In today’s blog, the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team will share tips on how to prevent cavities. You’ll learn:

• How Cavities Start
• How to Prevent Cavities
• About Supplemental Fluoride
• About Dental Sealants

If you’re ready to schedule an appointment now, call our Duncan dental office at 580-255-4880. Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team welcome you and promise to treat you and your loved ones with the utmost gentleness, care, and respect. 

How Cavities Start

Inside your mouth live over 700 species and up to 20 billion–yes, billion–bacteria. The human body is quite resourceful. Tooth enamel, the protective, white coating on our teeth, is the hardest substance the human body can create and the second hardest substance in nature, next only to diamonds. So our teeth are designed to repel bacteria.

Oral bacteria like to eat starch, which you consume by way of sugars, bread, corn, potatoes, and other common foods and beverages. When oral bacteria eat starch, they create an acidic byproduct. These acids leach calcium and phosphorus from tooth enamel, the minerals that give enamel strength. When teeth are demineralized by acid, enamel softens. At this point, bacteria attack teeth because, in addition to starch, they like to consume tooth structure.

Over about an hour following the starch feast, tooth enamel re-hardens. Saliva resupplies the minerals enamel needs to become strong.

In addition, acids bacteria make and acids we consume from citrus fruits, tomatoes, carbonated beverages, sports drinks, and the like erode tooth enamel over time. As a result, enamel thins and offers less protection against cavities. 

Some medications and treatments also increase the potential for cavities. For example, aspirin, chemotherapy medications, inhaled corticosteroids, asthma medications, bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants, and oral contraceptives. 

Acid reflux, or GERD, can subject molars to stomach acid. Without antacids, this scenario can lead to excessive cavities on back teeth. Bulimia patients experience a similar problem. 

How to Prevent Cavities

The biggest cause of cavities is poor oral hygiene, though diet and nutrition can be a factor. Also, acid reflux disease, dry mouth (often caused by medications), teeth grinding, and even brushing too hard for too long can contribute to cavity formation.

You can take measures to reduce your risk for cavities, but as for how to prevent cavities, there’s no surefire solution–yet.

Practice daily oral hygiene following these steps:

• Brush in the morning for two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use a tongue scraper to remove excess bacteria and debris from your tongue
• Use antibacterial mouthwash to freshen your breath
• Floss your teeth thoroughly before evening brushing
• Brush teeth for two minutes after flossing
• You can add a tongue scraping and mouthwash to your evening routine if you prefer
• Ask about fluoride and sealants

In addition, to deter or prevent cavities:

• Reduce starch intake
• Use a straw in sugary or acidic beverages to reduce contact time with teeth
• Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva production
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking
• Drink eight or more glasses of pure water daily
• Don’t suck on sugary candy or sip on a sugary or acidic drink; consume sugars and starches quickly to reduce contact time with teeth
• Schedule and attend six-month checkups and cleanings with Dr. Bridges

About Supplemental Fluoride and Sealants

Most adults are eligible for dental fluoride by way of a varnish or gel that we apply after dental cleanings. Fluoride in small doses is safe and has a significant effect on preventing cavities. Fluoride attracts enamel-strengthening minerals, so it helps with enamel remineralization. 

Topical fluoride works in baby and permanent teeth, but children can also benefit from ingesting fluoride. Most tap water is fortified with fluoride in the United States, so kids should not be limited to bottled water–which doesn’t usually contain fluoride.

Dental sealants are best suited to children under 14, though in some rare cases, Dr. Bridges may recommend sealants for an adult. Sealants are a clear or white coating painted onto molars and then hardened with a curing light. They create a barrier in the crevices of back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants may need to be touched up occasionally to restore their effectiveness. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

The number-one way to prevent cavities is to practice diligent daily hygiene and attend checkups and cleanings. If you experience toothaches, you could have cavities even if you don’t see them. Cavities often form between teeth and are only detectable by X-ray. If it’s time for your semi-annual checkup and cleaning or you’re suffering from a toothache, call our Duncan dentist’s office today at 580-255-4880. We look forward to seeing your smile!

The post How to Prevent Cavities appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

America’s Founding Father Benjamin Franklin wrote, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” taking the idea from the old English proverb, “Eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” A doctor of teeth, whom we know as a dentist, would ask how a man can eat an apple if his teeth are in bad shape. I propose this rhyme: “Disease is a thief to a man with no teeth.” 

Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center want to help you prevent oral diseases that negatively impact overall health. At our Duncan, OK, dental office, your family will have access to gentle, comprehensive dental care delivered by a team of experts who go above and beyond to exceed our patients’ expectations.

In today’s blog, you’ll learn:

• Statistics about tooth loss in the USA
• What gum disease and dental caries are
• How to deter oral diseases and retain natural teeth 
• The need for dental restorations and prosthetics
• How to kick off a lifestyle that promotes whole health

Statistics on US Tooth Loss

Today, more people keep their natural teeth for life than in any previous generation. Access to professional dental care and public dental health education have influenced this statistic. Though it’s possible to keep natural teeth for life, tooth loss is still rampant, particularly in the over-65 demographic. 

According to the American College of Prosthodontics, 

• 178 million Americans are missing one or more teeth
• 40 million Americans have lost all teeth
• 30% of Americans 65 to 74 years of age have no natural teeth

Gum Disease and Dental Caries

The main causes of tooth loss in adults are periodontal (gum) disease and dental caries (cavities). Issues like smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and dry mouth contribute to tooth loss. Avoiding six-month dental cleanings and checkups allows these issues to steal good oral health, and poor oral health negatively affects overall health and wellness.

Gum disease is an oral disease that begins when plaque and calcified plaque, called tartar or calculus, irritate soft oral tissues. Bacteria in plaque accumulate at the gum line and eat away connective tissues that hold gums to teeth. As a result, periodontal pockets form at the base of teeth, creating a harbor for the rapidly reproducing bacteria. Without treatment, gum disease can progress to cause tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. 

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance the body creates–harder than bone. It’s also the second hardest naturally occurring substance on earth, next to diamonds.

Dental cavities form when tooth enamel becomes soft in response to acids created by bad oral bacteria. In its softer state, tooth enamel is vulnerable to bacterial invasion. The bacteria eat tooth structure, leaving black cavities in their wake. Without a dentist intervening to repair cavities, the decay will spread and kill teeth, gum tissue, and jawbone tissues.

Dental Cleanings, Checkups, and Good Daily Oral Hygiene Habits Deter Disease

I cannot stress enough that good dental hygiene is imperative to good oral and overall health. A mere 13.5% of American adults floss daily. If you brush and floss daily, and visit us twice a year for dental cleanings and checkups, your mouth and body will be healthier.

In addition to causing bad breath and tooth loss, gum disease is linked to an increased risk for overall health problems like:

• Ischemic stroke
• Heart disease
• Respiratory disease
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Diabetes complications
• Low-weight births

Dental Restorations and Prosthetics

Dental cleanings and checkups allow Dr. Bridges and our team to detect and treat gum disease, cavities, tooth fractures, infections, and other oral health problems before they escalate. Patients who experience these issues can restore dental health with restorations and prosthetics by Dr. Bridges. 

Dental restorations include dental fillings, crowns, and partial crowns known as inlays and onlays. Dental prosthetics replace teeth with bridges, partial dentures, full dentures, and dental implants. As a gentle dentist, Dr. Bridges helps patients recover good oral health through restorative dental care.

Kick Off a Lifestyle of Great Health

If you and your family want to initiate a strategy to improve oral health, schedule your dental cleanings, checkups, and restorative appointments by calling our Duncan, OK, dentist office at 580-255-4880 or schedule your appointment online. Our office is located at 2035 West Elk Ave., and we take appointments from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. We are accepting new patients and look forward to meeting you!

The post Improve Your Health with Six-Month Teeth Cleanings appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

5 More Simple Tips for Preventing Cavities

#4: Fluoride Toothpaste, Mouthwash, and Treatments

Fluoride is in most of the tap water in the US, but these days, many people drink bottled water, so they miss out on the benefits of fluoridated water. We encourage patients of all ages to drink tap water, use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash, and undergo quick fluoride treatments at dental cleanings.

Fluoride attracts the enamel-strengthening minerals calcium and phosphorus. These minerals keep enamel strong, which helps deter cavities. Children who drink a small amount of fluoride, like what’s in tap water, have the benefit of improving enamel in permanent teeth that haven’t yet erupted or are still growing. Adults, however, only benefit when fluoride comes in direct contact with tooth enamel by way of rinses, pastes, tap water, and professional fluoride treatments.

#5: Dental Sealants for Kids

Clear, protective dental sealants painted onto kids’ molars fill crevices and pits where food and plaque tend to lodge. Sealants create a barrier against Streptococcus mutans, as well, to prevent cavities. We recommend sealants for kids up to age 14 who have permanent molars, and for some adults.

