper care, a dental bridge can last at least a decade. Daily brushing and flossing combined with regular dental checkups and cleanings will help patients keep their appliances for longer.

Does a dental bridge make it harder to eat and speak?

At first, a dental bridge might feel foreign while eating and speaking. However, most patients quickly grow accustomed to their dental bridges after the first few days of wear. 

Generally, patients with a dental bridge report increased ease, comfort, and confidence while eating and speaking.

Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation Today

If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, then a dental bridge might be right for you. Schedule a comprehensive consultation now to verify your candidacy. New and existing patients can contact our Duncan dental office at (580) 255-4880 or send us a message online here.

The post We Answer Five FAQs about Dental Bridges appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you’re worried about aesthetic issues with traditional dentures, Dr. Bridges solves these issues by creating custom dentures with high-grade materials. Here are some common flaws that people worry about and how we resolve them.

Natural-Looking Gum Tissue

Your gums are an essential component of your smile. If your denture gums do not match your natural gums, you may worry about your dentures being obvious. Fortunately, modern dentures are much more convincing than in the past, thanks to advances in technology and dentistry skill.

At your denture appointment, Dr. Bridges customizes the color of the base of your dentures to match the pigment of natural gum tissue. Generally, we use acrylic resin for the base of dentures because it can be dyed in different shades to compliment the wearer’s unique gum tissue.

Additionally, a benefit of acrylic resin is that it can be painted on. So, we can even paint natural details (for example, blood vessels) to mimic the appearance of your natural gums. This helps your new realistic dentures seamlessly blend in with your natural gums.

Tooth Texture and Translucency

Furthermore, another common complaint about dentures is that the teeth look a bit flat because rudimentary dentures are made of plastic. Plastic is famously artificial-looking and doesn’t reflect light like natural enamel.

When you start the denture treatment process at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we employ an extra step so that your new realistic dentures look and feel as natural as possible: the wax buildup. During this stage, we create a wax model of your teeth so that we can fit and make adjustments to optimize appearance and function before final fabrication. Also, we use ceramic material to create artificial teeth, because it closely imitates the appearance of natural enamel.

Teeth Shape and Size

In the past, dentures had limited options for the shape and size of the teeth. Other times, early dentures already came with standard teeth installed. If your dentures look too boxy, they can quickly fade your newfound confidence.

Natural teeth come in all shapes and sizes. Today, dentists can select teeth that complement the features that are uniquely yours.

Perfect Fit

Dentists design new dentures to fit securely in your mouth. However, your mouth can change over time as your age. So, once realistic dentures can eventually look loose and feel uncomfortable. Beyond aesthetic issues, ill-fitting dentures rub against the gums to cause irritation, inflammation, and sore spots. Also, it’s hard to chew with dentures that don’t fit, so this can pose nutritional and digestion issues.

If your dentures don’t comfortably fit, contact our Duncan office as soon as possible. We will happily create a plan for relining or readjustment.

Are you interested in realistic dentures in Duncan, OK? Look no further!

Full, partial, and implant-support dentures are great solutions that can help you regain confidence in your smile after tooth loss. We firmly believe that dentures should not only be functional but flawless in their appearance. Schedule a consultation for realistic dentures or our other prosthetic dental appliances by calling (580) 255-4880 or messaging us online. 

The post Realistic Dentures: Where to Find Them appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers several types of dentures, including implant-supported restorations. Additionally, he has undergone advanced training in Predictable Esthetics and Functional Occlusion. Contact us to learn more about our dentures and how Dr. Bridges’ specialized education makes him an outstanding choice for your restorative needs. 

Traditional Dentures

When you think of dentures, you likely picture traditional removable restorations. There are two types of traditional dentures. The first, full dentures, will replace all of your teeth. You could receive an upper denture for your top teeth, a lower denture for your bottom teeth, or both at the same time. Partial dentures may be appropriate if you still have some remaining healthy teeth. 

Both full and partial traditional dentures have a gum-colored plastic base that fits over the alveolar ridge. The synthetic teeth maintain the natural alignment of the bite. Furthermore, they will match any remaining natural teeth. Denture adhesive can help to keep both types in place. Partial dentures also have small clasps that help keep the prosthetic connected to the adjacent natural teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

In recent years, implant-supported dentures have become a more common way to replace missing teeth. These state-of-the-art restorations offer greater stability than traditional dentures, and they also provide important health benefits. 

Implant-supported dentures are attached to small titanium implant posts. The dental implants integrate with the jawbone, essentially replacing missing tooth roots. In this way, they can uphold a new dental restoration. Plus, they can also help to regenerate bone tissue. This will reduce the risk of jawbone recession, a common side effect of tooth loss. Once your jaw has healed from implant surgery, your dentist can attach your denture. This type of restoration is permanently fixed in your mouth to fully restore your oral function with no dietary restrictions or embarrassing slippage. 

