Quality & Caring Geriatric Dentistry in Amarillo

Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo specializes in providing compassionate oral health services for senior citizens living in the Amarillo area. Effective geriatric dentistry in Amarillo entails the commitment of multiple scientific disciplines to promote dental longevity. Our approach to ensuring the oral health of our elderly patients is specialized and holistic.

Dr. Damon takes pride in using dentistry to help improve the lives of his senior patients. We offer a range of cosmetic and restorative procedures, such as periodontal disease, missing teeth, and dental erosion, to help you and your loved ones enjoy healthy and functional smiles for years to come. 

Respectful and Exceptional Care for Elderly Patients at Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo

Geriatric dental care often requires unique medical and dental care. Dr. Damon is accustomed to helping patients with special sensory, ambulatory, or social needs. It simply isn’t right for seniors with physical or mental disadvantages, pressing dental issues, or limited financial resources to not receive the quality dental care they deserve. Oral hygiene complications commonly lead to depression, malnutrition, and other debilitating disorders, which we strive to put a stop to.

At Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo, 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 an elderly loved one to taste, chew or swallow. Every elderly person must have access to the right care to maintain healthy mouth tissues and lip posture. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect oral health. It can lead to stroke, heart disease, and other life-threatening conditions. It is for this reason that preventative care and checkups are essential. 

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

How it Works

We believe that nothing should limit a patient’s access to quality dental care, which is why we provide treatment to seniors outside of our Amarillo office location. Dr. Damon provides many procedures in the comfort of the patient’s nursing home or assisted living facility.

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment

We take great pride in giving every senior citizen a reason to smile with compassionate dental care. Call us today to schedule an appointment for geriatric dental care in Amarillo. Our caring dentists look forward to answering your questions and serving you for many years to come.

Schedule your appointment online here.

Comfortable, Virtually Painless Tooth Extractions in Amarillo

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions (FAQ)

What Are the Signs You Need A Tooth Extraction?: Understanding the Symptoms

If you think you might need a tooth extraction, you should go over the symptoms and identify if you are suffering from any of them. We have compiled a list of the most common symptoms often associated with a decayed tooth. Learning to acknowledge these symptoms, as well as quickly visiting a dentist to inquire about them, is the best preventative measure for any further damage to your teeth. If you visit the dentist within enough time, it may be possible to save the tooth. 

The following symptoms may indicate that you need a tooth extraction:

• Pain (of the tooth and/or jaw)
• Swelling in the area around the tooth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Abscesses around the tooth
• Crumbling tooth or teeth

Does A Tooth Extraction Hurt?

The tooth extraction procedure itself is relatively painless. The first step of the treatment is for the doctor to examine the area of concern. Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittington will also do a review of your medical history. This is so that they can be prepared for any unforeseen complications due to other medications or health conditions you might have or have had.

The doctors will then discuss the three options for the extraction with you: Awake under Local, Local with N2O, or IV Sedation. Our priority is for you to be comfortable before, during, and after the procedure. If Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittington will be removing third molars, then IV Sedation will be necessary. 

In most cases, we will then schedule you for the tooth extraction after your consultation. We perform IV Sedation most days, but these spots are usually booked in advance. 

What Are the Options For Replacing the Tooth?

Unless you don’t mind a gap or a missing tooth, Dr. Damon and Dr. Whittington will speak to you about tooth replacement with these three options: 

• A removable partial, 
• A fixed dental bridge, 
• Or, a dental implant. 

We will discuss each of these recommendations, the treatment, etc., at your appointment. 

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

To many, oral surgery can seem overwhelming, we understand. That is why we pride ourselves on our efficient, caring work and affordable prices. All patients are provided with several options as well as all pricing up front. Schedule your consultation today to discuss your treatment and payment options. 

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. If the tooth does, in fact, need an extraction, we will walk you through the process and provide you with several affordable options for replacing the tooth. We look forward to going on your smile journey with you!

