Disadvantages of Missing Teeth

Although tooth loss is typically associated with the elderly, missing teeth can occur in adults for a variety of reasons. Whether you’ve lost a tooth to decay, or injury, tooth loss can rob you of much more than the ability to chew and properly digest food. It can have serious social, psychological and emotional consequences as well. At Summit Dental Group, Dr. Charles Crouch doesn’t want you to experience the disadvantages of a toothless grin. This is why we offer a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic options to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

The most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetic. When a tooth is lost, the facial muscles begin to sag, making you appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew and may even affect the way you speak. The more teeth a person is missing, the more challenging the task to replace them can become. It can also be costly. It is important to have regular dental visits with us to prolong the life of your teeth. 

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. 

Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions

At Summit Dental Group, Dr. Charles Crouch wants you to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime. However, that is not always the case. You’re likely familiar with wisdom teeth extractions, but sometimes teeth can affect your bite or can be damaged or broken by decay. If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, we may recommend fixing it with a filling, crown or different method of treatment. Other reasons for tooth extractions include the following:

• Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.


• Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow permanent teeth to come in.


• People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.

Before Dr. Crouch considers extraction, every effort will be made to repair and restore your tooth without the procedure first. However, sometimes tooth extractions are unavoidable.

If you suspect you have a tooth that may need to be extracted, 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.

Common Dental Emergencies

At Summit Dental Group, our staff understands that accidents happen. Knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you experience a dental emergency, please give us a call immediately. 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. 

Basics of Bruxism

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. At Summit Dental Group, we can develop an individualized treatment plan to help alleviate this condition.

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. Patients may benefit from a mouth guard to stabilize the jaw and prevent tooth damage that is caused by grinding.

If you wake up with jaw pain or notice yourself grinding your teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that is aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. If you have a grin that embarrasses you due to missing teeth, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are chipped or cracked, Dr. Charles Crouch of Summit Dental Group offers a wide variety of treatment options to restore your confidence.

From subtle changes to major repairs, our dentists can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. These procedures include, but are not limited to, whitening, dental bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and reshaping and contouring. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems as well, such as your bite. If you’re not sure which procedure may be right for you, we are here to answer all of your questions. The condition of your teeth and your desired result often indicate the best procedure for you.

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.

Sleep Apnea and Obesity

If you suffer from obesity, you put yourself at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. There are two different types of sleep apnea, but the one that is most common in obese individuals is obstructive sleep apnea.  This occurs when breathing repeatedly stops for 10 or more seconds during sleep.  If your partner is disturbed by your loud snoring or has told you that you stop breathing in the middle of the night, it might be time to visit with Dr. Charles Crouch of Summit Dental Group for a consultation.

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in obese individuals because it is believed that the airway of the obese person becomes obstructed by large tonsils, enlarged tongue, and increased fat in the neck, all pressing on the airway when the throat muscles are relaxed during sleep. Studies show that men with a neck circumference of 17 inches or greater, and women with a neck circumference of 16 inches or greater are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Regardless of age (and weight), untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.

If you suspect you have a tooth that may need to be extracted, 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.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At Summit Dental Group, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.


• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, 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.