Why Whiten? | Henderson Dentist

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

It’s important to keep in mind that tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up will be necessary, especially if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine. Here are the common reasons for tooth whitening:

  • Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
  • Normal wear of outer tooth layer
  • Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
  • Yellow, brown stained teeth

You next question will likely be, what does this procedure entail? This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays and be encouraged to visit your dental professional regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white 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.

Keeping an Eye on Oral Cancer | Henderson Dentist

Cancer is not to be taken lightly and neither is oral cancer. It can be very hard to detect but to the trained dental professional eye, it can be found. There are several types of cancers and in several different locations including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, sinuses and throat. How can they be found? Thankfully, routine dental visits 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. More likely than not unusual, areas are nothing or benign.

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. If you notice any of these symptoms, it does not always mean “the big C,” but you should always have them examined. It is important to be responsible for your own health as well. Self-checking every month is a good way to be aware. Simply, being familiar with your own mouth can help you notice if something is suddenly different.

A good defense to oral cancer is being educated and prepared. Early detection is key. And this is just one more reason why you need to keep those dental visits regular.

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.

How to Care for Your New Veneers | Henderson Dentist

When we have a flaw in our teeth, oftentimes your dental professional will suggest treating the area with porcelain veneers. Not only is it a fantastic way to improve your smile, but veneers can look so natural, no one will know the difference. They are strong, subtle substitutes to your actual teeth. And while they are meant to last, nothing lasts forever. However, the longevity of your porcelain veneers greatly depends on how well you take care of them. Yes, you can get your smile makeover, but maintaining that new smile is going to fall in your hands. But worry not – here are some quick tips to keeping your smile healthy and bright:

Brush your teeth. Brush and floss daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste containing fluoride. Good oral care at home helps prevent periodontitis, which can cause your gums to recede. Veneers are placed right at the gum line. If your gums start to recede, the appearance of your veneers could be compromised.

Avoid excessive force. No biting your fingernails, hairpins, ice or hard candy. These types of things can break or dislodge a veneer.

No clenching and grinding your teeth. By grinding your teeth your veneers can be chipped or broken due to the force generated by these actions. In fact, it may be the reason you need the veneers in the first place. If you suffer from bruxism at night, look into wearing a night guard to protect your teeth and veneers.

Food and drink stains. Although porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining, the cement used to hold them in place can stain over time. Try to avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain, like coffee, berries, wine and tobacco.

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.

Munching Your Way to a Healthy Smile | Henderson Dentist

It’s easy to maintain a proper dental hygiene routine, but did you know that there is an even easier way to keep your smile bright? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, certain foods naturally cleanse, brighten, and defend against bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums. Yes, it’s food! Here are the top ten foods recommended by the academy for a healthy, brighter smile.

Pineapples. Pineapples can help whiten teeth. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover. Bromelain also helps break up plaque.

Ginger. Ginger can protect against periodontal disease, an inflammatory process that causes the loss of bone and supportive connective tissue in your mouth.

Carrots. Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eating them raw stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.

Basil. Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Cheese. Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which help reduce acid in your mouth.

Sesame seeds. Sesame seeds help “scrub” away the plaque on your teeth. Chewing nuts can also provide a coarse scrubbing action. Sesame seeds also contain bone and teeth-strengthening calcium.

Mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.

Onions. Onions contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eating them raw is a must as cooking will destroy these tooth-friendly compounds.

Salmon. Salmon not only provides calcium but also vitamin D, another nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.

Broccoli. Broccoli contains iron, which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.

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.

The ABCs of Dental Fillings | Henderson Dentist

In the past, we only had the traditional metal fillings. They were not only durable, but they were also quite obvious to others. Today, you have more discrete options available. In fact, you have lots of things to consider when choosing which is best for you and vary depending on the patient’s health, where and how the filling is placed, the amount of chewing pressure the tooth will have to bear, components of the filling material and the number of visits needed to prepare and accommodate the tooth. Some of the choices include amalgam, composite and ionomers. Let’s break them all down…

Amalgam fillings are very durable, easy to use, and inexpensive when compared to other materials. Since amalgam fillings can sustain very heavy chewing loads, they are usually used to restore molars. Some of the disadvantages of amalgam fillings are that the silver tone is not as natural looking, possible short-term sensitivity, and more tooth structure is removed to conform the filling.

Composite fillings are made out of a mixture of glass or quartz and resin, this mix produces a tooth colored filling. Composite fillings are durable and provide good resistance against fracture in small to medium restorations where there is moderate chewing pressure. Because less tooth structure is removed when using a composite, a smaller filling can be used than one using amalgam.

Ionomers, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders. Ionomers are usually utilized to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth or in small fillings that do not require any chewing resistance since they have low protection against fractures.

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.

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.

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.

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.