Dental Fillings in Amarillo

Dentists utilize fillings to repair teeth and preserve smiles. It is crucial to place a filling before the decay becomes severe. If you have not seen your dentist in Amarillo for a recent cleaning and checkup, be sure to schedule an appointment. Regular appointments ensure that your Amarillo dentist can catch any decay before it becomes detrimental to the tooth. If you are experiencing a toothache, this could be a sign of a cavity, so it is essential to come and see us right away before the decay worsens. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings (FAQ)

Why are Fillings Important?

Bacteria (most often from eating and drinking) make their way into your mouth and turn into plaque; when plaque is not professionally removed with routine dental cleanings, it leads to decay. The bacteria build up in layers, creating plaque. This happens all around the teeth and starts to eat away at the tooth’s enamel with the acid that the bacteria release. When a tooth begins to decay – due to the bacteria and acid –  it forms a cavity. A cavity cannot repair itself, so it is essential that dentists stop the damage by placing a filling before it becomes worse.

Before fillings, cavities couldn’t be repaired, and decay would build up until a tooth decayed down to the nerves. When this occurred, the only thing left to do was to extract the tooth. Fortunately, 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 the decay is removed by Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittington, 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. Usually, people opt for composite fillings for esthetic reasons.  

Amalgam Fillings

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

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are more common these days, as they match the color of the tooth and consist of a material somewhat like modeling clay that hardens when a curing light is applied. The synthetic resins of the filling look like the color of the rest of your tooth once they set. 

This is the more popular option because they look discreet and natural when you smile, laugh, and talk. With the help of evolving technology and research, composite filling’s durability and longevity are continuing to improve.

How Do I Know If I Have a Cavity? 

Occasionally people can feel a cavity coming on – whether it’s tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, feeling pain in a particular tooth throughout the day or when chewing, or pain that is worsened with sweets. It’s vital to get a tooth filled as soon as possible to prevent further damage from being done and needing a more serious procedure, like a root canal. If cavities are left for long enough, the decay will become so bad that the tooth will need to be extracted.

Scheduling routine cleanings and checkups is the best way to ensure you have a healthy smile aside from healthy oral habits at home. You should be brushing at least twice daily, flossing once daily, and limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods. 

If you have any of the symptoms of a cavity (pain and sensitivity) or simply want to prevent cavities with a cleaning and check-up, schedule a consultation with Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo today.

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment For Fillings in Amarillo 

Schedule an appointment with us today for more information on the types of fillings available at Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo. Prioritize your oral health by practicing preventative care – call us today to schedule a cleaning and check-up.

Achieve Stronger Teeth Quickly & Effectively With Fluoride Treatments in Amarillo

Fluoride is among the most effective 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 benefits of fluoride have been recognized for more than half a century, and many professional health businesses promote fluoride. Dr. Clark Damon and Dr. Ron Whittington provide fluoride treatments for the Amarillo, TX community to protect and strengthen children’s smiles. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Fluoride Treatments (FAQ)

How Does Fluoride Work?

Fluoride strengthens erupted teeth by absorbing into the surface area of the tooth enamel, efficiently making the teeth more decay-resistant. We obtain fluoride by using fluoride-dense dental products such as gels, mouth rinses, and toothpaste. Small amounts of fluoride are also present in our water and food. Dental experts generally advise that children have a professional fluoride application twice annually.

Fluoride also fortifies unerupted teeth that are developing underneath the gum-line. In addition to systemic fluoride from many foods, neighborhood water supplies, and fluoride treatments, it is also obtainable as a health supplement in gel or drop form. Your dentist or physician can prescribe it. 

How Much Fluoride Should I Give My Child?

For infants, typically, drop-form fluoride is preferable, and pills are best suited to children up through the teenage years. It is important to observe the amounts of fluoride a child consumes; if too much fluoride is taken while teeth are still developing, a disorder called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) can manifest.

Why Should I Consider Fluoride Treatment?

Although almost everyone gets small amounts of fluoride from water and food, it is not always enough to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Your dental team may advise the application of professional or at-home fluoride treatments if they observe the following factors:

• Deep pockets and cracks on chewing areas of teeth
• Exposed and hypersensitive root areas
• Lack of proper dental health practices
• High amounts of sugar and carb consumption
• Insufficient exposure to fluorides
• Inadequate saliva production due to medical conditions, treatments, or medicines
• Recent tooth corrosion

It is important to note that fluoride by itself will not stop tooth corrosion! It is imperative to brush a minimum of two times daily, floss once daily, consume well-balanced meals, minimize high-sugar snack foods, and visit your dental professional regularly. 