How to Choose a Dentist for Dentures

If you are researching dentures, you are not alone! The need for these restorations is incredibly common. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 36 million Americans are missing all their teeth, and these numbers are expected to rise in coming years. Furthermore, in a multinational study, 19% of the population in 19 countries wears some form of denture.

Once you know what type of dentist does dentures, it is important to find the right dentist for your needs. Look for someone who: 

• Has plenty of experience with dentures and other dental restorations
• Demonstrates a good track record of beautiful, functional results
• Possesses experience in cosmetic dentistry, in additional to restorative treatments
• Has advanced dental training 
• Is a leader in his or her field 
• Is dedicated to personalized care and detailed follow-up treatments 

Dr. Matthew Bridges meets all of the above requirements. His training in Predictable Esthetics means that he can provide stunningly lifelike results when designing dental prosthetics. Furthermore, thanks to his education in Functional Occlusion, he plans dentures that maintain a balanced bite and jaw health. Most importantly, he is committed to each of his patients as individuals. Along with his team, he wants to make everyone feel comfortable and fully informed about their treatment process. 

Learn More about What Type of Dentist Does Dentures

To learn more about dentures and to find a dental practice for your restorative needs, contact our Duncan, OK, office online today. You can also reach us by calling 580-255-4880. 

The post What type of dentist does dentures? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges can assess your candidacy at a restorative consultation. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today to schedule your evaluation.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants replace missing tooth roots, and permanent prosthetics can then be fixed on top. You could receive one post to replace a single tooth and its root. Two or more implants can replace multiple missing teeth, and if needed, you can even receive a full implant-supported denture.

If you are considering implants, Dr. Bridges will look for four important signs to determine your candidacy for treatment. 

You Have Sufficient Jawbone Structure

If you select dental implants, Dr. Bridges will refer you to a specialist for surgery and placement. Over the next several weeks, your jawbone will heal around the post(s), making them stable, permanent fixtures in your mouth. Once you have recovered, you will return to our office, where Dr. Bridges will attach your tailor-made restoration.  

Although the posts are very small, it is important that you have enough healthy bone tissue to support them. If you have been missing teeth for some time, your jawbone may have started to recede, meaning the implants will not have an adequate foundation. Nonetheless, a bone graft can often restore lost tissue and implant candidacy. If you have suffered jawbone recession, Dr. Bridges can discuss this option with your oral surgeon.

You Have Good Oral Health

Untreated gum disease can also compromise your candidacy for implants. Left unchecked, oral bacteria will continue to wreak havoc on your gums, causing inflammation and soft tissue recession. Eventually, the microbes will work their way to your jawbone, as well. As the soft and hard tissue is compromised, the implant posts will loosen or come out. 

Fortunately, appropriate periodontal care can often restore both your oral health and your suitability for implants.

You Have Good Physical Health

Some health conditions can affect your candidacy. For example, if you have a chronic blood disorder or a disease that could affect surgical healing, implants may not be the right choice for you. At your consultation, be ready to discuss your medical history and any medications that you are taking. 

There is some concern that diabetes may affect implant candidacy. However, studies show that patients with controlled diabetes enjoy the same high rate of success as other patients.

You Are Committed to Oral Hygiene

Dental implants are an important investment in your long-term health, your oral function, and your appearance. It is vital that you protect your investment by taking good care of your dental health. Fortunately, caring for implants is as easy as caring for the rest of your teeth. Brushing, flossing, and routine exams and cleanings will help guard against the oral bacteria that can compromise implant longevity. 

Schedule a Consultation to Find Out If You Are a Candidate for Dental Implants 

Dr. Bridges proudly partners with a skilled specialist to provide outstanding restorative services for patients in Duncan, OK, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about this treatment and to find out if it is right for you, give us a call at (580) 255-4880. You can also send us a message online.

The post Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

We also work hard to make sure each of our patients feels comfortable and relaxed during any appointment. In this article, we’ll help reduce your dental anxiety by setting the record straight on root canals.

Myth 1- A tooth extraction can take the place of a root canal.

Root canal therapy, or RCT, is an endodontic treatment, which means it pertains to the inside of a tooth. Endodontic treatments offer the only solution for retaining an internally infected tooth. You should always try to salvage natural teeth. A natural tooth keeps your jaw strong and your bite balanced. 

The other treatment for an internally infected tooth is extraction and replacement, which requires more time, more expense, and often more procedures in the future.

In the simplest terms, root canal therapy involves these steps:

• You will receive medication to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. This will keep you comfortable throughout the RCT procedure.
• Next, your dentist preps the treatment area.
• He removes inflamed pulp from inside the tooth.
• Your dentist sanitizes the tooth.
• A filling is placed inside the tooth.
• Your dentist preps the tooth for a permanent crown.
• A temporary crown is placed on the top of the tooth.
• When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist replaces the temporary with the final restoration.

Avoid eating sticky or hard foods until you receive your permanent crown. Other than that, you can enjoy life and your toothache becomes a memory.

