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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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Porcelain Veneers Can Transform Your Smile | Dentist in Henderson, NV

porcelain-veneersPeople 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.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are slender shells of porcelain that are bonded to your natural teeth, changing their appearance and providing beautiful, natural-looking results. Not only do they provide beautiful results, porcelain veneers provide strength and durability comparable to natural tooth enamel.

To apply the porcelain veneer, your dentist will remove a small amount of your tooth enamel, usually less than one millimeter. Next your dentist will take an impression of your tooth and your surrounding teeth and gums, and send it to a dental laboratory where your veneers are fabricated by a dental technician.

When your porcelain veneer is ready, you dentist will first need to evaluate how it fits your tooth. Once it’s been perfected by your dentist, the veneer will be bonded with a light sensitive resin and then hardened with a special curing light.

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

Are You an Ideal Candidate?

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.

If you’d like to transform your smile with the help of porcelain veneers, 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 cosmetic 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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How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Life | Las Vegas Dentist

sedation-dentistrySome people don’t truly realize the impact that teeth and smiles have. However, only you can realize the benefits through personal experience. For those that have less than perfect teeth, smiling may make them feel uncomfortable or less confident, that’s where cosmetic dentistry comes into play. Cosmetic dentistry offers a myriad of benefits to those whom feel self-conscious with the appearance of their smile. From whitening discolored teeth to replacing missing ones, cosmetic dentistry can address almost any dental problem. And while cosmetic dentistry is often only seen as an aesthetics-first field, it can also restore the functionality of your teeth.

What can cosmetic dentist do for me?

Did you know that cosmetic dentists are actually restorative dentists that have taken the time to further study smile design and the use of various types of dental materials?

Very much like restorative dentists, cosmetic dentists also use the crowns and dental implants in their practices. However, cosmetic dentists not only focus on restoring functionality, but also to create a smile that looks ever better than it did before.

Essentially, this means that cosmetic dentistry not only aims to improve the aesthetics of your smile, but also the restoration of proper function to your teeth.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

For misaligned, cracked or damaged teeth:

  • Veneers- Veneers are thin, shells that are customized in the shape and color of your choice. They can be used to restore cracked, chipped, broken, misaligned and even discolored teeth. Veneers can be used on multiple teeth.
  • Crowns- Dental crowns are placed over damaged teeth and used to restore function. Although, in cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns are also used to improve the aesthetics of damaged teeth. They’re also made to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth.
  • Dental Bonding- Bonding is known as a “quick-fix” to repair decayed, chipped, cracked and even discolored teeth. Dental bonding is typically recommended as an alternative to silver fillings.
  • Orthodontics- Orthodontics includes the use of different dental appliances, such as Invisalign, traditional braces and retainers. This helps move teeth into their correct position, fixing malocclusions and improving the aesthetics of one’s teeth.

For missing teeth:

  • Dental Implants- Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. The crown that is placed over the implant is customized to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
  • Bridges and Partial Dentures- Bridges are either anchored into opposing teeth or a dental implant, where they are placed permanently. Partial dentures are similar to bridges, but can be removed willingly.
  • Gum Contouring- With the use of soft tissue lasers, the gum lines of the teeth can be sculpted to improve one’s smile. This is typically done to improve what’s known as a gummy smile, which is the result of genetics.
  • Teeth Whitening- Cosmetic dentists can whiten teeth in many different ways, depending on the patient’s wants, needs and financial situation.

The procedures that are listed above are only a few of the many cosmetic dentistry procedures offered by cosmetic dentists.

If you’re ready to have your life changed and your smile transformed, contact Dr. Patrick Simone DDS in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule a consultation today! Or visit www.patricksimonedds.com to learn more about Dr. Patrick Simone and his team.

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

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Henderson, NV Dentist | Do You Suffer From Dental Anxiety?

iv-sedationDo 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? Well the time is here to fear no more because 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. Dr. Patrick Simone is dedicated 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 silly 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 after the treatment.

Don’t let your fear of the dentist keep you from having a bright and healthy smile. If you do suffer from dental anxiety and need to have a procedure done, ask Dr. Patrick Simone about Sedation Dentistry today.

If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com for more 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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5 Great Benefits of Inlays and Onlays |Henderson Dentist

Do you have broken, fractured or decayed teeth that need repairing? Thanks to restorative dentistry, there are a myriad of ways to go about restoring teeth, and one of those restorative options include inlays and onlays.

