Geriatric Dentistry in Fort Worth: Respect and Exceptional Care for Elderly Patients

Texas Implant and Dental Center specializes in providing oral health services for senior citizens living in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Effective geriatric dentistry in Fort Worth requires the delivery of multiple scientific disciplines to promote a lifetime of dental health. Our approach to safeguarding the oral health of elderly patients is personalized and comprehensive.

Serving older patients often presents unique medical and dental care. Dr. Damon is accustomed to helping patients with special sensory, ambulatory, or social needs. It simply isn’t necessary for seniors with physical or mental disabilities, serious dental issues, or limited financial resources to forego the professional dental care they deserve. Oral hygiene complications frequently lead to depression, malnutrition, and other debilitating disorders.

At Texas Implant and Dental Center, we understand how aging, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and medications can aggravate oral hygiene and promote dental decay. Periodontal disease can seriously impair the ability of a loved one to taste, chew or swallow. It’s absolutely vital that every elderly person has access to the care and hygiene necessary to maintain healthy mouth tissues and lip posture. Periodontal disease links to stroke, heart disease, and other life-threatening conditions so, preventative care and checkups are essential. 

Serious oral complications, including gum disease and the loss of teeth, have become a significant problem for people over 65. Geriatric dental care involves the delivery of a multidimensional array of dental services. Our dentists and staff’s specialized knowledge and skill have equipped us to manage the unique needs of our aging population. Texas Implant and Dental Center is prepared to deliver the quality dental services older men and women deserve regardless of age or health status.

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment

The barriers that were used to prevent older adults from receiving dental care and hygiene are a thing of the past. We take great pride in giving every senior citizen a reason to smile. If you live in the Fort Worth area, please take the time to review the information on our website. Call us today to schedule. Our dentists look forward to answering your questions and serving you for many years to come.

Schedule your appointment online here.

Comfortable Tooth Extractions in Fort Worth

Tooth extractions can seem like an intense experience, but in reality, it’s nothing to fear. In practice, we will recommend a tooth extraction in situations when too much damage has already been done to the tooth structure, removing it from any chance for effective repairs. 

Additionally, certain tooth afflictions such as severe decay, or fractured teeth, can also require a tooth extraction. There are four typical causes of tooth loss: Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease, Cancer, and Trauma. Dental Caries and Periodontal disease are the most common. 

Signs You Need A Tooth Extraction: Understanding the Symptoms

If you are unsure whether or not you might need a tooth extraction, we have compiled a list of the most common symptoms often associated with a damaged tooth. Learning to recognize these symptoms, as well as promptly visiting a dentist to inquire about them, is the best preventative measure for any further damage to your teeth.

These symptoms may indicate that you need a tooth extraction:

• Pain (of the tooth or jaw)
• swelling
• extreme tooth sensitivity
• abscesses
• crumbling teeth 

Does A Tooth Extraction Hurt?

The tooth extraction procedure itself is relatively painless. The first step of the procedure is to have an examination of the problem area. Dr. Damon or Dr. Dupree will also do a review of your medical history. This is to be better prepared for any unforeseen complications due to other medications or health conditions you might have.

We will discuss three options for the extraction: Awake under Local, Local with N2O, or IV Sedation. We want you comfortable before, during, and after the procedure. If Dr. Damon or Dr. Dupree will be removing third molars, then IV Sedation will be used. 

We will typically schedule you for the tooth extraction after your consultation. We perform IV Sedation most days, but these spots are typically booked in advance. Other forms of sedation are available as well.

What About Replacing the Tooth?

Unless you want a gap or a missing tooth, Dr. Damon and Dr. Dupree will talk to you about filling the missing tooth with three options: 

• a removable partial, 
• a fixed dental bridge, 
• or a dental implant 

We will discuss each of these recommendations at your consultation. 

What Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

At Texas Implant and Dental Center, we understand that oral surgery can seem overwhelming, which is why we pride ourselves on our efficient work and affordable prices. All patients are given several options as well as all pricing upfront. 

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment

If you think you might need a tooth extraction, give us a call today to schedule your appointment. We can provide you with several affordable options for replacing the tooth if it needs to and extraction. We look forward to going on this smile journey with you. Schedule your appointment online here.

Fillings in Fort Worth

Fillings enable dentists to repair teeth and preserve smiles. It is important to place a filling before the decay becomes severe. If you have not seen your dentist in Fort Worth for a recent cleaning and checkup, be sure to schedule an appointment. If you are experiencing a toothache, this could mean you have a cavity, so it is important to come and see us right away before the decay worsens.

