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Oral Cancer Is Nothing to Mess with | Las Vegas Dentist

Cancer in general is something not to be taken lightly and oral cancer is no different. Because it’s in your mouth it can be very hard to detect, but to the trained eye of your dental professional, it can be found. There are several types of cancers that can develop in several different locations inside our mouths, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, sinuses and throat. How is it detected? Well, at routine dental visits your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, head and neck for any abnormal lumps, or tissue that looks out of the ordinary. If anything looks suspicious, further examination can be performed in the office or be referred to specialists.

The symptoms of oral cancer can be tricky because they can come and go or may go unnoticed. The most common symptoms are swelling, lumps, bumps, rough spots, or eroding on lips, tongue, or any area in the mouth. There can also be difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores lasting longer than two weeks and severe weight loss.

A good defense to oral cancer is being educated and prepared. Self-checking every month is a good way to be aware. In fact, just being familiar with your own mouth can help you notice if something is suddenly different. Early detection is key for Dr. Patrick Simone and is the main reason why he offers a test that can detect cells that can be precancerous.

Schedule an appointment today with cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricsimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding ares.

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Scared of the Dentist? Fear No More | Las Vegas Dentist

sedation-dentistryDoes the thought of going to the dentist scare you? So much so, that you deal with more pain than you have to because you can’t get yourself to keep an appointment? Perhaps it’s the sound of the high-pitched whir of dental tools? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. But you don’t need to fear dental visits any longer. Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, refers to the use of medications that help ease the anxiety or fear patients may have during or before their scheduled dental appointment. Dental professionals are now equipped to make you feel comfortable with any treatment you may need. Here is a quick rundown of the options available:

Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas, helps ease some of the anxiety and fear associated with dental treatments. It wears off soon after the procedure and the recovery time is minimal.

Oral sedation. Oral sedation involves of taking medication beforehand to ensure that you are relaxed during the time of the actual treatment. Recovery time is a little longer with oral sedation, and you will need to have a driver to take you home afterwards.

IV sedation. IV sedation is administered directly into your blood stream via a needle, resulting in immediate relaxation. You will be conscious but incredibly relaxed, and not likely to remember much about the treatment afterwards. Like oral sedation, your recovery time will take a little longer, so make sure you have a ride home after the treatment.

Schedule an appointment today with Cosmetic and General Dentist Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricsimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding ares.

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‘Tis the Season: Chocolate Candy Edition | Las Vegas Edition

If you were good this year, chances are you found some chocolate in with your holiday gifts. And December 28 is the perfect day to enjoy those chocolatey treats. It’s National Chocolate Candy Day – an entire day devoted to the yummiest of confections! Yes, I know what you’re thinking…praising chocolate isn’t a dentist’s job. But c’mon – we know that chocolate is amazing. We may even enjoy a candy bar from time to time. This is the difference between a dentist and everyone else: We are all for you enjoying the national day – just remember to take care of your teeth afterwards.

According to the American Dental Association, we should be brushing two times a day for at least two minutes, just barely the appropriate amount of time to sufficiently remove dirt from the front and back ends of the teeth. After brushing, use dental floss to get in between and hard to reach areas. Floss removes any extra food particles left in between teeth. If left untouched, those particles may turn into plaque, resulting in a higher risk for gum disease. Flossing is merely the act of wrapping a piece of string around your teeth, one by one, in order to remove any bacteria and excess material stuck between each tooth. Wrap a piece of floss around your index fingers, pull it taut between your thumb and index finger and guide the floss in between each tooth in a downward zigzag motion, gently scrubbing the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Finally, rinse your mouth with an ADA approved mouth wash to seal the cleanliness in and for a trace of fresh breath. Top off your oral hygiene with a quick check-up after the holidays are over to make sure you didn’t develop any chocolatey dental issues.

But before we go, here are a few fun facts to enjoy while you are snacking on your chocolate candy:

Chocolate Facts

  • In 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad Van Houten invented the hydraulic press that makes it possible to remove the cocoa butter from the cacao, producing a powder and making way for the first chocolate confections.
  • In 1847 cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sugar were combined by British chocolate company J.S. Fry & Sons to produce the first edible chocolate bar.
  • Whitman’s produced the first box of chocolate.
  • Hershey Chocolate company designed a specific chocolate bar for the U.S. Army. The D ration bar was included in the emergency rations and in the packs of soldiers when the Allied troops stormed the beach of Normandy on D-Day.
  • Americans consume 12 pounds of chocolate each year.

Schedule an appointment today with Cosmetic and General Dentist Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created but visiting his website at www.patricsimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding ares.