#6: Effectively Treat Acid Reflux (GERD) 

Acid reflux afflicts 60 million Americans monthly, and up to 15 million daily. If you suffer from acid reflux, also called GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease), the acid that comes up from your throat can erode back teeth. Thin, eroded enamel is more prone to cavities than strong enamel, so some GERD patients suffer from a high incidence of cavities.

Talk with your general physician or use an over-the-counter acid reducer to treat your condition. When GERD is brought under control, your oral health benefits.

#7: No Sodas or Energy Drinks

Enamel erosion has been a growing problem with children since sodas and more recently sports drinks became popular. When we down a soda or sports drink and then rinse with water, our oral health isn’t usually harmed. However, consuming sodas and energy drinks throughout the day or over the course of an hour or more subjects tooth enamel to long baths in sugars and acids. Both contribute to enamel erosion, which increases the risk of cavities.

Try sugar-free, non-carbonated drinks instead of harsh sodas and sports drinks. Sugar-free water flavoring provides a safer, healthier alternative. Flavorings come in packets (for water bottles), as well as small bottles to add drops to your water. A wide range of flavors, from tropical to iced tea, and from peach to watermelon.

#8: Always Attend Six-Month Checkups and Cleanings

Along with diligent oral home care, professional dental cleanings and checkups are imperative to achieving and maintaining good oral health. At a checkup, Dr. Bridges will evaluate your mouth: teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, and other soft oral tissues; as well as your head, neck, and jaw joints. If he finds cause for concern, like cavities or gingivitis, he’ll suggest treatment options. 

At your cleanings, our dental hygienist will clean all plaque, tartar, and food debris from on and between your teeth. Then, the hygienist will polish your teeth to a silky-smooth finish that your tongue will love. In addition to cleaning, the hygienist records the pocket depths of your gums, to monitor gum health over time. 

Gum disease affects half of the US population and is the main cause of adult tooth loss, so gum health is extremely important. Lastly, if you have questions about your home care routine or the products you use, the hygienist will be happy to help.

Let’s Fight Cavities Together

Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan at 580.255.4880 to schedule a consultation, checkup, or cleaning with Dr. Bridges. Our entire team loves kids, so your little ones will feel well cared for in our office, as well. 

The post 8 Simple Tips for Preventing Cavities: Part 2 appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Adults also suffer from tooth decay. In fact, over 90% of adults in the US have at least one cavity in a permanent tooth. Twenty-five percent of us have untreated tooth decay. When cavities aren’t treated by a dentist, they grow to affect deeper layers of the tooth, then to neighboring teeth and into the jawbone.

A mere 1% of humans avoid cavities throughout life. Some people are more prone to developing cavities than others, so they must be particularly vigilant with dental hygiene. But children over three years of age and adults need to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and thoroughly floss once a day. For infants to children aged three, parents should use un-fluroidated toothpaste.

You can take measures to ward off decay in your teeth and your children’s teeth with these eight tips. However, if you have a toothache or know that you have a cavity, call Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan today at 580.255.4880 to schedule a checkup with Dr. Matthew Bridges.

8 Tips to Prevent Cavities

#1: Don’t Allow Sugars and Other Starches to Linger

Sugars are a type of starch, and all starches cause tooth decay. The bacteria that live in your mouth eat starches and create an acidic byproduct that attacks tooth enamel. This acid softens enamel, then the cavity-causing Streptococcus mutans can eat tooth enamel to create cavities.

Starch that lingers in the mouth is prone to kick off the cavity process. So, after eating anything starchy or sweet, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Take it one step further by using a straw to drink all beverages except water. Also avoid hard candies, like suckers, mints, and Jolly Ranchers, unless you use the sugar-free version. The sweetener Xylitol is often found in gum and mints, and it actually helps boost oral health.

#2: Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

The bacteria in your mouth love a warm, wet, dark environment to grow and wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Hydrating will not only wash away foods, starches, sugars, and bad bacteria, but it also helps saliva return to its proper pH. All of these things deter cavities.

#3: Floss Correctly and Thoroughly Every Day

Many cavities form between teeth and at the gum line because people don’t floss, or they don’t floss correctly. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one-third of Americans never floss. Never! Most people say flossing is difficult and frustrating, so they just don’t do it. Brushing alone does a lot to thwart tooth decay, but brushing cannot replace flossing.