Why are Fillings Important?

Thousands of different sources can help bacteria make their way into your mouth and turn into plaque. The bacteria will begin to build up in layers, called plaque, all around the teeth and start to eat away at the tooth’s enamel with the acid they release.

When a tooth begins to decay due to the bacteria and acid, it forms what is known as a “cavity.” A cavity cannot be repaired on its own, so it is vital that dentists stop the damage from becoming worse via a filling.

Before there was a professional dental solution, cavities couldn’t be repaired, and decay would work its way until a tooth decayed all the way down to the nerves. When this happened, the only thing left to do was to extract the tooth. But with the help of research and modern technology, composite fillings are now available to match the shade of a tooth for a subtle and effective way to repair the damage caused by plaque and bacteria.

How Are Fillings Performed?

Patients are given a local anesthetic. Then the tooth decay is removed. After Dr. Damon or Dr. Dupree removes the decay, your tooth will have a filling placed. Today we exclusively use a composite tooth filling material. This is the most esthetic and is tooth-colored. 

What Are The Different Types of Fillings?

There are two popular types of fillings: amalgam or composite fillings. 

Amalgam Fillings

An amalgam filling is a more old-fashioned type of filling made of silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury to make a silver mold. The material is molded into the drilled hole and solidifies throughout the day to take its permanent shape in the tooth.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are more popular these days, as they’re made out of a material somewhat like modeling clay that hardens when a curing light is applied. These fillings are synthetic resins that will look like the color of the rest of your tooth when they harden. 

This is the more popular option because they look discreet and natural.  With the help of evolving technology and research, composite filling’s durability and longevity have been approved over the past decade.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cavity? 

Some people can feel a cavity coming on – whether it’s developing a sensitivity to hot or cold foods, feeling pain in a particular tooth throughout the day or when eating, or pain that is emphasized with sweets. It’s essential to get a tooth filled as soon as possible to prevent further damage from being done or needing a more serious procedure, like a root canal. 

Scheduling annual or semi-annual trips to the dentist for a routine cleaning is a proactive way to ensure you have a healthy smile. If you feel like you may need a filling or simply want a routine check-up and cleaning, schedule a consultation with Texas Implant and Dental Center today to have your questions answered and teeth checked out.

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment For Fillings in Fort Worth 

For more information on the types of fillings available at Texas Implant and Dental Center, schedule an appointment with us today.

Fluoride Treatments in Fort Worth: Stronger Teeth in a Timely Fashion

Fluoride is among the most powerful agents available in the assistance of tooth decay prevention. Found naturally in differing quantities, it is a nutrient in virtually all water and food supplies. The advantages of fluoride have been observed for more than half a century and are promoted by many professional health agencies. Dr. Clark Damon provides fluoride treatments for the Fort Worth, TX community to protect and strengthen children’s smiles. 

Fluoride Treatments Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Does Fluoride Work?

Fluoride fortifies erupted teeth by absorbing into the exterior area of the tooth enamel, effectively making the teeth more decay-resistant. We obtain fluoride by using fluoride-rich dental products such as gels, mouth rinses, and toothpaste. Dental practitioners typically advise that children have a professional fluoride application two times annually throughout the course of their dental check-ups.

Fluoride fortifies erupted teeth, as well as those that are developing underneath the gum-line. We obtain systemic fluoride from many foods, as well as our neighborhood water supplies. It is also obtainable as a health supplement in gel or drop form and can be prescribed by your dentist or physician. 

How Much Fluoride Should I Give My Child?

Typically, drop-form fluoride is preferable for infants, and tablets are best suited to boys and girls up through the teenage years. It is vital to observe the amounts of fluoride a child consumes; if an excessive amount of fluoride is ingested while teeth are developing, a disorder called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) can manifest.

Why Should I Consider Fluoride Treatment?

Although almost everyone gets fluoride from water and food, it is not always enough to prevent tooth decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may advise the application of professional or home fluoride treatments due to the following factors:

• Deep holes and cracks on chewing areas of teeth
• Exposed and hypersensitive root areas
• Fair to poor dental health practices
• Frequent sugar and carb consumption
• Insufficient exposure to fluorides
• Inadequate saliva supply due to medical conditions, medical treatments, or medicines
• Recent history of tooth corrosion

Keep in mind, fluoride by itself will not stop tooth corrosion! It is essential to brush a minimum of two times daily, floss regularly, consume well-balanced meals, minimize sugary snack foods, and visit your dental professional routinely.

