Inflammation around Implants

We’re proud to say at Summit Dental Group that dental implants are one of the most successful types of surgery and ours are no exception. A properly placed implant can keep a patient’s mouth healthy and beautiful for decades. However, as is true for real teeth, implants can fail as well.

The most common reason an old implant would need to be extracted is inflammation around it due to an infection. Our technical term for this is peri-implantitis. Most implants are made from a titanium-nickel alloy because titanium is a metal which is known to fuse very well with bone. The downside is that the alloy can be corroded by the same acids as normal tooth roots. If the connection between bone and metal dissolves, the implant will come lose and have to be removed.

The best ways to prevent peri-implantitis are to maintain daily oral hygiene and to receive a professional cleaning every three to six months. People who suffer from dry mouth are at heightened risk of gum disease and need to keep an especially close watch for signs of inflammation. A deep cleaning could save an implant.

Dr. Charles W. Crouch and Dr. Hai Nguyen operate Summit Dental Group at two locations. For the office at 4769 Barwick Dr, Fort Worth, Texas, 76132, call 817-294-8505. For the office at 838 South Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75051, call 972-695-2310. You can also visit SummitDentalGroupLLC.com and request an appointment.

 

Artificial Crowns to Repair Teeth

The Summit Dental Group provides high-quality crowns to repair our patients’ teeth. One of the most important devices we have to repair a smile, not to mention a bite, is the porcelain crown. While crowns can be made from many materials, we prefer porcelain for its resilience and natural appearance.

The crown is the part of the tooth which is visible above the gum line. A crown can be placed on top of an implant when a tooth is missing entirely, but it can also be placed over a reshaped natural tooth. The reasons why this may be necessary are many, but it’s usually because a tooth’s old fillings are coming loose, the patient dislikes the fillings’ silver color, or the tooth is cracked and there is no other way to repair it. What’s left of the natural tooth will be reshaped into a base, which is a short cylinder, and an impression will be taken of the patient’s tooth so that a very close replica can be made. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory where porcelain is milled into a shape exactly the right size for the patient. In the meantime, the patient will wear a temporary crown. When the new crown is ready, it can be cemented in. Patients will care for their crown in the same way they do for natural ones.

Drs. Charles W. Crouch and Hai Nguyen operate Summit Dental Group at two locations. For the office at 4769 Barwick Dr, Fort Worth, Texas, 76132, call 817-294-8505. For the office at 838 South Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75051, call 972-695-2310. You can also visit SummitDentalGroupLLC.com and request an appointment. We are open six days a week to serve you.

Cavity Causes and Treatment

Cavities are also known as caries, or tooth decay, and are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny holes. These tiny openings are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth properly. Cavities can be a problem for children, teens, and adults. When they arise, Dr. Charles Crouch of Summit Dental Group can provide treatment for the whole family.

While indulging in treats that are bad for your tooth enamel, you may not be aware that a cavity is forming. This is why it’s important to have routine dental checkups and cleanings, even when your mouth feels healthy. The stickiness of the plaque keeps acids in contact with your teeth and over time causes the enamel to break down. Avoiding the dentist causes these acids to make their way through the enamel, and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay.

If you have a toothache, don’t let it go untreated, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.summitdentalgroupllc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles Crouch of Summit Dental Group call our Fort Worth, TX, office at 817-294-8505, or our Grand Prairie, TX, office at 972-695-2310.