If flossing is difficult for you, ask for a demonstration and hands-on guidance from our dental hygienist. You can also watch this video.

Many people prefer to use pre-threaded flossers with an ergonomic design. These little, disposable tools fit like a pen between the fingers, and they’re small enough to reach all the way back to wisdom teeth in the mouth. Flossers are cheap! There’s no good excuse for not flossing.

See the next 5 Simple Tips for Preventing Cavities

in next week’s blog!

Let’s Fight Cavities Together

Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan at 580.255.4880 to schedule a consultation, checkup, or cleaning with Dr. Bridges. Our entire team loves kids, so your little ones will feel well cared for in our office, as well. 

The post 8 Simple Tips for Preventing Cavities appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

• 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.

Dr. Matthew Bridges provides restorative dentistry and emergency appointments in our Duncan OK dental office. Call (580) 255-4880 today or make an appointment through our website.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Toothache

If there’s one ultimate truth in dentistry, it’s that toothaches don’t get better on their own. Headaches? Yes. Sprained ankles? Yes. Even a case of food poisoning will work itself out if you give the body the rest and care it needs. Cavities are another story. Once a hole has formed in your tooth enamel, the body cannot repair that hole. After the teeth cut through the gums, there’s no way to “regrow” enamel. It may take many months, or even years, but eventually a cavity is going to get bigger and become more painful. Eventually, if too much of the tooth has been damaged, we may not be able to save it, and the only treatment will be a dental extraction.

There are other conditions besides tooth decay that can result in a toothache, of course. Gum recession can cause the roots to become sensitive, for example. A deep crack or fracture can also cause pain. However, even if there’s no cavity present, that doesn’t mean you won’t develop one. Cracks make teeth more vulnerable to decay. When left unrestored, they will only worsen until the tooth becomes too damaged, structurally, to be saved.

The Best Way to Prevent a Dental Extraction

If you have a problem tooth, the best way to prevent losing it is to seek help as early as possible. The sooner you bring us the tooth, the greater the odds we’ll be able to restore it with a filling, root canal treatment, or dental crown. Avoiding the problem will never make it “go away.”

When a cavity extends into the enamel, we can remove the bacteria and decayed tooth matter conservatively and apply a filling to restore the tooth’s structure. If you are already feeling pain, however, there’s a good chance the decay has reached the dentin or the pulp chamber. When a cavity extends into the pulp chamber, a root canal becomes necessary to prevent the infection from traveling to the bloodstream. If much of the upper portion of the tooth has been damaged, a dental crown can be applied to replace and protect the part of the tooth you see above the gum line.

If You Need a Dental Extraction

No one wants to lose a permanent tooth, but there are several ways to replace a tooth if a dental extraction is needed. It’s really not the end of the world—and dental extractions are fast and comfortable at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Bridgework and dental implants can replace a missing tooth, so your smile and chewing power can stay intact.

Bring Us Your Toothaches

If you or a family member has a painful tooth, contact our Duncan OK office to make an appointment. We provide gentle laser dentistry that makes treatment lass traumatic, and offer sedation option for patients with dental anxiety. Call (580) 255-4880 today or make an appointment through our website.

The post Don’t Let a Toothache Turn into a Dental Extraction! appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Do you need a Bray dentist? Dr. Matthew Bridges serves the Duncan, Velma, and Bray, OK area and can help keep your family’s smiles healthy. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment.

Fluoride Rinses

Fluoride not only helps neutralize bacteria, but it also makes tooth enamel stronger. Most dentists agree that exposure to fluoride toothpaste twice a day through brushing is adequate for strengthening the teeth. However, if you feel you are especially prone to getting cavities, it might not hurt to add a fluoride rinse to your routine. Not only will it make your teeth stronger, but it will help reduce plaque build-up, which leads to cavities. This can be helpful for children as well as adults.

If you do use a fluoride rinse, make sure you are using it correctly. A fluoride-containing rinse should be used after you brush the teeth, and you should not rinse with water afterward. In fact, you should watch the clock after using a fluoride rinse—to make sure you consume no food or beverages for at least 30 minutes. This lets the fluoride sit on the teeth longer and do its good work, undisturbed.

Antiseptic Rinses

If you’ve had problems with gingivitis or signs of gum disease, you may want to seek out an antiseptic rinse to help keep mouth bacteria in check. When swished vigorously, a rinse is capable of reaching spaces in the gingival tissues that brushing and flossing may miss.