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General Dentistry | Teeth Cleaning are Important! | Henderson, NV

You brush and floss twice a day at home and use mouthwash, so why go to the dentist for teeth cleanings? Teeth cleanings with your dentist are more thorough than the type of cleaning you do at home. Also, they help to prevent many other health problems. The following are the top five reasons to go in for teeth cleanings:

  • Prevention of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection in your gums that can lead to tooth loss. Routine dental cleanings help to prevent gum disease.
  • Detection of oral cancer. With every dental cleaning you are screened for oral cancer. Early detection is extremely important.
  • Maintaining good oral health. Visiting your dentist regularly helps your dentist keep track of your oral health and any problems you have had in the past or are currently experiencing.
  • Beautiful smile. When your teeth are healthy and clean and white and you have a beautiful smile, you are more confident and happy. Confidence leads to improved social life and career possibilities.
  • Maintaining overall health. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, stroke and low birth weight.

But what exactly does a thorough tooth cleaning entail? As far as your cleaning goes, your dentist, or dental hygienist will focus on plaque and tartar build up and work hard to remove it before any extra bacteria builds up. They’ll be thoroughly cleaned and sometimes polished, especially if your teeth are worn down from daily use. You will be flossed, and then your dentist will recommend any cleaning techniques that will suit your teeth.

Once your teeth are shiny and bright, your dentist should emphasize the importance of these dental exams and cleanings because they are measures that ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong. After your examination, your dentist will go over what exactly the condition your teeth are in. They will then tell you about any procedures you might have to undergo.

Don’t skip those teeth cleanings, your health depends on it. Schedule an appointment today with Cosmetic and General Dentist Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created but visiting his website at www.patricsimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding ares.

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5 Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings | Las Vegas, NV

general dentistryThere are myriad of dental treatments that general dentistry offers that can help prevent dental problems in the long run. One of the best ways to prevent dental problems is to visit your general dentist for regular checkups and cleaning. Not only can regular checkups and professional cleanings help prevent dental problems, it can also help provide you with good oral hygiene. There are several other benefits that stem from this type of general dentistry, which include the following:

  1. Cleanings prevent cavities. Plaque buildup, that sticky, colorless film, is the leading cause of tooth decay. The acidic substance found in the bacteria in plaque eats away at tooth enamel and, if left untreated, it can cause cavities. You can remove plaque buildup through proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
  2. Cleanings can prevent tooth loss. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, starts with plaque buildup and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease progresses, the harmful bacteria in plaque moves further down the tooth where is can destroy the surrounding gum tissue and bone structure that supports teeth, which can cause them to loosen and fall out. Fortunately, thanks to general dentistry, dentists can perform professional cleanings which can greatly reduce the chance of tooth loss.
  3. Cleaning can brighten up your smile. Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco products can dull your pearly whites and even stain your teeth. A professional dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave your pearly whites freshly polished. What the result? Much brighter pearly whites!
  4. Cleanings can freshen your breath. Practicing proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent chronic bad breath. Proper oral hygiene involves you brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. In addition to practicing proper oral hygiene at home, you should also visit your general dentist for professional cleanings on a regular basis to keep a healthy, odor- free mouth.
  5. Cleanings can boost your overall health. Several studies have shown a connection between oral and overall health. It’s been said that regular professional cleanings may help reduce your risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. There are many medical conditions that can be detected in their early stages by your dentist during a routine checkup.

To take advantage of these benefits and much more, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Las Vegas, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule an appointment today. For information regarding general dentistry visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

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Top Five Dental Implant Myths | Las Vegas, NV

implant diagramFor many years, the only dental restoration option for tooth loss were dentures. Fortunately, thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, there are more options to choose from. One of the dental restorations available to replace missing are dental implants. Dental implants offer important advantages over alternative dental restoration options in terms of aesthetics, comfort, function and longevity. However, like many other dental treatments, there are myths surrounding dental implants that have made people shy away from the dental treatment. By exposing the truth behind the myths, you can make a more informed decision about whether dental implants are right for you.

Myth #1: Dental implants are noticeable.

Fact: One of the best things about dental implants is that they blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. In fact, dental implants closely resemble natural teeth. Unless you tell someone you have dental implants, chances are they won’t even notice.

Myth #2: Dental implant placement is painful.

Fact: Dental implants require surgery, so there will be some pain and discomfort. However, most patients that go through with the dental treatment find it no more painful than having a tooth pulled. Also, with the help of nitrous oxide or anesthesia, patients will have the chance to undergo a more comfortable procedure.

Myth #3: Everyone can get dental implants.

Fact: Not everyone can get dental implants. For patients to be an ideal candidate, they must have strong bone tissue in the mouth in order to secure the implant. A medical professional or qualified dentist can help determine if you’re an ideal candidate.

Myth #4: Dental implants are really expensive.

Fact: When considering the cost of dental implant, patients should take the long term expense into consideration as well. For example, dental implants are cheaper than a dental bridge in the long run because they last longer. Bridges only last 5-15 years, while dental implants can last up to 25 years before they need replaced, making dental implants more valuable in the long run.

