toothache Archives - Chisholm Trail

What’s the best treatment for a toothache?

Identiwrite — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:53:16 +0000

Dental pain can range from mild twinges to sharp, stabbing pains. But no matter what your symptoms, a toothache is never normal. If you are experiencing discomfort, it’s important to call a dentist as soon as possible. You may need emergency dentistry, depending on the underlying cause of your pain.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full range of emergency and restorative services. Using our state-of-the-art technology, he will diagnose the cause of your toothache before recommending appropriate care. No matter what treatment you undergo, you will enjoy a fully renewed smile and dental function once he is finished.

An untreated toothache can lead to serious dental damage or even a systemic infection. Contact us right away to schedule your appointment.

A Cavity

In the early stages, a cavity will be asymptomatic. If decay goes untreated, however, you may experience a toothache. This could be a continuous dull ache, or you may experience sharp pains when biting and chewing.

The most common treatment for a cavity is a dental filling. At our practice, you can choose between amalgam and tooth-colored composite fillings. Dr. Bridges will help you select the type that best suits your health and cosmetic needs.

Dental Infection

Infection typically occurs if decay goes untreated. Bacteria can spread to the interior of a tooth and down along the dental root. In addition to a toothache, you may experience bad breath, a fever, or swollen gums.

In most cases, an infected tooth will need root canal therapy. Dr. Bridges will clean and reshape your tooth before placing a custom-made crown.

Gum Disease

Although gum disease obviously affects your soft tissues, it can also cause tooth pain. As your gums recede, your roots may be exposed, leading to sensitivity, especially in response to temperature changes.

Gum disease treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. Mild cases may only require a routine cleaning. But more advanced gum disease may necessitate gum surgery. If needed, Dr. Bridges can refer you to an oral surgeon.

Bruxism

Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching, affects 15% of adolescents, 8% of middle aged adults, and 3% of older adults. If you suffer from jaw pain and/or headaches, along with dental sensitivity, bruxism may be the cause. In most cases, Dr. Bridges can alleviate pain with a simple night guard.

A Damaged Filling

Even the best fillings can eventually loosen or come out. Sometimes, Dr. Bridges may simply be able to replace the filling with a new one. But if you have experienced subsequent decay or additional damage to your tooth, you may need a crown.

A Broken Tooth

Broken teeth require various types of treatment, depending on the location and size of the damage. However, if you are experiencing a toothache, it is likely that the dental pulp has been exposed, and you will need more advanced restorative care.

A crown or root canal may be sufficient. If your tooth and root has completely split in two, you will likely need an extraction. Your dentist can then follow up with a bridge or dental implant.

Get Effective Toothache Treatment Today

Find out the best course of action for your toothache.

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center online or call us at 580-255-4880.

The post What’s the best treatment for a toothache? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

10 Uncommon Causes of a Toothache

Identiwrite — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 02:45:33 +0000

When we think of a toothache, the first culprits that come to mind are usually things that require restorative dentistry, like cavities, gum disease, or dental trauma. While these are indeed the most common causes of dental discomfort, there exists a world of uncommon triggers for toothaches that often go ignored or unnoticed. In this blog, we explore some of these less-recognized factors that can leave you with a throbbing toothache.

Are you currently living with a painful toothache? Contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 now.

1. Sinus Infections

It might come as a surprise, but sinus infections can lead to toothaches. The maxillary sinus (located just above our upper molars) can become inflamed and press against the roots of our teeth, causing referred pain (pain in a location other than the origin).

If you’re experiencing an upper toothache along with nasal congestion and facial pressure, it’s worth considering the possibility of a sinus infection.

2. Ear Problems

Issues with your ears (such as ear infections or impacted earwax) can also cause pressure and referred pain to your teeth and jaw. The close proximity of the ear canal and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can result in discomfort that feels like a toothache.

3. Heart Problems

In some rare cases, heart conditions (like angina or a heart attack) can manifest as dental pain. The pain often radiates to the jaw and teeth, mimicking severe dental pain.

4. Bruxism

Bruxism (unintentional teeth grinding and clenching) goes hand-in-hand with jaw and dental pain. The excessive pressure on teeth can cause them to become sensitive and even crack or fracture, resulting in painful teeth.

5. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

TMD can cause pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, but it can also radiate to the teeth. Jaw clicking, limited mouth opening, and facial pain are all accompanying symptoms of TMD.

6. Allergies

Severe allergic reactions (especially to allergens like nuts or shellfish) can cause facial swelling. This rapid swelling can put pressure on the teeth and result in pain. If you experience sudden dental pain along with facial swelling after consuming a known allergen, seek medical attention immediately.

7. Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare and excruciating condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation to the face and teeth. Even the slightest touch or movement can trigger intense bursts of pain that feel like severe toothaches.

8. Medication Side Effects

Some medications (particularly those that affect blood flow or bone density) can lead to toothaches as a side effect. If you notice new tooth pain after starting a new medication, consult your healthcare provider.

9. Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients (like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C) can lead to weakened teeth and gums, resulting in dental pain. A balanced diet and proper nutrition are crucial for warding off dental issues.

10. Cancer

While it’s rare, certain types of head and neck cancers can cause toothaches as a symptom. If you experience persistent and unexplained tooth pain, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Have a toothache? Our Duncan dentist can help!

If you’re unsure about the cause of your toothache, don’t hesitate to consult with Dr. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. You can schedule appointments with Dr. Bridges online here, or you can call our team at (580) 255-4880 for more help and information.

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Toothache Causes and How to Stop the Pain

Identiwrite — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:41:02 +0000

Nagging. Throbbing. Acute. Some people say dental pain is one of the worst types of pain a person can endure. If you want to end the pain once and for all, this blog is for you. Today, we’ll discuss toothache causes and remedies–because in this modern age, no one should have to live with continual dental pain.

All the components of your mouth work together to accomplish biting, chewing, speaking, and emoting. Because of the complexity of the mouth, a toothache can cause imbalance in the way the mouth functions. Ultimately, what begins as a toothache could lead to serious issues with oral health, function, and appearance, as well as overall health.

What causes toothaches?

Pain alerts you that your body needs assistance–something is wrong. Every natural tooth in your mouth has nerves that convey information to the brain. When pain occurs in a tooth’s crown or root, the cause could be as simple as debris lodged between two teeth or as complex as an apical abscess.

One widespread toothache cause is gum disease. The CDC reports that nearly half of Americans have some level of gum disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth; if they appear red or swollen; if your breath smells bad, even after brushing and flossing, you may have gum disease.

Common Toothache Causes

- Food lodged between teeth: Try flossing! Rinse your mouth with water.
- Gum disease: Dr. Bridges or a dental hygienist can treat gum disease.
- Cavities: You’ll need diagnosis, followed by a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown.
- Cracks: The dentist repairs cracks with dental crowns, usually.
- Chips: A chipped tooth that causes pain may need a crown, though in some cases bonding or a veneer can solve the issue.
- Thin enamel: If using sensitivity toothpaste does not eliminate the discomfort, onding or dental crowns might be recommended.
- Internal infection: An internally infected tooth will require root canal therapy or extraction, if the damage is beyond repair.
- Abscesses: Depending on the type of abscess, treatment ranges from root canal therapy to apicoectomy.
- Gum recession: If using sensitivity toothpaste is ineffective for pain reduction, the dentist may suggest crowns.
- Impaction: Most commonly, impaction occurs in wisdom teeth, AKA third molars. Extraction is usually the best solution.
- Misalignment: Orthodontics or Invisalign can straighten teeth, from root to crown.
- TMJ disorder: Imbalance in the jaw joints causes many types of pain, including toothaches. TMJ therapy usually involves wearing a special appliance at night.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): Gnashing and grinding teeth, which often occurs while a person sleeps, causes chips, cracks, crazing, and enamel wear. To end bruxism, Dr. Bridges usually recommends wearing a nightguard that keeps upper and lower teeth from touching. Of course, bruxism is a cause of dental pain, but the remedy depends upon the type of damage.

How to End Dental Pain for Good

If you’ve thoroughly flossed, rinsed, and brushed, and if you’ve used sensitivity toothpaste to no avail, it’s time to visit Dr. Matthew Bridges and the friendly team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. At your consultation, Dr. Bridges will ask questions about your pain to determine when it began and what it feels like. Then he’ll perform a comprehensive oral exam and take x-rays to make a diagnosis. From there, we will discuss a treatment plan to eliminate your toothache, so you can enjoy comfortable dental function once again!

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General Dentist Explains Cracked Tooth Syndrome: OUCH!

Identiwrite — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:28:53 +0000

In today’s blog, general dentist in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges, explains cracked tooth syndrome, why it causes toothaches, and how he treats this condition to get patients out of pain quickly.

Patients who attend regular dental visits twice a year are less likely to experience toothaches from issues like cavities and gum disease. However, cracked tooth syndrome can occur at any time, to anyone–and it can really hurt! Over 200,000 cracked teeth are reported annually in the United States, and we see quite a few in our office.