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Fluoride Treatment in Amarillo

Save yourself costs and time by guarding your teeth with fluoride treatments. 

For more information on fluoride treatments, contact us today. 

Schedule your appointment online here.

Dental Sealants in Amarillo

Teeth have deep grooves in their structure. These grooves can collect food, bacteria, and plaque when not correctly or professionally cleaned. Sealants are made of tooth-colored plastic that is applied to the biting surface of ridged teeth like premolars and molars.

Protecting Your Teeth and Preventing Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants in Amarillo

Our top priority is preventative care, as it is the most crucial aspect of oral health. Sealants are a popular choice when it comes to preventative treatment, as they help ensure your teeths’ protection from cavities and decay. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants (FAQ)

What is a Dental Sealant?

A dental sealant is a tooth-colored plastic layer that is applied to the surfaces of the premolars and molars. These sealants have proven to be very good at preventing cavities and wearing of the teeth. Sealants perform the best on the rear teeth as the surfaces have more ridges that easily accumulate food residue and plaque.

How Beneficial Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant serves as a powerful shield against decay and residue build-up. Hence, it offers complete protection against damage. However, the most critical 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 prevents the cavity from advancing. It does this by denying the tooth-destroying bacteria of their nutrient source, which comes from the food you eat. A dental sealant no longer works when the contact between the sealant and your tooth is damaged or compromised.

How is Sealant Applied to Teeth?

This procedure requires that the surface of the teeth be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning, the teeth are rinsed to remove any cleaning agent, which could interfere with the sealant application. The teeth are then dried. A substance will be applied all over the teeth that make their surface rough. This is then washed off, and the teeth will be dried again. Finally, the sealant is brushed on and left to harden.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

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

Who’s a Good Candidate For Dental Sealants in Amarillo?

Dental sealants are ideal for kids because their newly grown adult teeth are very vulnerable to decay and get less benefit from fluoride. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even recommends sealants are used as a normal part of preventative care for kids. Children’s oral care should also include the use of plaque removal, fluoride, healthy foods, little sugar intake, and regular dental checkups. Although children are ideal candidates, people of all ages can benefit from sealants.

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

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment For Dental Sealants in Amarillo

If you want to know more about our dental sealant treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

Schedule an appointment online here.

Ensuring Long-Term Oral Health with Comprehensive Dental Exams in Amarillo

Waiting to go to the dentist until you are having symptoms can lead to more serious oral conditions. It is far more time, cost, and health-conscious to adopt preventative measures instead of waiting until there is a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Comprehensive Dental Exams (FAQ)

Why Do I Need A Comprehensive Dental Exam?

Preventative care includes comprehensive dental exams. At Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo, exams are completed thoroughly, so you can rest assured knowing that we check everything from the tissue to the teeth. We even check the temporomandibular joint for any tightness or abnormal functionality. 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 conditions.

What Do Comprehensive Dental Exams Consist Of?

Digital X-rays

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

Because we can analyze your x-rays with the assistance of a computer, the images are better than ever, and we can pick up difficult-to-diagnose dental-health issues. The x-rays and the physical examinations of the mouth help us find issues that affect all mouth areas, such as oral cancer. Many patients are relieved to know that they are under less radiation exposure when receiving digital x-rays at our office.

Digital Photographs

We can do a lot with our digital x-rays, including checking structure. While the x-rays help our dentists to understand your oral health, they are difficult for our patients to understand. That is why we offer digital dental photographs. These photos aid our patients in seeing any issues and help our dentists explain them to you to understand your problems and your treatment options.

Gum Exams and Charting

An essential aspect of oral health is dependent on your gums. Gums are an excellent indicator of your oral health, so every exam includes a periodontal checkup. We also chart your gums; This entails taking measurements of your gum pockets to see if they are large enough to cause concern or growing due to a condition like gingivitis.