Myth #5: Dental implants require a lot of work.

Fact: Several people think they need to spend more time caring for dental implants. However, implants can be treated like natural teeth. You care for your dental implant by brushing and flossing, and you can eat whatever you want and even chew gum. There’s no need to worry about taking any special precautions for implants.

There are several myths out there about dental implants. The best way to obtain accurate information regarding dental implants is to consult with a dental professional.

If you are interested in dental implants, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit at www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information.

Dr. Patrick Simone also proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley, and all surrounding areas.

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What Does General Dentistry Include?

Professional dental brushingGeneral dentistry is an area of dentistry that you are likely familiar with. General dentistry covers a wide variety of dental procedures. If you’ve had x-rays, CAT scans, or molds done, this all falls into the general dentistry category.

As far as dental treatments go in general dentistry, you will find that most general dentists offer some or all of the following:

  • Fillings- Done to restore a tooth. The materials for fillings include gold, amalgam, mercury, porcelain and composite resin.
  • Crowns- These are artificial teeth that are fitted over broken or damaged teeth. Crowns maintain the tooth’s structure and protect it from further damage.
  • Dental Bridge- This is a dental appliance which contains artificial teeth that are anchored to remaining teeth or crowns. The appliance is fit over the natural teeth on either side of the gap to help secure the replacement teeth in place.
  • Root Canal Therapy- This treatment is done when the pulp within a tooth becomes infected, and aims to save the tooth. This procedure can be done by a general dentist or specialist.
  • Professional Teeth Cleaning- This can take form of a scale and polish, or advice on brushing and flossing your teeth.
  • Dental Bonding- Bonding is typically done to treat cracked, chipped, misaligned or discolored teeth. The material used is composed of a composite resin that hardens and fuses to your teeth when a specialized light is shined on it.
  • Dentures- These are a false set of teeth used to replace missing teeth that look and function like your very own natural teeth would. They come in both partial and full dentures.
  • Maxillofacial Treatments- This is the technical term that is used to describe procedures for the mouth, face and jaw. This includes dental implants and treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

The dental treatments mentioned above are the most common services offered by general dentists. However, you may find that your general dentist offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures as well, such as teeth whitening, veneers and cosmetic bonding.

If you feel that you would benefit from one the general dentistry treatments listed above, contact Dr. Patrick Simone, DDS in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information regarding general dentistry.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

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What Are The Benefits of IV Sedation in Dentistry?

iv-sedationMany dental practices use the term “sleep dentistry” when talking about IV sedation. This can be confusing for some because it suggests that you are being put to sleep. However, this terminology is more descriptive to deep sedation, which is classified as general anesthesia.

In all reality, patients remain conscious during IV sedation, and are able to understand and respond to requests from the dentist.  However, patients typically don’t remember much, or anything at all, about what went on during the procedure. This is because of two reasons:

  1. IV sedation involves patients being induced in a state of deep relation and a feeling of not caring about what’s going on.
  2. The drugs that are used for IV sedation produce either partial or full memory loss from the period when it kicks in until it finally wears off. As a result, time will seem to pass very quickly and patients won’t recall much of went on. Many patients remember nothing at all.

Benefits of IV Sedation

  • IV sedation is a method of choice if patients don’t want to be aware of the procedure due to dental fear or dental phobia. The alternative is oral sedation, but oral sedation is not as effective as IV Sedation.
  • The onset effects of IV sedation are very rapid, and the drug dosage and level can be altered to meet the individual patient’s needs. This is huge advantage compared to alternative sedation methods. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable.
  • The maximum level of sedation that can be reached with IV sedation is much higher compared to oral sedation and inhalation sedation.
  • The gag reflex is greatly diminished, patients that receive IV sedation rarely experience gagging during the procedure. If you’re choosing IV sedation to reduce gag reflex, inhalation sedation is tried first. If that fails to diminish the gag reflex then IV sedation is used.
  • Some treatments can be performed at a much faster pace and with less appointments with the help of IV sedation.
  • IV sedation provides a conscious state for the patient, while also helping them relax. Meaning the patient will be able to cooperate with instructions and feel relaxed at the same time.

Don’t let you fear of the dentist stop you from having a bright and healthy smile. If you do suffer from dental fear or dental phobia, be sure to ask Dr. Patrick Simone about sedation dentistry today.

If you would like to learn more about IV sedation, contact Dr. Patrick Simone, DDS in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information regarding sedation dentistry.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Rach, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

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How to Properly Care For Your New Dental Implant

dental implantIf you made the wise decision to replacing your missing or damaged teeth with dental implants and have just completed implant treatment, you may be wondering how to care for your new restorations.

