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End of Year, End of Bad Habits | Henderson Dentist

Now that we are hearing all about the effects of vaping coming to the surface, it is safe to say that all smoking is going to be an issue to our health. And knowing this information should be enough incentive to think about finally quitting for good. It’s a struggle, but isn’t that what the new year is for? So, as we prepare to say goodbye to our tobacco addiction, here are some fun facts to make sure you realize that quitting will be the best thing you could possibly do for yourself.

Smoking’s effect on oral health includes bad breath, stained teeth and tongue, and a dulled sense of taste and smell, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site. Because the immune system is affected, however, smokers often have weaker defenses against infections like gum disease and experience slower healing times. Oral cancer is another huge consideration, and it can spread to the lips, tongue, mouth and wthroat as long as tobacco is consumed. Salivary glands and tonsils are common sites of oral cancer.

Although it may be tempting to quit smoking cold turkey, quitting can be challenging. Because of the addictive ingredients in tobacco products, there are methods to help you stop using tobacco over time, and for good.

Once you’ve made initial steps toward trying to quit, it is vastly important to improve your oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. Alongside a new oral care routine, it is strongly advised for smokers to get a professional cleaning, which follows the removal of plaque and tartar with a thorough polishing that is conducted by the dental hygienist.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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Breaking It Down: Dental Implants Edition | Henderson Dentist

When we are missing teeth, the typical treatment option will be to insert a replacement a dental implant. It is an easy way to return your smile to its original state and prevents future dental issues as your teeth begin to shift into the gap left by the missing tooth, or teeth. Placing traditional dental implants is a thorough process that involves more than one step, but today there is a new option offered that only requires one if your condition qualifies.

Before the implants. In order to get a dental implant, one must be qualified to receive one. You must have enough bone in your jaw to allow and implant to be placed in the jawbone and you should be free of periodontal disease. A dental professional will administer a thorough examination to determine if you are suitable for implants.

The procedure. Antibiotics and pain medicine are administered, as well as sedation if necessary. In order to place the implants, an incision is made in your gums to expose the bone, then a hole is drilled to place the implant. You will then be stitched. In 7-10 days, you will return to have the stiches removed, then you will have to wait several months for the bone to bond with the implant.

The final step. After the implants have integrated themselves into the bone, you will approach the second step. After being given local anesthesia, a small incision will be made in the gum to expose the implant, then a healing cap will be placed to sit above your gums.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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The Aftercare of Halloween Night | Henderson Dentist

It’s Halloween night – the scariest night of the year. But did you know that it lands during National Dental Hygiene Month? Yes, it seems a bit counter-productive but it’s true. The American Dentist Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company are once again teaming up during National Dental Hygiene Month to increase public awareness about the important of maintaining good oral health. After all, Halloween is the time of year we are soaked in sugary confections. We should all take some time to look after our teeth after indulging in our spooky stash, so we don’t have any future issues when we visit the dentist again.

So, after you have had your fill of candy, focus on dental hygiene. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy at the time, rinse your mouth out with some water until you can brush properly. If you wait too long, the sugars will set up camp on your teeth, causing future issues like cavities and root canals. The focus of this year’s National Dental Hygiene Month is centered on the four components of good oral health maintenance:

  • Brushing twice a day
  • Flossing every day
  • Rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash
  • Chewing sugar-free gum

During National Dental Hygiene Month, the ADHA, WOHP and more allied partners will work to help dental hygienists all over the country make a difference in their communities. They will offer valuable resources and product samples to dental hygienist community outreach. Make sure to visit you dentist regularly to make sure you’re in good oral health.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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Accidents Happen. Don’t Panic. | Henderson Dentist

No matter what we try to do, life happens. Accidents happen. We can’t control it, but we can control how we deal with it. In the event of dental trauma, where damage is caused to one or more teeth, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately. Sometimes the neighboring teeth can suffer additional, unnoticed injuries that can only be detected by a dental exam. There are various possible problems, and each have their own way of being treated. The following includes a few possible injuries and how they may be treated:

Chipped or fractured. Most times a chipped or fractured tooth can be repaired by either replacing the broken piece or by bonding a tooth colored filling. If a large portion of the tooth is broken, then a crown will likely be required to restore the tooth. If the pulp is exposed or damaged, a root canal treatment may be needed.