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Fluoride Treatment in Fort Worth

Save yourself money and time by protecting your teeth with fluoride treatments. For more information on fluoride treatments, contact us today. Schedule your appointment online here.

Dental Sealants in Fort Worth

The teeth that help us chew have deep grooves that can collect food, bacteria, and plaque if they are not properly cleaned. Sealants are composed of tooth-colored plastic applied to the biting surface of ridged teeth like premolars and molars.

FAQ: Protecting Your Teeth and Preventing Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants

What is a Dental Sealant?

A dental sealant is a plastic layer that is applied to the surfaces of the premolars and molars. These sealants are very good at preventing cavities and tooth wear. Sealants perform the best on the rear teeth due to the greater number of nooks and crannies that can accumulate food residue and plaque.

How Beneficial Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant serves as a strong shield against decay and residue build-up. Therefore, it offers complete protection against damage. However, the most important factor in the quality of its performance is how effectively it adheres to your teeth. 

Furthermore, studies have found that when a sealant is applied to a tooth with mild decay, it stops the cavity from advancing. It does this by depriving the tooth-destroying bacteria of their nutrient source, which is the food you eat. A dental sealant is no longer helpful when the contact between the sealant and your tooth is damaged or compromised.

Who’s a Good Candidate For Dental Sealants in Fort Worth?

Dental sealants are ideal for children because their newly grown adult teeth are highly vulnerable to decay and get little benefit from fluoride. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even recommends that sealants be a regular part of preventative care for kids. This should also include the use of plaque removal, fluoride, healthy foods, limited sugar, and regular dental checkups. However, all people can benefit from sealants regardless of their age.

Dental sealants also help preserve tooth health. Whenever a tooth receives a filling, part of the original tooth is lost. The CDC states that traditional fillings only last between six and eight years on average and should be replaced after that period. Using sealants in conjunction with fillings saves money and time and can also help minimize discomfort caused by routine procedures.

How is Sealant Applied to Teeth?

This procedure requires that the surface of the teeth be fully cleaned. After cleaning, the teeth are carefully rinsed to ensure the cleaning agent is gone lest it interferes with the sealant application. The teeth are then dried. A substance will be applied all over the teeth that make their surface rough. This will be washed off, and the teeth will be dried again. Finally, the sealant is painted on and left to become hard.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last between five and ten years with the proper care and maintenance of your teeth. 

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment For Dental Sealants in Fort Worth

If you would like to know more about our dental sealant procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us at Texas Implant and Dental Center today to schedule an appointment.

Consistent dental examinations are an essential part of good dental health. During our comprehensive dental exams, Dr. Damon and our hygienists thoroughly explore each tooth, the gums, the temporomandibular joint, and the mouth’s overall health.

Ensuring Long-Term Oral Health with Comprehensive Dental Exams

Leaving your dental health for times when your teeth or gums hurt is unreasonable. It is far more cost-effective and health-conscious to adopt preventative measures instead of waiting until there is a problem.

Prevention includes comprehensive dental exams. At Texas Implant and Dental Center, your exams are thorough, so you can rest assured that we check everything from the tissue to the teeth. We even check the temporomandibular joint. Problems in any of these areas can compromise your dental health, and we want to make sure your mouth stays healthy and free of painful disorders.

Digital X-ray

One of the most crucial parts of a dental exam is an x-ray. Texas Implant and Dental Center will take digital x-rays of both arches. We use only the best and most modern x-ray technology, so we do not miss anything. 

Because we can analyze your x-rays with the help of a computer, the images are better than ever, and we can pick up even difficult-to-diagnose dental health issues. This, along with the physical examinations of the mouth, helps us find problems that affect all areas of the mouth, such as oral cancer. The best part is that you are under less radiation exposure when we take digital x-rays of your mouth.

Digital Photographs

We are able to do a lot with our digital x-rays, including checking structure. However, that does little to help you. That is why we offer digital dental photographs. These help our patients see any issues and help our dentists explain them to you to understand your problems and your treatment options.

Gum Exams and Charting

The overall health of your mouth is dependent on your gums. They are an excellent indicator of your oral health. Every time we give you an exam, we include a periodontal checkup. We also chart your gums. This means taking measurements of your gum pockets to see if they are big enough to cause concern or growing due to something like gingivitis.

TMJ and Bite Analysis

Your lower jaw or mandible attaches to the skull by the two temporomandibular joints on either side of your face. Problems in these joints can lead to dental problems due to pain, grinding, locking, and clenching. If you are experiencing any of those symptoms or popping sounds in the joint, talk to your Texas Implant and Dental Center dentist about it. You may require a mouth guard to keep your teeth safe from grinding and clenching or a bite adjustment to reduce pain and friction.