Your dentist usually advises you about how to take care of your newly placed dental implant, though it never hurts to refresh your memory. It’s extremely important to take proper care of you dental implants after getting them surgically placed. The success of your dental implant ultimately relies on how well you care for it. The following instructions involve ways you can properly care for your new dental implant:

Don’t bother your dental implant. Immediately after getting your implant surgically placed you need to abstain from bothering it, so don’t think about poking around at it with your tongue. Agitating the implant will only will only prolong the healing process and may even lead to additional problems.

Ice the affected area. To some it may be alarming when they realize that certain areas of their face swell, but I assure you swelling is a completely normal occurrence. To help minimize the swelling you can apply an icepack or a frozen bags on your cheek where the swelling has occurred. Apply this method as much as possible for the first 36 hours.

Don’t worry if you see blood. Some bleeding or redness in your saliva within the first 24 hours after having your dental implant placed is normal. You can control excessive bleeding by biting down on a gauze pad placed where the implant is for 30 minutes. If that doesn’t stop the excessive bleeding, call your dentist for further help.

Modify your diet. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids and stick to eating soft foods for the first few days after getting your implant placed. You can gradually work your way back to eating harder food as your implant heals. Though you should be sure to avoid chewing near your implant while eating and avoid swishing liquids around you mouth the first week after the dental implant procedure.

Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential. Good oral hygiene is key to healing, making it crucial for you to keep your mouth as clean as possible. Your dentist typically prescribes you a mouthwash to use for the first week or so after the procedure. You should also be brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and when doing so, be sure to gently brush around your implant.

Decrease your level of activity. You should keep your level of activity to a minimum immediately following the implant procedure. If you are exercising and your implant begins to throb and bleed, discontinue immediately. Keep in mind that you aren’t consuming a normal amount of nutrients, so that it may weaken and further limit your exercise.

It’s typically takes three to six for the dental implant itself to fully fuse with the jawbone and achieve full strength. While it takes another two months for the crown to be custom-made and fitted. Though this time frame can vary with each individual patient. Your dentist can usually give you an accurate ideas of when the entire treatment will be compete.

If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, contact Dr. Patrick Simone, DDS in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Rach, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

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What are Dental Restorations? | Dentist Las Vegas

Dental treatmentMost people already know that they should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional cleaning. However, what a lot people don’t take into consideration is that they may have to visit their dentist every now and then for treatments that go beyond a routine cleaning.

This may involve dental restorations, which are different types of dental treatments. This type of dental treatment involves the restoration of either decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored or missing teeth.

The typical dental restoration treatment options include fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants.

Dental Restoration Treatments

  • Fillings- This is the most common type of dental restoration. Teeth with cavities or tooth decay can either be filled with gold, silver amalgam or composite resin fillings.
  • Crowns- This restoration is essentially a tooth-shaped cap that’s placed over a damaged tooth. It’s done to restore the tooth’s shape and size, strength, appearance, to hold a dental bridge or to cover a dental implant.
  • Dental Bridges- Bridges are false teeth that are fabricated to fill a gap due to one or more missing teeth. They are anchored on either side of the missing tooth by the crowns and cemented into place.
  • Dental Implants- Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. The actual implant is a small post made of metal that’s placed into the jaw bones where the tooth is missing. The implant itself is covered with a replacement tooth.
  • Dentures- Dentures are removable dental appliances for missing teeth. They’re made out of acrylic resin and metal framing. Complete dentures replace a full set of teeth, either top or bottom, while partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth.

Why are Dental Restorations Important?

When it comes to dental restorations, you can essentially sum up the importance of them in two words- prevention and restoration.

As far as restoration goes, they restore both the function and aesthetics of damaged or infected teeth. When people have damaged, infected or missing teeth it could lead to speech problems, problems eating and even lowered self-esteem. Dental restorations can help restore all of those problems.

Also not only do dental restorations allow dentists to treat teeth, they also prevent present infections from spreading any further. Another plus about dental restorations is that they don’t just restore function and improve oral health, the different procedures also aim to improve the aesthetics of patient’s teeth.

Proper Oral Care

Having your damaged, infected or missing teeth restored or replaced doesn’t mean that you don’t have to worry about dental problems reoccurring. No matter what type of materials are used to restore or replace your teeth, bacteria and plaque will still form around the restoration. The chances of such dental problems happening again is even higher if you don’t take proper care of your teeth.

Good news is that you can control and minimize bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth with proper oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing as least once a day. You can also use antimicrobial mouthwash to help further rid your mouth of excess bacteria and plaque.

While dental restorations are very effective in restoring your teeth, you still need to make an effort to take care of them. Main reasons beings that, apart from the costs, dental professionals may no longer be able to treat or reverse the effects of certain kinds of dental problems, such as advanced periodontitis.

If you are interested in restoring or replacing your damaged or missing teeth with the help of dental restorations, contact Dr. Patrick Simone, DDS in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information regarding restorative dentistry.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.