A mouthwash that contains alcohol may sting and burn, but it does a pretty good job of killing bacteria and preventing the build-up of plaque. The most popular “strong” mouthwashes on the market contain a list of essential oils (menthol, thymol, eucalyptus, etc.) held together in an alcoholic base. There is some concern over alcohol-containing mouthwashes making you more susceptible to oral cancer. Alcohol irritates the soft tissues of the mouth, and irritation is the cause of oral cancer. However, most dentists feel that risk is pretty low and other risk factors (smoking, heavy drinking) are far more significant.

If you want to avoid the burn, look for a mouthwash with chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), or even triclosan. These mouthwashes may be labeled as antibacterial, antiseptic, or use other language to indicate their germ-fighting abilities.

Sensitive Mouth or Dry Mouth

If you suffer from dry mouth, an alcohol-containing rinse can make the situation worse, since alcohol dries out soft tissues. There are a number of “gentler” mouthwashes available for dry/sensitive mouths. The whole Biotene line caters to dry mouth, but other labels produce rinses that can protect and sooth a dry or sensitive mouth. Many of these products contain xylitol, which is an excellent ingredient to have in your oral care regimen. Xylitol is a form of natural sugar that not only doesn’t harm the teeth, but actually makes them more resistant to bacteria.

What’s in Your Rinse?

The bottom line is that there are many oral health rinses to choose from, so it pays to notice the ingredients and know how they affect your mouth environment. If you want a bacteria-fighting mouthwash, you have options to choose from (other than the kind that burns your mouth)!

Do you want to learn more about your family’s oral care products? Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center! Bray dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges and his hygiene staff are an excellent source of information. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment.

The post What a Rinse Can Add to Your Oral Hygiene Routine 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.

The post Everything You Want to Know About Fillings appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Are you suffering from tooth or gum pain? Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center and our friendly staff will get to the bottom of your pain. Call for an appointment with our Duncan and Velma, OK dentist office. Contact us online or at 580-255-4880.

There are many possible causes behind the feelings one might describe generally as “toothache.” These can include problems with the teeth or gums, and are not always caused by tooth decay (cavities).

Food Stuck in the Teeth

If you have mysterious pain, always do a thorough brushing and flossing to make sure there isn’t a piece of food lodged between the teeth (or the teeth and gum tissue). Sometimes a bit of food can be just big enough to apply pressure and initiate a response that you feel in the whole tooth. Also note that it doesn’t take much to irritate the gums; sometimes a stubborn particle of food can lead you be too aggressive with a toothpick, leaving you with a very sore spot on the gums.

If you feel like there’s a piece of food stuck in your tooth, such as a raspberry seed, use floss or a pick designed for teeth cleaning (not a wooden pick) to gently displace it. If the feeling persists despite a careful cleaning, give us a call and we’ll get to the bottom of your problem.

Inflamed Gums

An all-over aching sensation can sometimes be the result of inflamed gum tissue. Gum disease is far more common than most people realize. More than half of all adults over 40 show some signs of gum infection, and one of the first symptoms is tender or inflamed gums. If you have pain in the gum tissue or bleed when you brush or floss, you may need gum disease treatment to control the infection.

Sensitive Teeth

If you get a sharp or jarring sensation when drinking hot beverages or eating ice cream, you may have sensitive teeth. As we get older and our enamel wears down, the sensitive part of the tooth called the dentin may become exposed. This can happen to many teeth at once or just in one or two spots. If the teeth are sensitive primarily at the gum line, this can be a sign of gum recession, which often indicates gum disease.

A toothpaste made for sensitive teeth can help you prevent temperature sensitivity, but you should always make an appointment if you experience pain. This will give us the chance to check for other problems associated with worn down enamel and provide advice for dealing with your sensitive teeth.

Failing Dental Work

If your toothache is in a tooth that’s had a filling or crown, there’s always the possibility your dental work needs repair. Fillings do not last forever. Metal fillings tend to last a few years longer than tooth-colored composite fillings, but all fillings have a finite lifespan. Sometimes the filling becomes loosened when the material shrinks or leaks after so many years, which can expose the sensitive part of the tooth called dentin, or even lead to secondary decay.

With regular dental appointments we can monitor your dental work and let you know when it needs replacement. Getting you a new filling is usually a fast and easy matter—and it may put an end to your pain!