Inlays and onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. These sort of dental restorations are a more conservative approach compared to other options like crowns because inlays and onlays don’t require your dentist to remove as much of your natural tooth. There are many more benefits that stem from inlays and onlays, including the following:

  1. Natural Looking- Inlays and onlays are aesthetically pleasing because they are made up from a porcelain and composite resin mixture, which creates a natural looking appearance.
  2. Durable- Dental inlays and onlays are made from a stronger material than crowns and due to the durability they can last longer than crowns.
  3. No Expansion- Inlays and onlays won’t expand or contract the way fillings would, thus putting less stress on your teeth.
  4. Tooth Preservation- This restorative procedure doesn’t require your dentist to remove as much of your natural tooth compared to other procedures.
  5. Hygiene- Since inlays and onlays are made for a custom fit they’re easier to keep clean and bacteria is less likely to get into the affected area after the procedure.

As with many other dental restorations, inlays and onlays aren’t always permanent and may need replacing someday. However, with proper oral care your inlays and onlays can last for many years, giving you a gorgeous long lasting smile!

If would like to learn more about inlays and onlays, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule an appointment today or for more information visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

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

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5 Mistakes You May Be Making with Your Teeth

Smiling woman with perfect teethBefore you think about running your toothbrush through the dishwasher or putting it in the microwave to disinfect it, know that it isn’t worth the hassle. We’ve all heard those stories about how much nasty bacteria is harbored in our tooth brushes, but did you know that there is no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. You can just give your toothbrush a good rinse under regular old tap, let it air-dry and store up right where your toothbrush isn’t touching anyone else’s brush. There are many mistakes we make in our oral care routines that we may not even notice. Let’s take a look at a few mistakes you could be making with your teeth:

Multitasking While Brushing- As we rush around in the mornings we tend to multitask, and for some multitasking may include brushing your teeth while showering or while scrolling through your emails. However, if you’re multitasking while brushing your teeth you could be doing yourself doing yourself a disfavor. It’s best to give your full attention while brushing your teeth as to make sure you’re doing a proper job and cleaning your mouth thoroughly.

Ditching Your Retainer- If you’ve had braces, as an adult or as a teen, it’s smart to keep wearing your retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends. If you stop wearing your retainer regularly your perfect teeth will eventually start to shift, thus leaving you unhappy with your teeth all over again. Be sure to wear your retainer to your teeth in line for good.

Over Cleaning Your Toothbrush- There are many people disinfect their tooth brushes by zapping them in the microwave or by tossing them in the dishwasher, but these tricks actually aren’t needed. I know most of us have heard the horror stories about how much bacteria your tooth brush harbors, but according to the CDC there’s never been any evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Make sure to give your toothbrush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let air-dry and store standing upright where it’s not touching anything. Taking more drastic cleaning measures can damage your toothbrush, which defeats the purpose.

Storing Your Wet Toothbrush in Travel Case- It’s very important to store your toothbrush somewhere sanitary before you pack it away with any other luggage, and it’s equally as important to unpack it when arriving to your destination. It’s important to set your toothbrush free because bacteria thrives in moist conditions, so make sure to take your toothbrush out of its travel case to allow for it to air dry .

Skipping Dentist Appointments- Some people suffer from dental anxiety which leads them to not going to the dentist. Most times dental anxiety stems from overthinking about all of the work you may need to have done, but by avoiding the dentist altogether you will only create more dental problems in the long run. If you visit your dentist every six months for checkups, you’re less likely to run into dental problems.

If you would like to learn more about your oral health, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 today or visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information.

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

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Traumatic Dental Injuries & What to Do | Henderson Dentist

skd284147sdcNo matter how well you take care of your teeth, you can’t prevent accidental dental injuries. There are several ways in which your teeth can become damaged, such as the breaking or chipping of a tooth. Some dental injuries can also cause for your tooth to dislodge or knock out of the socket.

In the event of 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 Teeth- 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 off 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 Teeth- A dislodged tooth is when a tooth pushed sideways, out of or into the socket. In these sort of cases, a patient will usually require a root canal and a dentist or endodontist will focus on stabilizing the tooth.
  • Knock out Teeth- 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.

While most dental trauma is treatable, there are cases where the tooth is lost due to the nature of the damage. If you have a crack or chip in your tooth, even if you believe its minor, be sure to visit your dentist to ensure that the tooth is healthy. You don’t want to jeopardize the tooth root by neglecting to treat the chip properly.

If you have experienced trauma, that has left you with broken, chipped, dislodged or a knocked out tooth, please contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV immediately at 702-735-2755 to schedule an appointment. If you would like to learn more about our services visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com

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