Myth 2- Endodontic treatments require many appointments. 

For some reason, people often associate root canal therapy with multiple visits to a dentist or specialist. 

While every patient is different, most RCT treatments only take one to two appointments to complete. The number of visits you may need depends on the extent of infection in your tooth, the difficulty level of the procedure, and the location of the tooth.  

Your RCT appointment(s) will include placing a temporary crown. Endodontic treatments and temporary crowns usually only take one appointment. However, you will still need a permanent crown, which will require a separate appointment. 

Myth 3- Root Canals cost a lot.

When you think of a root canal therapy, do you dread the bill? Root canal treatments often cost much less than extraction and replacement. 

If you avoid treatment, your risk of needing a total tooth extraction and replacement increases. This will involve deciding whether you need dentures, bridges, or dental implants. While these replacement options work wonderfully, they often cost more and require more care. 

Routine costs of root canal therapy vary depending on the following issues:

• The number of canals that need treatment.
• Whether you use a specialist or a general dentist. 
• Whether the treatment is your first root canal or the retreatment of a previous root canal.
• The amount your insurance will cover. 

Myth 4- The treatments provide only a temporary fix.

A lot of people believe endodontic treatments only provide a temporary fix. However, with the right care, the results can last a lifetime. Many patients never require further treatment after a completed RCT procedure. Root canal therapy results have been known to last as long as 20 years. 

Myth 5- Root Canals will cause discomfort. 

Discomfort during the root canal remains a top concern for 67% of patients according to the American Association of Endodontists. However, many people feel no discomfort during RCT. 

Dr. Bridges will carefully numb the tooth and surrounding tissues to make sure you stay comfortable throughout the entire appointment. In the end, treating the infected tooth will relieve nerve pain and infection, thus you will no longer suffer from a toothache.

Do you have a toothache that just won’t stop? 

Have you worried about dental costs or treatments? Come see the experts at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. We are always happy to answer all of your questions and can help you feel better right away. Call us today at 580-255-4880 or make an appointment online.

The post Top 5 Myths About Root Canals appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dr. Matthew Bridges and an implant specialist work together to provide patients with comprehensive and contemporary restorative services at his Duncan, OK, dentist office.

Not all tooth-replacement options are created equally, and each patient’s needs will require a solution that is tailored specifically to them. However, here are seven reasons why dental implants are considered to be a better long-term solution compared to other options (like traditional bridges and traditional dentures):

1. Permanence 

Dentists intend for dental implants to last for decades. In fact, implants can last a lifetime with proper dental home care, routine cleanings, and regular checkups. 

A dental bridge may only last ten years before it needs to be replaced. Dentures typically need to be relined every few years and replaced every five to ten years. 

2. High Success Rate 

One of the main reasons dental implants last so long is because they are biocompatible, meaning they will not produce a toxic or adverse response in the body. This contributes to the 98% success rate of dental implants. 

Other factors that contribute to the long-term success of dental implants include: 

• Age
• Bone quality and density
• Proper aftercare
• Proper daily care

3. Convenience

Dental implants naturally fuse to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration and do not require additional daily maintenance aside from brushing and flossing. Once completely healed, patients won’t even remember the implants are there. Implants also eliminate the need for denture adhesives or specialized cleaning solutions.

4. Comfort

Many patients complain that their dentures move while talking or eating. The instability of dentures can limit the foods that a patient feels comfortable eating and can affect their speech patterns. Implants are immobile, which means that chewing, speaking, and smiling can be done with comfort and confidence.

5. Better Oral Health

Tooth loss always results in deterioration of the jawbone. Prolonged jawbone deterioration can negatively affect the surrounding healthy teeth or even distort facial features. Dental implants reinforce the jawbone and prevent bone recession. 

Unlike dentures or bridgework, implants do not rely on the gum tissue or abutting teeth for support. Therefore, implants minimize the risk of damaging surrounding teeth, creating excessive plaque build-up, and causing irritation. Additionally, the hollow created by missing teeth can become susceptible to bacterial growth. An overgrowth of bacteria can lead to gum disease, thereby increasing the risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart attacks. A dental implant can help mitigate these risks. 

6. Aesthetics

During osseointegration, the jawbone rebuilds itself and restores the patient’s facial features. This also stops tooth movement and further tooth loss. Additionally, the restoration that a dentist affixes to the implant looks and acts like a normal tooth, making it almost indistinguishable from surrounding teeth. 

7. Improved Self Esteem 

According to Science Daily, tooth loss can lead to depression and anxiety. Dental implants offer a peace of mind that other fixtures may not provide. Dentures can be embarrassing to remove or easily lost. Traditional bridges and dentures can look noticeably different compared to surrounding teeth. Implants eliminate those factors, allowing you to smile with pride. 

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

Don’t let missing teeth impact your day-to-day life. If you’re ready to determine if dental implants are right for you, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our Duncan, OK dentist.  Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online to schedule your dental implant consultation.

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