tooth pain Archives - Chisholm Trail

Family Dentist in Duncan, OK Explains Toothache Causes

Identiwrite — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 20:54:47 +0000

Nothing ruins a beautiful day like a side of pain with your morning coffee. Toothaches take the fun out of life and can be a sign of dental trouble.

Tooth pain means it’s time for a trip to the dentist’s office. Dr. Matthew Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center is an experienced family dentist in Duncan, OK. Schedule an appointment, and our team will evaluate the cause of your toothache and determine the best treatment plan to restore your pain-free smile.

Toothache Symptoms

Dental pain is usually a prominent sensation, and the best course of action is to visit your family dentist in Duncan, OK. However, if you’re not sure if your pain is a toothache, look for these symptoms:

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet substances
Pain when biting or chewing
Swelling around your tooth or jaw
Bad breath or foul taste
Fever or headaches
Bleeding or discharge near the tooth or gums

These signs may correlate to a number of oral health complications, so it is important to get to your family dentist right away if you experience them.

What causes a toothache?

Toothaches are a fairly common occurrence, with one study showing that 55.1% of adults had experienced a toothache within six months of the experiment. The causes of a toothache vary and can range from mild to serious.

Tooth Decay

One common reason for toothache is tooth decay. When saliva mixes with bad bacteria in our mouths, it creates plaque that sticks to our teeth and erodes our enamel. This erosion results in cavities that can cause tooth pain and sensitivity. Despite being preventable, cavities are common and almost 26% of adults aged 20-44 suffer from untreated tooth decay.

If a cavity is the cause of your toothache, it can be fixed with a quick trip to our family dentist in Duncan, OK. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we can treat a cavity and prevent further damage with a filling.

Abscessed Tooth

A deep cavity or crack can allow bacteria to enter the interior of your tooth and infect the pulp. This can result in a buildup of pus known as an abscess.

Abscessed teeth can be very painful, and are usually treated with a root canal procedure. Dr. Bridges will remove the infected tissue and fill and seal the tooth. Then, he will fit you with a dental crown to protect your tooth and prevent further damage.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMD is a condition that causes pain in the jaw joint and muscle. This pain can radiate into your back teeth, resembling a toothache. Lockjaw, difficulty chewing, and problems opening your mouth widely could be signs that your tooth pain is really jaw pain.

Treatment for TMD is available at your family dentist in Duncan, OK. Dr. Bridges will evaluate your situation and customize a treatment plan to fit your individual needs.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Excessive grinding and clenching of your teeth can wear down your enamel over time and even crack your teeth. If you grind your teeth unconsciously at night, you may benefit from wearing a mouthguard. You can prevent clenching during the day by reminding yourself to relax your jaw and removing stressors from your everyday life.

Gum Disease

A toothache accompanied by red, swollen, or bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain a good oral healthcare routine. This includes:

Daily brushing and flossing
Eating a balanced diet
Limiting sugar intake
Avoiding tobacco products

The most important part of good oral healthcare is regular visits to your family dentist. Sometimes gum disease isn’t apparent until it becomes severe, but your dentist can detect early warning signs and recommend preventive measures.

Get treatment for your toothache today!

Dr. Bridges is a compassionate and professional family dentist in Duncan, OK. He and the rest of our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center are dedicated to providing you with stress-free dental care.

To schedule your next dental visit, contact us online or call (580) 255.4880 today!

The post Family Dentist in Duncan, OK Explains Toothache Causes appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Signs You May Have a Root Canal Infection

Identiwrite — Thu, 30 May 2019 12:19:24 +0000

If you’ve been told that you have a root canal infection or that you need to undergo root canal therapy, you’re not alone. Each year, millions of teeth are saved through safe and effective root canal treatments. While a root canal may sound painful, many patients find relief from more severe forms of pain caused by advanced decay or an abscess. During your treatment at our Duncan, OK clinic, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges will provide you with quality dental care in a comfortable, relaxing environment.

Dr. Bridges is known for his warm bedside manner. He stays up to date with the latest advances in dental technology. If you are looking for restorative treatments in the Duncan area, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center! We are proud to be one of the oldest dental practices in Duncan. If you are looking for a dental care home in Duncan, OK, call us today!

What Is a Root Canal Infection and What Causes It?

Dr. Bridges performs root canal therapy to treat advanced infections. The aim of the procedure is to stop the spread of bacteria before it reaches the jawbone or blood supply. When a bacterial infection reaches the tooth’s inner pulp, it can spread quickly through the pulp chamber (the area deep within the tooth that houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue).

