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Are your teeth damaged by decay? Inlays or Onlays might be the solution. | Henderson, NV

 

 

 

Inlays and onlays are frequently used to restore teeth that are severely damaged by decay or wear. They are usually applied to the chewing surfaced of the back teeth. According to Dr. Patrick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV they provide more strength than a filling and are more conservative than a full crown.

A porcelain onlay is fabricated to fit your tooth precisely and is bonded tightly in place to strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. Like a crown, an onlay covers and protects the tooth’s biting surface. Where a crown covers the entire tooth, an onlay fits inside the tooth cusps and covers only the biting surfaces. Because an onlay is fabricated in a dental laboratory, it takes two or more appointments to restore a tooth with a porcelain onlay.

If you have damaged teeth that are ruining your smile and oral health, contact Dr. Simone for an appointment today. Call 702-735-2755 or www.patricksimonedds.com.

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Top 10 Advantages of Dental Crowns | Henderson, NV

A crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its strength and appearance. Crowns have several uses such as to protect a weak or broken tooth. Also, crowns are used to cover a large filling or help support a bridge. Dr. Patrick Simone of Henderson, NV offers a list of the top 10 advantages of crowns.

  1. Natural Looking – Porcelain and composite crowns have the look and feel of natural teeth.
  2. Durable – Last up to fifteen years depending on their care.
  3. Stain Resistant – Made from porcelain
  4. Cosmetic – Improve the look of broken, cracked or discolored teeth
  5. Non-slipping – Crowns are cemented or anchored in place
  6. Protection – Crowns protect the tooth from further decay
  7. Restorative – Restores full function of your damaged tooth
  8. Comfort – Stable and do not irritate gums like partial dentures.
  9. Speech – Missing teeth and dentures can affect speech. Crowns replace the missing teeth and do not slip around, making speech sound more clear.
  10. Confidence – Damaged, discolored or missing teeth causes confidence issues. Crowns help to make your smile beautiful again.

If you have a broken, chipped, stained or damaged tooth, contact Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755 or www.patricksimonedds.com.

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Taking Care of Your New Dental Implants | Henderson, NV

Once you have your new dental implants in place, you want to make sure they are taken care of properly. Dr. Patrick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV wants to ensure the care of your implants by offering a few simple suggestions maintaining your implants.

Brush and Floss twice a day – just like your regular teeth, implants need to be cleaned and flossed to prevent food particles from invading your gums and implant structure.

Dental visits twice a year – regular dental visits are a part of normal dental hygiene; however this is especially true for people with dental implants. Your implants will need a thorough cleaning and plaque removal. Along with the cleaning, the condition of your gums, jaw and anchors will be checked.

Mouthwash – special germicidal mouthwash is often prescribed by dentists for patients with dental implants. It helps reduce the risk of infection.

Say no to Staining – dental implants can stain the same as normal teeth. So, steer clear of smoking, coffee, tea, sodas and wine.

For more information on keeping your dental implants clean, healthy and sparkling white, contact Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755 or www.patricksimonedds.com.

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5 Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay | Henderson, NV

Tooth decay is one of the common most problems seen among patients. Dr. Patick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV encourages good oral health and regular dental checkups to fight against tooth decay. The following are five tips to help prevent tooth decay.

• Fluoride Therapy: It is the delivery of fluoride to the teeth topically or systemically in order to prevent tooth decay (dental caries) which results in cavities. Fluoride Therapy delivery involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed. Tablets or drops are rarely used where public water supplies are fluoridated.

• Brushing your teeth: 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 checkups with your dentist: 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.

Make an appointment with Dr. Simone today to ensure your mouth is as healthy as it should be. Contact Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755 or www.patricksimonedds.com.

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Crowns and Bridges for a Lifelong Beautiful Smile | Henderson, NV

Crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. Unlike dentures, which can be taken out, crowns and bridges can only be removed by a dentist. Dr. Patrick Simone of Henderson, NV specializes in crowns and bridges and would like to offer some insight into this popular procedure.

Dental Bridge

Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are cemented to existing teeth or implants that surround an empty space, serving as anchors for the bridge. Porcelain is the most common material choice because it can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Crowns

A crown covers a damaged tooth. They are used for various reasons such as strengthening a damaged tooth, improving the tooth’s appearance or shape and to fix alignment issues.  As with bridges, crowns can be made of porcelain.

When would I need a crown?