As a Duncan dentist, Dr. Bridges helps children and adults achieve and maintain great oral health. Supported by a caring team of experts, Dr. Bridges invites you to experience gentle family dental care so you and your loved ones can enjoy excellent oral health for life!

What is cracked tooth syndrome?

Cracked tooth syndrome, or CTS, involves a fracture that does not extend fully across a tooth. The fracture may affect enamel, the sensitive dentin beneath, and in some cases, the pulp within a tooth’s innermost chamber.

With a cracked tooth, pain occurs when chewing foods, particularly small, hard foods like seeds. In addition, temperature changes, namely cold, can increase pain in the affected tooth. Sweet foods may also cause pain in a cracked tooth. Patients who previously endured a cracked tooth may immediately notice the symptoms. For those who have no previous experience with a cracked tooth, symptoms may mimic other conditions.

CTS may present with symptoms that may feel like:

Sinusitis
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)
Headaches
Ear pain
Atypical orofacial pain

Your general dentist says this is IMPORTANT! If a cracked tooth isn’t identified and treated promptly, it can grow to cause complete fracture and destroy the tooth.

What causes a cracked tooth?

Oftentimes, a previously treated tooth (fracture or decay) develops a crack. Also, people who chew on non-food items like ice, pen caps, fingernails, etc., are more likely to develop CTS than those who do not have this destructive habit.

A tooth may develop a crack or cracks from habitual teeth grinding, called bruxism. Additionally, patients with one cracked tooth, statistically, are likely to develop other cracked teeth.

How does a general dentist diagnose a cracked tooth?

Diagnosis of a cracked tooth can be quite difficult. In fact, some dentists miss a cracked tooth during dental inspection, especially when a patient has no CTS symptoms.

Dr. Bridges may use any of these evaluations to identify CTS:

X-ray
Illumination
Bite test
Periodontal probing
Scrape exam
Percussion test
Dye test
Magnification
Ultrasound

How does Dr. Bridges treat a cracked tooth?

In most cases, if the pulp within a tooth is not affected by the crack and the crack does not extend to the tooth’s roots, application of a dental crown will restore the tooth’s structural integrity. If multiple teeth are affected by cracks and TMJ disorder or bruxism (or both) is to blame, Dr. Bridges will recommend treating the underlying cause, restoring all affected teeth, and ending the problem once and for good.

What if my tooth can’t be saved?

When a tooth crack extends to the pulp of a tooth or down a root, the tooth may require root canal therapy or extraction and replacement. Rest assured, your CTS can be treated. Dr. Bridges, your general dentist, will get you out of pain first, then through thorough examination he’ll determine the best treatment plan to restore comfortable oral function and lasting, good oral health.

The General Dentist Your Family Can Trust

If you or a loved one have a toothache, or you don’t have a general dentist in Duncan, OK, call on Dr. Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center today. We’re accepting new patients and gladly see children, teens, adults, and senior citizens. We also care for special needs patients with gentleness and respect. Call us at 580.255.4880 to schedule your appointment or alert us to your need for emergency dental care.

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Resource: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3467890/

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What’s Causing My Toothache?

Identiwrite — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 13:38:42 +0000

Tooth pain has a variety of causes, but thanks to modern dentistry, each cause has a solution. The type of pain you are feeling—sharp, dull, or throbbing—can be an indication of exactly what is causing your toothache. You can type your symptoms into WebMD to find the cause of your toothache, but an accurate diagnosis can only come from a dental professional.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges will use his dental expertise to relieve your toothache, determine the cause, and create a preventative dental plan to keep the pain from returning. A toothache should never be ignored. Contact our Duncan, OK office today at (580) 255-4880 to schedule an appointment.

Exercise, sinuses, and other health problems can cause toothaches, but these are much less common. Here, we will discuss the top five causes of toothache.

1. Tooth decay

When bacteria eat away at the enamel on your teeth, it’s called tooth decay. This alone can cause pain and leads to dental sensitivity and cavities. As the cavity grows and moves closer to the nerves inside your teeth, the pain worsens.

If possible, you should visit Dr. Bridges before a cavity forms. The initial stages of tooth decay typically only require a deep dental cleaning or a filling. Cavities may require more extensive procedures like a crown or a root canal.

2. Wisdom teeth

Most peoples’ wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. If there isn’t enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt, you will most likely experience pain, inflammation, infection, or a combination of the three. If this is the case, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed. However, if your mouth hurts simply because the wisdom teeth are erupting, over-the-counter pain medicine can relieve your pain.

Visit with Dr. Bridges to learn if your toothache is caused by improper development of your wisdom teeth or erupting wisdom teeth.

3. Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be caused by stress, anxiety, malocclusion, or other medical conditions. If you wake up with a dull headache, sore face, and/or tight jaw, you may suffer from TMJ disorder. Dr. Bridges can assess your jaw for the cause of your bruxism and recommend the appropriate treatment.

4. Fractured tooth

Car accidents, sports injuries, and eating hard foods can cause you to break a tooth. Even if the fracture is small, you should contact your dentist immediately to learn if it can be repaired or if the tooth root has been damaged. Any amount of trauma to your tooth will cause pain, but if the tooth root has been damaged, you will most likely experience greater and prolonged pain.

5. Receding gums

Gum recession is typically a sign of gum disease. If your tooth pain arises when you eat hot or cold foods, it may be a result of receding gums. When the gums pull away from the teeth, the tooth roots become exposed. Because the roots aren’t protected by enamel, certain substances can trigger pain.

Contact Your Duncan, OK Dentist Today

Whatever the cause of your toothache, Dr. Bridges is prepared to relieve your pain. Our dental practice offers a variety of restorative dental treatments to get to the root of the problem and keep it from happening again. Schedule an appointment with one of our team members today at (580) 255-4880.

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Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies and Toothaches!

Identiwrite — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 14:02:02 +0000

Dental emergencies are often unavoidable.

The world is full of ways to fall and crack a tooth, but you can’t stay cooped up in your house forever! Focus on what you can control, like having a top-notch dentist to call when disaster does strike.

Don’t risk your oral health. Choose a dentist with training, experience, and cutting-edge technology. Choose Dr. Matthew Bridges.

When you visit Dr. Bridges for regular checkups and cleanings, he’ll conduct a thorough exam. He may detect small issues – like a surface cavity or chip – and they can be addressed with restorative dental care. If a cavity is left untreated, you could end up with an insatiable toothache. A small crack left unattended can become a deep, painful crack. Your chance for experiencing a dental emergency will decrease dramatically. However, you have to do your part as a responsible patient: make consistent six-month checkups and cleanings, and visit us when you notice an abnormality or have oral pain.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, we also don’t want finances to prevent you from seeking help. Dr. Bridges makes sure we maintain affordable prices for our services. We are in-network with Health Choice and Delta Premier, but we accept many different insurance plans and will file on your behalf. We also accept Medicare and even offer third-party financing through CareCredit, an institution that offers low- and no-interest loans to qualified patients.

Though you can’t be certain that dental emergencies won’t happen to you, you can be prepared. To start, enter Dr. Bridges’ office number into your phone right now: (580) 255-4880.

Common Dental Emergencies

Cracked Tooth

Teeth may seem unbreakable. After all, diamonds are the only naturally-occurring compound that’s harder than tooth enamel. Regardless, a blow to the mouth or a bite on hard candy can cause a tooth to chip or crack. Some cracks are so tiny that they can only be seen through a microscope, but others can split a tooth in two, exposing the nerve; this is quite painful. If you chip or crack a tooth, call Dr. Bridges immediately, and understand that cracks can worsen with time.

Knocked-out Tooth

There are many ways to accidentally knock out a tooth, especially for a kid who plays sports. Luckily, Dr. Bridges treats kids. If your tooth gets knocked out, save it! Be careful to pick it up by the crown, because touching the root could damage the nerve and prevent it from naturally reattaching. Rinse it off, store it in water or milk, and contact our office as soon as possible to increase the chances of successfully reconnecting the tooth.

Lost Crown or Filling

If you feel your crown or filling coming loose, make sure you don’t swallow it. Don’t try to replace a filling. A fully intact, displaced crown might be reattached. Rubbing a bit of Vaseline on the back of the thoroughly dried crown, then reseating the crown on your dried tooth, can temporarily bond it to your tooth while you contact our office.

Painful Cavity

Toothaches can signal a range of issues: internal infection, a chip or crack, or a cavity. Dental cavities vary in severity, but if left untreated, the decay can spread and infect the tooth’s core, or surrounding teeth, or the gums. If you have a toothache, it’s past time to make an appointment. Call us, and we’ll see you the same day, if at all possible.

Sometimes, a toothache is caused by an abscess. The bacteria that cause tooth decay can form a pocket of bacterial infection, called an abscess, in the gums, in the tooth itself, or at the tooth root in the jawbone. If Dr. Bridges can save an abscessed tooth, he will suggest a root canal or another procedure. In some cases, extraction is the only option. After extraction, the tooth should be replaced so the upper and lower teeth fit together for a balanced bite.

Visit Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK before trauma strikes. As our patient, you’ll have access to a dentist who can treat and, more importantly, help you prevent dental emergencies. Call (580) 255-4880, or contact us online, to schedule your appointment today.

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