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The Difference Between Dental Implants and Bridges | Henderson Dentist

dental implant

If you have experienced dental trauma, advanced gum disease, or deterioration of the underlying bone over time, it’s important to see your dentist sooner than later to assess surrounding teeth and gums. A cosmetic dentist may present two replacement options to consider; a fixed dental implant or bridge. It’s important to understand what these options entail in order to make the best decision for you.

Dental Implants

Dental implants require a more extensive procedure, but restore the entire tooth structure rather than simply fill in the gap. Simply put implants work by inserting a base into the jawbone into which a post with a crown on top can be placed. Implants provide stability and stimulation to the underlying bone which helps prevent resorption while looking and feeling like a natural tooth.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can actually be thought of as an actual bridge. An artificial tooth (or teeth) are fixed to crowns on adjacent teeth on either end that attach to healthy teeth, acting as the support posts if you will. The caveat to this solution is that if the tooth root is not replaced the bone may not get the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. Missing tooth roots could cause resorption, which causes the bone to lose density and shrink over time. Ultimately, this can cause one’s face to have a prematurely aged appearance.

Your dentist will review these procedures, benefits, and risks with you as you navigate your particular circumstances. Your dentist knows best and may encourage you towards one or the other option as they see fit. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions or concerns you may have prior to embarking on any given treatment option.

Interested in learning more? Call to schedule an appointment today at 702-735-2755 or visit us online at www.patricksimonedds.com today.

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

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The ABCs of Dental Prosthetic Devices | Henderson Dentist

In the search of getting the smile we’ve always dreamt of, there are plenty of options to consider. Crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants that can instantly make a dramatic difference in your smile. Because unlike dentures, which can be taken out, crowns and bridges can only be removed by a dentist. This is a relief for many patients as dentures can slip or cause other issues because they can be easily removed. For those unfamiliar with these dental procedures, here is a breakdown of some basics to familiarize yourself. When you sit down with your dental professional, you can discuss your options in depth.

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
  • Mask a dental implant
  • Disguise 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!

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

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

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Dental Restorations Will Repair Your Flawed Smile | Henderson Dentist

Most people already know that they should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional cleaning. However, many patients don’t take into consideration is that they may have to visit their dentist every now and then for treatments that go beyond a routine cleaning. One example of this is dental restorations, which are different types of dental treatments. This type of dental treatment involves the restoration of either decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored or missing teeth with fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants. No matter the flaw, it can be restored.

Now, when it comes to dental restorations, you can essentially sum up the importance of them in two words – prevention and restoration. Not only do dental restorations allow dentists to treat teeth, but they also prevent any infections you may have from spreading any further. Another benefit to dental restorations is that these procedures also aim to improve the aesthetics of patient’s teeth.

Having your damaged, infected or missing teeth restored or replaced doesn’t mean that you don’t have to worry about dental problems reoccurring. No matter what type of materials are used to restore or replace your teeth, bacteria and plaque will still form around the restoration. The chances of such dental problems happening again is even higher if you don’t take proper care of your teeth. Because, apart from the costs, dental professionals may no longer be able to treat or reverse the effects of certain kinds of dental problems, such as advanced periodontitis. So, make sure you take care of those restorations if you want them to take care of you.

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

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

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Survival Tips for Dental Implant Surgery | Henderson Dentist

If you plan to have dental implants installed, you are surely expecting to come out of the surgery with the most fabulous smile around. Not very often will you find that you’ve completely forgotten about the aftermath and what it entails exactly. After all, it is surgery and all surgeries are quite serious, even if it’s outpatient. Here’s what you should expect to experience after you have your smile restored. It isn’t anything extraordinary, but having every bit of knowledge will help decrease any unnecessary panic you may feel as your anesthetic wears off:

Soreness. You’ll experience some soreness in your jaw and gums since the tissue had to be damaged to accommodate the dental implants. You’ll be able to help the pain with over-the-counter prescription pain killers, and then eventually switch to less powerful pain killer such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.

Swelling. It’s very common for your jaw, gums and cheeks to swell up after dental implant surgery. The swelling will typically last for about a week. You can help 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 which is 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, eventually gone by the end of the first week.

After the first or second week, your face should look and feel considerably better, and you should be able to return to your normal daily activities. If any of the side effect do start to worsen, call your dentist immediately.

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

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

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What Are Dental Restorations? | Henderson Dentist

Most of us know that in order to maintain a bright and healthy smile, we should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional cleaning. However, many don’t take into consideration is that they may have to visit their dentist every now and then for treatments that go beyond a routine cleaning. This may involve dental restorations, which are different types of dental treatments for decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored or missing teeth. Here are the more common options:

Fillings. This is the most common type of dental restoration. Teeth with cavities or tooth decay can either be filled with gold, silver amalgam or composite resin fillings.

Crowns. This restoration is essentially a tooth-shaped cap that’s placed over a damaged tooth. It’s done to restore the tooth’s shape and size, strength, appearance, to hold a dental bridge or to cover a dental implant.

Dental bridges. Bridges are false teeth that are fabricated to fill a gap due to one or more missing teeth. They are anchored on either side of the missing tooth by the crowns and cemented into place.

Dental implants. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. The actual implant is a small post made of metal that’s placed into the jaw bones where the tooth is missing. The implant itself is covered with a replacement tooth.

Dentures. Dentures are removable dental appliances for missing teeth. They’re made out of acrylic resin and metal framing. Complete dentures replace a full set of teeth, either top or bottom, while partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth.

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

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

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What Do I Need to Know About Dentures? | Henderson Dentist

When you lose your teeth, it can cause other dental issues, so it is important that you have the issue fixed. People can lose their natural teeth for several different reasons, including trauma and decay. Fortunately, dentures are an ideal solution for those who’ve lost some or all of their natural teeth. Dentures are removable artificial replacements for missing teeth. They take some getting used to and may never feel exactly like your natural teeth, but dentures have become much more natural looking and comfortable than ever before.

There are three main types of dentures: full dentures, partial dentures and implant supported dentures. Which type of dentures you receive are determined based of your individual needs.

Partial dentures. If you are missing multiple teeth, but not in a single arch, partial dentures are ideal. Partial dentures rest on metal framework that attach to the patient’s natural teeth.

Full dentures. Full dentures are used when a patient is missing a full set of teeth, either the top arch, bottom arch or both. A set of artificial teeth are permanently secured into a gum-colored base. Full dentures can either be held in place by suction or by denture adhesive.

Implanted dentures. Implant-supported dentures are secured in place by dental implants rather than just resting on a patient’s gums as traditional denture do. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and the dentures snap onto them. These dentures offer more support, preventing them from slipping or shifting around while you eat or talk.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about Dr. Patrick Simone’s 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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Dental Implant Aftercare | Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Now that your smile is rejuvenated with your new dental implant, it is essential that you following Dr. Simone’s aftercare tips:

  • Avoid hot foods and hot drinks your first day having dental implants as this could potentially damage your newly placed implant.
  • Avoid touching or disturbing the dental implant area with your finger of tongue.
  • Many patients experience swelling following their treatment. If you are experiencing minor swelling, simply apply an ice pack to the area until the swelling reduces.
  • Dental implants should be treated as natural teeth. Therefore individuals should thoroughly brush and floss after every meal to prevent plaque buildup.

Properly maintaining your dental implants is vital to your oral health. If you are experiencing any problem call Dr. Simone today for a thorough examination.

For more information about how to properly care for your new dental implants call Dr. Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit www.patricksimonedds.com.

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