Pain Associated with Bruxism

Teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause tooth pain, especially in the molars. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, you may be wearing down your tooth enamel and exposing the sensitive dentin of the teeth. Bruxism can also make your teeth more prone to cracks and fractures. Such cracks can cause pain on their own, but they also leave you vulnerable to bacterial infection and cavities.

If you grind your teeth, we can fit you with a special night guard to prevent further damage to the teeth. If you have a deep crack, we can repair and protect the tooth with a durable dental crown.

Tooth Decay and Abscess

The most common cause of severe localized toothaches (i.e., in just one tooth) is decay. When bacterial excretions damage your tooth enamel, it destroys more and more of the tooth, until the nerve endings become exposed. Let a cavity develop for too long, and the infection will reach the inside of the tooth (pulp chamber), requiring root canal therapy. If a tooth does not get treated in time, the decay may destroy so much of the tooth that we cannot save it, and the only “treatment” is extraction.

Abscesses develop when an infection spreads beyond the tooth, and into the soft tissue surrounding the root. A pocket develops to contain the infection and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the body. This can be extremely painful, and usually requires the extraction of the tooth. If you ever experience severe toothache that is accompanied by facial swelling and a fever, you may have an abscess and should seek medical attention right away.

When you come to our office for regular dental appointments, we can examine your teeth for signs of decay. We can even catch cavities before they happen, by identifying and treating spots of demineralization. If a cavity is small, we can provide a filling to halt the spread of decay and ensure you never experience the pain of an infected tooth.

Got a Toothache? We Can Help!

If you are experiencing any form of oral pain, you should always make an appointment with your dentist. If you need a Duncan, OK or Velma, OK dentist call Chisholm Smile Trail Smile Center and we’ll help you get the best oral health possible.

Even if it’s been a few years, we welcome everyone to our practice and treat our patients with respect and dignity. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges and you’ll see the value of compassionate quality dentistry. Contact us online or call us at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment.

The post 6 Most Common Causes of Toothaches appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Though it may seem alarming at first to hear this prognosis, root canal therapy is actually a fairly common procedure used to save a tooth and prevent an extraction. If you are unsure on how to proceed after your diagnosis, it may be time to seek a second opinion. While there is a possibility the second dentist will give you the same prognosis, you will have peace of mind knowing it’s the right decision for your oral health, and you may find that the second dentist is more qualified. Below are some tips to help establish whether a second opinion should be pursued.

Dr. Matthew Bridges offers root canal therapy at our Duncan, OK practice. He will take the time to sit with you and explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions or concerns you may have. When selecting who to perform your procedure, it’s important that you choose a dentist, such as Dr. Bridges, who is both experienced and highly trained. For more information, contact us online to book your root canal treatment or call (580) 255-4880.

Is Your Dentist Experienced in Performing Root Canal Therapy?

Not all dentists are as experienced in root canal therapy as they are in performing other dental treatments. While the procedural steps are similar to a dental filling, they require more of a delicate nature and technique. To get a better understanding of your dentist’s experience, ask them how often they perform root canal therapy and what their success rate is. If their success rate is low or the procedure is performed only a few times a month, you may want to seek a second opinion from a more qualified professional. Your smile is an important part of your personhood and it should be entrusted to someone who will give it the attention and care it deserves.

Do You Like the Dentist?

Likability and good rapport are also important factors when choosing who to perform your procedure. In addition to receiving qualified and comprehensive care, you want to make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with your dentist. A good dentist will sit and listen to your concerns, explain the procedure in detail, and not make you feel rushed or disregarded. If you feel uneasy about your dentist, you may want to seek a second opinion.

Did the Dentist Try Conservative Treatment First?

Root canal therapy is usually recommended as a last recourse to avoid an extraction. Oftentimes, a dental filling or dental crown can be attempted first. This will depend on the severity of your damaged tooth and whether the infection has penetrated the root canals. When meeting with the dentist, ask if more conservative treatments are possible and have them explain why they may or may not work. Dr. Bridges believes in educating patients so they have a better understanding of what to expect. If you feel dismissed by your dentist, it may be time to seek care from another medical professional.

Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

If you live in the Duncan, OK area and are looking for an experienced root canal therapy dentist, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges. Our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center is equipped at root canal therapy and will make sure you achieve a successful outcome. Please contact our office today online or by calling (580) 255-4880.

The post Why a Dentist’s Experience is Important to the Success Rate of Your Root Canal Therapy appeared first on Chisholm Trail.