Tooth Exams

Of course, Texas Implant and Dental Center examinations include analysis of all of your teeth. A dentist will carefully look at every tooth to warn you of areas of concern or tell you about treatments for issues that are already there. We use all of the most modern techniques for cavity detection, meaning that you may even be able to stop the problem before it requires a filling or a root canal. Moreover, even if you cannot prevent the damage, catching it early means a smaller filling and a higher probability of keeping the tooth.

Call Us Today For a Comprehensive Dental Exam in Fort Worth

We know that your dental examinations are what keep your mouth healthy. That is why we do each of them with care and precision. If you require treatment, we will offer you the best treatment available, administer it professionally and caringly, and help make sure it does not happen again in the future. We want you to have a natural, healthy smile, and the first step to doing that is regular checkups at our office. Call us today to schedule your comprehensive dental exam in Fort Worth.

Maintaining Outstanding Hygiene with Regular Teeth Cleanings in Fort Worth

Everyone needs teeth cleanings at least twice a year. This preventative measure also leaves your mouth feeling clean and looking its best. It is essential to ensure you have regular teeth cleanings to save you a lot of money and time in the future.

Our Teeth Cleaning Process

When you come in for a teeth cleaning at Texas Implant and Dental Center, one of our professional hygienists will clean your teeth using standard industry procedures. You will be in and out of the appointment. 

Teeth cleanings in Fort Worth are all about plaque removal. Our hygienists and dentists use metal dental tools to scrape the plaque off every surface of your teeth, particularly at the gum line and between them. You will have a constant water rinse during the procedure, so you do not have debris in your mouth. Following the cleaning, you will get a fluoride polish as both protection and a cosmetic boost. At the end of your cleaning, you will get a thorough checkup.

What Are Cavities?

Dental caries, or cavities, are spots of decay in and on teeth that can eventually cause a tooth to fall out or become infected. 

What Causes Cavities?

The main reason for cavities is poor oral hygiene, meaning missed brushing and cleanings. If you have a cavity, it will be noted during your cleaning and checkup. You may even be able to have a filling that matches your tooth color that day. If you want to avoid having a root canal topped with a crown, an extraction, a false tooth, or even dentures, do not skip your cleaning appointments, and be sure to maintain your oral hygiene at home.

At-Home Prevention

Be sure to:

• Brush twice a day
• Floss once a day
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Replace your toothbrush every 90-120 days
• Avoid sweets, coffee, and soda also to help prevent cavities.

This will save you a great deal of money and pain. It can also save you from having embarrassing dental problems, such as tooth loss and frontal cavities.

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning in Fort Worth

Ensure the future health of your smile and save yourself money and time by coming in for regular cleanings. Call us today to schedule. We look forward to seeing you!

Emergency Dentistry Services in Fort Worth in Your Time of Need

When a dental emergency occurs, it can be quite alarming. Luckily, you can rely on us for emergency dentistry in Fort Worth and Dallas at the Texas Implant and Dental Center. 

We understand that dental emergencies seem to happen at the worst times and often can’t wait for another day. It is for this reason that we are there for you. Our professionals have gone through the latest in training techniques that involve pain-free emergency dental care. 

Details on How We Can Help

We don’t offer after-hours emergency or on-call emergency dental treatment in Fort Worth, but we are a compassionate office and will do what we can to get you in during your time of need. Our doctors are fast and caring when it comes to needing a toothache dealt with. We try to get patients in quickly and on the same day of their need, provided it is during normal business hours. 

Can you let a toothache linger? How long do you have?

Typically, if you are experiencing a toothache that lasts longer than a couple of days, you should make a standard appointment to come and see us. However, not everyone does this, and about once a month, a patient comes in very swollen with a large infection in their face or lower jaw due to an infected tooth. Sometimes these patients have to be admitted to the hospital and taken to the OR for extra-oral drainage of abscess and tooth removal. This results in very high fees, so it is essential to practice preventative dental care as a neglected dental tooth can catch up to you. 

Call Us Today For Emergency Dental in Fort Worth

As our valued patients at the Texas Implant and Dental Center of Fort Worth and Dallas, we will do everything to provide you with the utmost dental care with cutting-edge instruments, procedures, and techniques. You can call us today for any emergency dental procedures. In less than no time, you will be good as new. For more information, contact Texas Implant and Dental Center today.