Once the infection reaches the pulp, the patient is said to have a root canal infection. The only treatment option at this point is root canal therapy. The procedure can save you tooth because the nerves are not vitally important and mainly serve a sensory role. Following a successful root canal procedure, you may be able to retain your natural tooth for the rest of your life.

Symptoms of Root Canal Infection

The most common sign that you are experiencing a root canal infection is the sudden onset of pain near one of your teeth. Since cavities are more common among molars, the pain may occur in the back part of your jaw. The onset of a root canal infection is considered a dental emergency. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we provide emergency care, meaning we will accept your case immediately if you are experiencing a root canal infection.

Our team of dental professionals is here to help you if an emergency situation should arise. If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of a dental emergency, or if you would like to find out more about our urgent care services, call our office at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online.

During your examination (which may include x-rays and digital images), Dr. Bridges may search for these symptoms to determine if you have a root canal infection.

Pain while chewing
Tooth discoloration
Toothache
Temperature sensitivity
Tender gums
Gum tissue swelling
Jawbone pain
Swelling of the face
Difficulty swallowing

Treatment Options

The only effective treatment for root canal infection is root canal therapy. If the infection is too advanced, you may need to undergo tooth extraction, which we also perform. During your root canal therapy, Dr. Bridges will use local anesthesia to numb the surgical site. A small hole will then be drilled to gain access to the infected or decayed area. The area will then be cleaned, fill, and topped with a dental crown. Most individuals are able to return to work the day after undergoing root canal therapy.

Contact Our Office Today!

If you want to know the best dentist in the Velma or Duncan area, look no further than Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Give us a call to schedule a consultation for root canal therapy.

The post Signs You May Have a Root Canal Infection appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

5 Benefits Of Root Canal Therapy

Dr. Matthew Bridges — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 12:51:39 +0000

“I’d rather have a root canal.”

Yes, we are familiar with the phrase, which is usually uttered on TV whenever someone has to do something terrible. The truth is root canal therapy is not a procedure that should strike fear into your heart. Modern dentistry has improved the technology and techniques used, making it simpler and reducing the pain you might experience. The resulting benefits of a root canal far outweighs the anxiety you might feel beforehand. Dr. Matthew Bridges at the Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK offers comprehensive preventive and restorative dental care, including root canal therapy to relieve your pain so you can get back to your life.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is performed to eliminate bacteria in a severely damaged or decayed tooth. The procedure involves removing the diseased pulp inside the tooth, cleaning out the infection, and then sealing the tooth again.

There is a natural cavity in the center of each tooth called the “root canal”. Inside that cavity is a soft area filled with pulp, as well as nerves that let you know if foods are too hot or cold. If the nerve or soft tissue becomes damaged, bacteria can start to form, leading to an infection or abscess, which means the infection has gone all the way past the root canal.

You may need root canal therapy if you have:

A persistent, severe toothache
Severe toothache when you chew or apply pressure
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (after heat or cold have been removed)
Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth
Swelling and tenderness in the gums
A persistent pimple on the gums

5 Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

1. A root canal can save your natural teeth.

While there have been tremendous improvements in how we replace lost teeth, including dental implantsand implanted-supported dentures, there is still nothing better than the function of your natural teeth. This means equalized bite forces, more efficient chewing, optimal aesthetics, and a reduced need for future dental work.

2. A root canal can relieve that nagging toothache.

The pain from a toothache is a major distraction that can inhibit concentration at work and keep you from enjoying your favorite activities. You might not be able to eat or chew without pain, and you could also have sensitivity to cold and hot foods. A root canal will rid you of tooth pain so you can eat ice cream without fear or enjoy that big football game coming up in a few weeks.

3. A root canal can save you from a tooth extraction.

Infection of the pulp inside the tooth can cause it to become loose, to the point where it needs to be extracted. Tooth loss can lead to deterioration of the jawbone itself, and the only solution after that is usually dentures or dental implants. A root canal can save your diseased tooth so it does not have to be extracted.

4. A root canal can give you an improved smile.

Decay, fractures and infection can cause your tooth to become discolored and cracked. Pretty soon you are reluctant to smile. During a root canal, any holes or cracks can be covered with tooth-colored material. You can also choose to get a dental crown, which looks like your natural tooth. This will give you back a pleasing smile you can be proud to show off.

5. A root canal can keep you healthier overall.

The state of your teeth can also affect your health overall. Left untreated, the infection in your tooth can spread to your gums, where it is then free to travel throughout your body.

Contact Us Today

If you are suffering from a toothache that might require a root canal or you have other dental issues, turn to Chisholm Trail Smile Center and Dr. Bridges. We are dedicated to providing excellent dental care, as well as great service, to our patients. Schedule your visit today by calling our Duncan, OK dental office at (580) 255-4880.

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