TMJ and Bite Analysis

Your lower jaw – also referred to as your mandible – attaches to the skull by the two temporomandibular joints on either side of your face. Improper functioning of these joints can lead to dental issues from the pain, grinding, locking, and clenching. If you are experiencing any of those symptoms or popping sounds in the joint, talk to your Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo dentist about it. You may need 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 & Dental Center of Amarillo examinations include analysis of all of your teeth. One of our dentists will carefully look at each tooth and warn you of areas of concern or recommend treatments for existing issues. We use the most modern techniques for cavity detection, enabling us to potentially 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 in the long term.

Call Us Today For a Comprehensive Exam in Amarillo

Dental examinations are what ensure your mouth is healthy. That is why we do each of them with care and precision. If you require treatment, we will offer you the best available, administer it professionally and caringly, and help prevent further oral conditions. We want you to have a natural, healthy smile, and the first step to doing that is regular checkups at our dental office in Amarillo.

Maintaining Outstanding Hygiene with Regular Teeth Cleanings in Amarillo

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

Our skilled hygienists can perform a gentle and effective cleaning to help protect your gum tissue and prevent decay. Our dental hygiene appointments are comprehensive with an Oral Cancer Exam, Periodontal Probing with Evaluation, and Charting. We also provide periodontal therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Cleaning (FAQ)

What Is the Teeth Cleaning Process?

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

Dental cleanings are primarily focused on plaque removal. Our hygienists and dentists use metal dental tools to remove the plaque off every surface of your teeth, particularly at the gum line and between them. Removing plaque from near the gum line is essential in preventing periodontal disease.

You will have a constant water rinse during the procedure to avoid 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 the Benefits of a Teeth Cleaning at Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo? 

We believe in taking care of you when we take care of your mouth. A clean mouth has many benefits:

• Good Breath
• Lowers plaque and calculus levels
• Teeth cleanings keep harmful pathogenic periodontal disease-causing organisms from damaging your teeth
• Regular teeth cleanings help ensure maintaining your teeth for longer in life
• If a problem arises and you are on a regular recall basis, said problems could be kept smaller, as well as costs
• Healthy teeth and gums entail a more beautiful smile
• At Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo, during the cleaning, you can relax with Bose noise-canceling headphones while you watch your favorite Netflix episode 

What Are Cavities?

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

What Causes Cavities?

The primary cause of cavities is poor oral hygiene, meaning not enough brushing and flossing and not going to regular professional cleanings. 

If we identify that you have a cavity during your cleaning and checkup, you may even be able to receive a filling that matches your tooth color that day. If you want to avoid a root canal topped with a crown, an extraction, a false tooth, or eventually dentures, do not skip your cleaning appointments, and be sure to sustain your oral hygiene at home.

How To Prevent Cavities At-Home

To help protect your mouth from cavities and decay:

• 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.

These at-home oral health habits will save you a great deal of money and pain in the future. They can also save you from having embarrassing dental problems, such as tooth loss and frontal cavities.

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning Appointment

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 Amarillo

When a dental emergency happens, it can be quite alarming. Fortunately, you can rely on us for emergency dentistry in Amarillo and Dallas at the Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo. 

We recognize 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 training techniques to provide nearly pain-free emergency dental care. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dental Care (FAQ)

How Can Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo Help?

Although we don’t offer after-hours emergency or on-call emergency dental treatment, we are a compassionate office and will do what we can to get you in during your time of need. Our doctors are quick and caring when it comes to needing a severe toothache addressed. We strive to get patients in quickly and during 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 few days, you should make an appointment to come and see us. 

Why should you see us for a lingering toothache? Every few weeks, a patient comes in with a very swollen infection in their face/jaw – due to an infected tooth. Sometimes, these patients must be admitted to the hospital for extra-oral drainage of the abscess and removal of the infected tooth. This type of emergency situation results in high costs and high stress levels. As you can see, it is essential to practice preventative dental care – since a neglected dental tooth can catch up to you. 

Call Us Today For Emergency Dental in Amarillo

As our valued patients at the Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo of Amarillo, we will do everything to provide you with the utmost dental care with cutting-edge instruments, procedures, and techniques. Call us today for any emergency dental procedures. For more information, contact Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo today.