Dislodged. A dislodged tooth is when a tooth pushed sideways, out of or into the socket. In these cases, a patient will usually require a root canal and a dentist or endodontist will focus on stabilizing the tooth.

Knocked out. When a tooth is completely knocked out of the socket, it may be able to be saved if the patient arrives to the dentist in time, and the tooth is handled properly. Do not touch the root of the tooth, and keep it moist (either in the socket, on the gum against your cheek, or in milk). Fast treatment is crucial to save the tooth, so the patient should get to the dentist immediately.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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Your Mouth Hates These Foods | Henderson Dentist

As we wind up another fun-filled summer, we have to change our summertime fun into a much busier autumn schedule. While we begin to start focusing on school schedules and meetings, we should also take some time to reassess our dental routines. We all become lax during the summer, but it can’t last all year ‘round. We all know that brushing and flossing is vital to the health of our teeth. But there are also foods that are doing some major damage. The following list includes the top five foods that damage your smile:

Refined carbohydrates. Food likes white bread, chips, pasta or crackers turn into sugars. When these sugars mix with bacteria that’s found in the mouth, they create a lactic acid, which is very hard on your tooth enamel. They also stick to the grooves of your teeth, giving the food more time to build up acid.

Candy. Long lasting and sticky candies are the worst sort of candy for your teeth. Hard candy exposes your teeth to sugar and damaging acids, sticky candy is more prone to adhere to teeth.

Dried fruit. Not unhealthy, but dried fruits such as apricots, prunes and pineapple can be just as damaging as candy. Not only are they sweet, but they stick to your teeth.

Citrus. Although citrus foods are healthy and packed with vitamin C, they can also damage your teeth. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruit are high in enamel-damaging acids and sugars.

Carbonated drinks. Not only are drinks like soda and diet soda loaded with sugar, they contain carbonation and phosphorous that wear away tooth enamel.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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The After Effects of Dental Implant Surgery | Henderson Dentist

dental implant

No surgery is a fun event, but if you really think about it, it’s the recovering from dental implant surgery that really throws us for a loop. Not only are you sore, but chances are you’ve ever had to experience this before so it’s changes to your face you just aren’t prepared for. But worry not – these painful effects don’t last long after the procedure. And then you have a healthy smile to work with for years to come. So, what should you expect after leaving the dentist chair? These are some of the common ailments:

Soreness. Because tissue had to be damaged to accommodate your implants, you’ll experience some soreness in your jaw and gums. Soothe the pain with over the counter prescription painkillers, then switch to less powerful painkiller, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.

Swelling. It’s very common for your jaw, gums and cheeks to swell up after dental implant surgery and will typically last about a week. Reduce the swelling by applying an ice pack to the affected areas for 15 minutes at a time, with 15 minutes breaks in between.

Bruising. Bruises may start to appear on your jaw, gums, and neck, a result of your dental implants being installed. Any discoloration will be more noticeable once swelling does down, but the bruising should start to reduce or be completely gone by the end of the first week.

After the first couple weeks, your face should look and feel considerably better, and you should be able to return to your normal daily foods and activities. If any side effects worsen, call your dentist immediately.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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The Pros and Cons of Veneers | Henderson Dentist

People with beautiful, healthy smiles enjoy flashing their pearly whites, but let’s face it, not all of us have smiles we’re proud to show off. For those with chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth, smiling can be an agonizing experience, both emotionally and physically. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, offering many ways to repair and improve your smile. One of the most popular dental procedures done in cosmetic dentistry are porcelain veneers, as they produce extremely natural looking results.