  • To attach a bridge
  • Replace a filling when not enough tooth remains
  • Protecting weak teeth
  • Fractured tooth
  • Cover a dental implant
  • Cover a discolored tooth
  • Cover a tooth that has had a root canal

Crowns and bridges are fairly easy to take care of. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist on a regular basis. Also, steer clear of chewing hard foods such as ice. Follow these simple rules and your crowns and bridges could last a lifetime!

Contact Dr. Simone for an appointment and free information on Crowns and Bridges, 702-735-2755 or visit his website www.patricksimonedds.com.

 

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Porcelain Veneers – A Superior Cosmetic Procedure | Henderson, NV

Porcelain veneers offer superior benefits over other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns or braces. The fingernail-thin shells, which are adhered to the front surface, solve a myriad of aesthetic problems with just one treatment. Here is a list of the top 10.

  1. Natural looking – Porcelain is a translucent material that mimics the look, luster, and feel of enamel.
  2. Whiten – When adhered to the front surface of your teeth, veneers you’re your teeth look instantly whiter.
  3. Straighten – Veneers offer a great alternative for patients with crooked teeth who do not want to endure the process of having their teeth straightened with dental braces.
  4. Fix – Veneers can fill in and improve the look of teeth that are chipped or broken.
  5. Fill in gaps – Veneers can be customized to repair smiles with unsightly gaps.
  6. Youthful – A whiter, brighter, more lustrous smile can immediately you’re your face a more youthful appearance.
  7. Conservative – Unlike other cosmetic procedures that require removing a large portion of healthy, natural teeth, veneers can be applied with little alteration.
  8. Protection – Once applied, the veneers also serve to provide a protective shield to the front surface of teeth.
  9. Stain resistant — Porcelain is stain resistant, which will make your smile stay brighter and whiter longer.
  10. Gum friendly – Gum tissue is not irritated by porcelain.

Get that beautiful smile you have always dreamed of, make an appointment today! Contact Dr. Patrick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit his website www.patricksimonedds.com.

 

 

 

 

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Dental Implants, an Overview | Henderson, NV

What are Dental Implants?

A 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.

Types of Implants

•             Endosteal (in the bone): Most commonly used type of implant. Screws, cylinders or blades are surgically placed into the jawbone.

•             Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s

Dental Implants vs Dentures or a Bridge

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.

Neighboring teeth are not changed to support the implant as with a bridge. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health.

Dental implants are secure. You don’t have to worry when speaking or eating. No messy pastes and glue. You will go about your daily routine with confidence and comfort.

The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Ideally you need to be in good oral health and have adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant. In addition you will need healthy gum tissue, free of periodontal disease.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

Dental implants are like your own teeth. You will have to treat them with the same oral care you do your real teeth. Brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.  After treatment, your dentist will work with you to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.

Contact the office of Dr. Patrick Simone DDS to find out if dental implants are right for you. 702-735-2755.

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IV Sedation – A relaxed dental visit | Henderson

Intravenous Conscious Sedation (aka “IV sedation”) is when a drug, usually of the anti-anxiety variety, is administered into the blood system during dental treatment.

What does it feel like? Will I be asleep?

A lot of dental offices and practices use terms such as “sleep dentistry” or “twilight sleep” when talking about IV sedation. This is confusing, because it suggests that IV sedation involves being put to sleep. These terms are more descriptive of deep sedation. Deep sedation isn’t commonly used (in the U.K. at least), and is classified as general anesthesia (even though sedation occurs on a continuum).

In reality, you remain conscious during conscious IV sedation. You will also be able to understand and respond to requests from your dentist.

However, you may not remember much (or anything at all) about what went on because of two things:

IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what’s going on the drugs used for IV sedation produce either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time when the drug first kicks in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much of what happened. Many people remember nothing at all. So it may, indeed, appear as if you were “asleep” during the procedure.

Contact Dr. Patrtick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV to schedule your next calming, anxiety free dental visit. (702) 735-2755.

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Understanding Oral Cancer – Henderson, NV

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? Well, at routine dental visits Dr. Patrick Simone 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 for Dr. Patrick Simone and is the main reason why he offers a test that can detect cells that can be precancerous. This is another great way to offer great care for patients. If you have questions about it, you can always ask Dr. Patrick Simone at your next appointment or call our office at (702)735-2755 and one of our staff members will be glad to assist you.

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Preventing Periodontal Disease – Henderson, NV

Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV would like to give you some advice on preventing periodontal disease. Did 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.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, Dr. Patrick Simone will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. 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.

Some steps to prevent periodontal disease Dr. Patrick Simone will discuss with you are:

~ 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, however if you feel you need help preventing periodontal disease, do not hesitate to give Dr. Patrick Simone at (702)735-2755 and schedule an appointment that can save your smile.