Posted on

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.

Posted on

Tooth Decay Is Preventable | Henderson Dentist

We all do our best to try to take proper care of our teeth. We brush, we keep our dental appointments and try to avoid eating too much sugar. Unfortunately, we may still get tooth decay to develop over the span of our lifetimes. In fact, tooth decay is one of the common most problems seen among patients. The good thing is, tooth decay is preventable if we know what we need to do to prevent it. So, let’s take a moment to look at a few of the DIY ways you can help keep tooth decay at bay and great dental checkups in the future:

Fluoride therapy. Fluoride is used to help prevent cavities. Fluoride Therapy delivery involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed.

Proper dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing properly can help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. If you aren’t sure, ask your dentist proper technique tips.

Regular checkups with your dentist. It is very important to seek the help of a dentist as they know a lot about what to do and any areas where you are lacking.

Dental sealant. Sealant is the dental treatment that consists of placing plastic material over one or more teeth in order to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied in a dentist’s office.

Dietary snacks. We all love a sweet treat at some point in our day, but it is good to limit sweet snacks as excessive intake of sweets alters’ your blood sugar. Instead, choose snacks that also include healthy proteins and fats.

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.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Posted on

Too Much of a Good Thing | Henderson Dentist

“Your teeth can never be too white.”

We all want to have that perfect Hollywood smile and do anything we can to achieve that fantastic set of pearly whites. We straighten the crooked, we keep our mouths healthy with good dental hygiene and brighten our smiles through whitening treatments. And for the most part, these efforts have the desired outcome. Oddly enough, as the saying goes, some individuals are taking physical perfection to another level by over doing it on their teeth whitening procedures. The most widely used oral products today are whitening strips and tray-based over-the-counter whitening kits. While tooth whitening can be a safe and effective technique, some individuals are going above the recommendations of their dentists. And this is where they get into trouble.

Despite what we would like to believe, there is indeed such a thing as “too much of a good thing”. Individuals who overdo whitening techniques have noticeably “Snow White” teeth that oftentimes look unnatural. Some individuals get to the point where their teeth begin to inhibit transparent figures. Still not convinced that you can overdo it on whitening treatments? Overuse of whitening products will cause major tooth sensitivity and leave patients more prone to needing root canal treatments.

If you are looking for a safer, more effective form of teeth whitening, consult your dentist. They will give you an overview of certain procedures available and even offer some over-the-counter techniques that may be used. Take their advice to heart and remember – follow instruction for best results.

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.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Posted on

What Exactly Is General Dentistry? | Henderson Dentist

We all know visiting the dentist is important, but when it’s time for us to choose a dental professional, it becomes a bit overwhelming. Between orthodontics and family dentistry, it’s difficult to choose which is best for your family. As far as dental treatments go in general dentistry, you will find that most general dentists offer the following procedures:

Fillings. Gold, amalgam and other options are used to restore a tooth.

Crowns. These artificial teeth fit over broken or damaged teeth to maintain structure and protect it from further damage.

Dental bridge. This is a dental appliance contains artificial teeth anchored to remaining teeth or crowns and fit over the natural teeth to help secure the replacement teeth in place.

Root canal therapy. This treatment is done when the pulp within a tooth becomes infected in order to save the tooth.

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 by fusing composite resin to your teeth with a specialized light.

Dentures. These false sets of teeth are used to replace missing teeth and function like 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, in addition to a wide range of cosmetic procedures as well, such as teeth whitening, veneers and cosmetic bonding.

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.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Posted on

What You Need to Know About Dental Implants | Henderson Dentist

dental implantA dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Dental implants natural-looking and feeling and under proper conditions, such as placement by a diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.

What do dental implants do?

  • Replace one or more teeth
  • Support a bridge and reduce the need for a partial denture
  • Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable

Dental implants vs dentures or a bridge – which is better?

Esthetically dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often happen with bridgework and dentures. Even better, neighboring teeth are not changed to support the implant, like they would with a bridge. The problem with dentures is that they aren’t permanently placed in your mouth, so you can go about your daily routine with confidence and comfort. Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies as a dental implant candidate so make sure you keep up with your dental hygiene.

What can I expect after treatment?

Good news! There won’t be much change when it comes to your new implants. Brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.  After treatment, periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.

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.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Posted on

April Is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month | Henderson Dentist

If there’s anything we know, it’s that cancer is not to be taken lightly, so it shouldn’t be a surprise this includes oral cancer. It doesn’t have the most blatant symptoms – in fact, sometimes only a dental professional can correctly diagnose it. And while there are several areas of the body that fall into the “oral cancer” circle (lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, sinuses and throat), routine visits to the dentist will allow for an examination of your mouth, head and neck. The sooner you have any abnormal lumps or tissue, the sooner you can catch anything suspicious. But what exactly can you do to be proactive about oral cancer? Make yourself aware of what to look for.

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. More importantly, if you find that you have difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores lasting longer than two weeks and severe weight loss, make an appointment as soon as possible. It may be nothing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

It is important to be responsible for your own health. 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. Being proactive is your best bet to avoid any oral cancer symptoms from developing into something more.

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.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Posted on

What to Expect When You Don’t Brush Daily | Henderson Dentist

general dentistryDid you know it only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into tartar? It’s scary but true. Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention, so brushing your teeth on a daily is extremely important. If left untreated, only a dentist can help bring your smile back. 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. But that isn’t all you can expect from these important periodontal treatments:

Diagnostic x-rays. 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, however if you feel you need help preventing periodontal disease, do not hesitate to visit the dentist.

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.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Posted on

Can You Whiten Your Smile by Eating? | Henderson Dentist

It may sound complete absurd, but according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, certain foods naturally cleanse, brighten, and defend against bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums. We are always being told which things in our diet are bad for our smiles, like wine, smoking and dark foods. But there are actually foods that do the opposite? The following 10 foods were recommended by the academy for a healthy, brighter smile:

Pineapples can help whiten teeth. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover and breaks up plaque.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onions contain the sulfur compounds, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eat them raw; cooking will destroy these tooth-friendly compounds.

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

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

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.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Posted on

Inlays and Onlays: Saving Your Smile | Henderson Dentist

When you break or fracture your teeth, you will definitely need a dentist’s help. Thanks to restorative dentistry, there are a myriad of ways to go about restoring teeth. One of those restorative options include inlays and onlays.

To put it basically, inlays and onlays repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. A more conservative approach compared to other options, inlays and onlays don’t require your dentist to remove as much of your natural tooth. But that’s not all. Here are other advantages to repairing your smile with inlays and onlays:

Natural looking. Inlays and onlays are aesthetically pleasing because they are made up from a porcelain and composite resin mixture, creating a natural-looking appearance.

Durable. Dental inlays and onlays are made from a stronger material than crowns. Because of this durability, they can last longer than crowns.

No expansion. Inlays and onlays won’t expand or contract the way fillings would, thus putting less stress on your teeth.

Tooth preservation. This restorative procedure doesn’t require your dentist to remove as much of your natural tooth compared to other procedures.

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 plenty of reason to smile.

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.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Posted on

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants | Las Vegas Dentist

When you need to have a tooth replaced, your dental professional will suggest getting a dental implant. It may sound like a drawn-out process, the idea of an implant. Not only will it restore your smile, you won’t believe it. Placing dental implants is a thorough process that involves more than one step.

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.

Most implants are placed using a two-step process, although some newer implants may only need one step:

Firstly, antibiotics and pain medicine are administered to you before the procedure. Your dentist will then use local anesthesia, even sedation if necessary. You can be sedated by taking medicine by mouth or through an IV. 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 and stiched. 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.

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.