Advantages of veneers:

  • Stain resistant to coffee, tea, soda and cigarette smoke
  • Mimics the light reflective properties of a natural tooth
  • Extremely durable and the strength is comparable to natural tooth enamel
  • The shape, size and color of porcelain veneers are all customizable
  • If taken care of properly, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years
  • The procedure preserves more of the natural tooth structure
  • Provides fast and dramatic results

Disadvantages of veneers:

  • Once placed the colored cannot be changed
  • The natural tooth has to be altered
  • If the veneer breaks, the whole thing must be replaced
  • Temperature sensitivity for a few days after procedure

If your teeth are discolored, chipped, decayed or poorly shaped, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. They can also be beneficial in situation where people have slight gaps, as well as minor crowding and bite-related issues.

If you end up being an ideal candidate, be sure to be a part of the design process. Let your dentist know your likes and dislikes about your teeth and what you’re looking for in your new smile.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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Prevention Is Key to Keeping Away Gum Disease | Henderson Dentist

Dental treatmentDid you know it only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)? Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention. This is why we need to visit the dentist regularly – a checkup and a good cleaning.

At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that are difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line. Unsure what to expect? Here is a quick rundown of the steps your dentist will take to keep your smile healthy:

Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs). Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

Examination of existing restorations. Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Examination of tooth decay. Check all tooth surfaces for decay.

Oral cancer screening. Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Oral hygiene recommendations. Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.).

Teeth polishing. Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! Remember that prevention is the best treatment, so if you feel you need help preventing periodontal disease, do not hesitate to contact your dental professional for advice. They’re the experts!

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Anxiety? There Is a Solution | Henderson Dentist

Do you get anxiety at the first thought of having to make a trip to the dentist? Do you cringe at the sound of the high-pitched whir of dental tools? Fear no more – sleep dentistry helps relax your anxieties and fears. 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. The dental industry has dedicated itself to making you feel comfortable with any treatment you may need. Some of those methods of relaxation used include the following:

Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used to help ease some of the anxiety and fear associated with dental treatments. This method wears off quickly after the procedure and the recovery time is minimal.

Oral sedation. Oral sedation involves of taking a medication before the treatment to ensure that you are relaxed during the time of the actual treatment. Recovery time is a little longer with oral sedation, so take precaution and have someone to drive you home afterward the treatment.

IV sedation. IV sedation is administered directly into your blood stream, resulting in immediate relaxation. You will still be conscious but in a heightened state of relaxation and will not likely 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.

Don’t let your fear of the dentist keep you from having a bright and healthy smile. If you do suffer from dental anxiety, ask your dental professional about sedation dentistry today.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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Cavities Are Not a Rite of Passage | Henderson Dentist

When dental professionals are asked what they find is the more common problem with their patients’ teeth, tooth decay is generally at the top of the list. Fortunately, if you are very apt to taking care of your teeth, the odds of tooth decay have decreased dramatically. After all, good oral health and regular dental checkups are the keys to fighting against the development of tooth decay. Here are the top five ways you can take a proactive approach to tooth decay prevention:

Fluoride therapy. Once a controversial topic for dental hygiene, the delivery of fluoride to the teeth topically or systemically prevents tooth decay, resulting in cavities. Fluoride therapy involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed, though are rarely used where public water supplies are fluoridated.

Daily dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. Brushing your teeth three times a day makes your teeth stronger.

Regular dental checkups. It is very important to seek the help of a dentist since they know a lot about it. They know what to do and where to focus on your teeth.

Dental sealant. It is the dental treatment that consists of plastic material that covers one or more teeth, for preventing of cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied in a dentist’s office.

Dietary snacks. It is good to limit sweet snacks as excessive intake of sweets alters’ your blood sugar. If you avoid snacks, you may be depriving your body of nutrition from food. Good snacks should include healthy proteins and fats.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.