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Diabetes Could Be Affecting Your Smile | Henderson Dentist

If you have diabetes, you are well-aware of the additional precautions you need to take when it comes to your health in general, but there are additional needs to attend to when it comes to your dental health. Because of the nature of the disease, patients who suffer from diabetes are at higher risk to develop mouth infections, gum disease, dry mouth, and fungal infections like thrush. Not only is it important to monitor the way your body is reacting, but it is also important to prevent anything from getting worse.

Periodontal disease can increase your blood glucose level, as well as rot away gums and bones that keep your teeth in place, leading to painful problems chewing or a loss of teeth. Dry mouth occurs when you do not produce enough saliva. If combined with diabetes, which may raise the glucose level of your saliva, thrush could develop. Thrush is characterized by painful white patches inside your mouth.

To keep your teeth and mouth healthy, consider working the following steps into your daily routines:

  • Control blood glucose
  • Brush and floss every day
  • Visit your dental practitioner twice a year for checkups
  • Quit smoking
  • Contact your dental professional if your dentures do not fit right or your gums become sore

Paying close attention to your dental health can assist you in keeping a beautiful, healthy smile. If you have diabetes, paying extra attention to the way your mouth feels will benefit you in the end. No one wants to have more dental appointments – and the best defense against any future dental issues/procedures is taking preventative measures. If you have any concerns or questions as to what to do, ask your dentist.

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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Can We Avoid Having a Root Canal? | Henderson Dentist

There are lots of reasons people are scared of the dentist, and they vary from certain sounds to fear of pain. It’s the common reason patients get spooked about going for regular checkups. And while there are plenty of ways to ease your fear, one procedure that always strikes fear in the heart of many a dental patient is the root canal. For one reason or another, it is the root canal that gives your typical dental patient the most anxiety. But this is where we have a double-edged sword – if you don’t keep your checkup appointments, it can lead to trouble down the road.

Root canal therapy or endodontic treatment is the obvious next step when the nerve of the tooth is infected due to exposure to bacteria. Because the buildup of bacteria is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, it is essential to maintain excellent oral healthy by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day.

Although poor oral health is one of the main reasons for root canal therapy, failing dental restorations and cracked teeth also allow bacteria to leak inside the tooth and infect the nerve. Not only will this situation cause excruciating pain, but it will result in root canal therapy to treat your condition.

So, now that we know what poor dental hygiene will bring us, what is the easiest way to prevent us from needing this type of treatment option? The answer is simple – don’t be scared of the dentist. Scheduling regular visit with dental professionals on a regular basis will ensure that your teeth are thoroughly examined for any signs of decay or other dental predicaments. Avoid undergoing the painful symptoms of endodontic problems – keep up with your dental hygiene duties.

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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Chocolate Candy Tastes the Best | Henderson Dentist

One of the yummiest treats we have during the holiday season is the chocolate. So, it’s rather apropos that December 28 is the perfect day to enjoy those chocolatey treats. It’s National Chocolate Candy Day – an entire day devoted to the yummiest of confections! Sure, maybe not the greatest thing for our dental health, but who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate?

According to the American Dental Association, we should be brushing two times a day for at least two minutes. After brushing, use dental floss to get in between and hard to reach areas to remove any extra food particles left in between teeth, gently scrubbing the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Finally, rinse your mouth with an ADA-approved mouthwash to seal the cleanliness in. And in the new year, check in with your dentist to make sure the holiday season hasn’t thrown your dental health off track.

But in the spirit of the season, here are some fun facts about your chocolate candy:

In 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad Van Houten invented the hydraulic press that makes it possible to remove the cocoa butter from the cacao, producing a powder and making way for the first chocolate confections.

In 1847, cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sugar were combined by British chocolate company J.S. Fry & Sons to produce the first edible chocolate bar.

Whitman’s produced the first box of chocolate.

Hershey Chocolate company designed a specific chocolate bar for the U.S. Army. The D ration bar was included in the emergency rations and in the packs of soldiers when the Allied troops stormed the beach of Normandy on D-Day.

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 Habits You Shouldn’t Have | Henderson Dentist

Before 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 toothbrushes, 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. We know that it’s easy to find other things to do while we brush our teeth but if you are paying attention to other things, you aren’t paying attention to your teeth. It’s best to give your full attention.

Your retainer. We get it – you’ve had to endure wearing braces. It’s time to celebrate. If you stop wearing your retainer regularly your perfect teeth will eventually start to shift. Be sure to wear your retainer.

Overcleaning your toothbrush. No tricks necessary. 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.

Storing a wet toothbrush. 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.

Skipping dental appointments. Some people suffer from dental anxiety which leads them to not going to the dentist. If you visit your dentist every six months for checkups, you’re less likely to run into dental problems.

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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Teaching Good Halloween Habits | Henderson Dentist

We all know there’s no competing with Santa, but Halloween is the one day of the year that everyone can be anyone or anything they want to be. And above all that, there’s candy. Lots of candy given simply by saying those three magic words: trick or treat. No need to be good in order to dodge the coal in the stocking. In fact, the ‘trick’ in trick or treat almost praises bad kid behavior if candy ISN’T received. And while things have changed and Halloween isn’t quite the same as last year, ask yourself – how can I monitor my child’s oral health during this sugar-infused time of year? Here are some pediatric dental tips to keep in mind when going through your little monsters’ stash:

Tiny humans live for this day. Depriving them of what some would call a major part of the holiday will not only make your child upset but won’t make life at home very peaceful. So, instead of denying them the sweets, have them choose a set number of candies they want the most and let them have them. In addition to the limitation of sweet treats, set up a time of day that your child will be able to eat that candy. Similar to snack time at school, having a time when your little one knows a snack is allowed teaches them that snacking isn’t an all-day event, making them less inclined to crave sweets all day.

When sorting through the Halloween sacks, have your little one choose their favorites and get rid of the rest. You can have your own stash or donate them to others in need. Everyone should have a happy Halloween candy, just in moderation.

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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When Your Teeth Are Too White | Henderson Dentist

We all want one of those room-lighting Hollywood smiles all of the celebrities have. So, we buy the toothpastes, whitening kits and professional treatments. After all, our smile is the first feature a stranger sees – it is important to make it look the best it can. But have you ever thought about the converse of this topic? Can your teeth ever be too white? There are quite a few ways to brighten your smile, making it difficult to dispute the saying. In fact, 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. Therein lies the problem…

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. Overuse of whitening products will cause major tooth sensitivity and leave patients more prone to needing root canal treatments. You may be surprised to know that if you over-whiten your teeth, you are essentially wearing down your enamel and that enamel is naturally tinged in yellow, so you are making your teeth yellow by overdoing the whitening.

Don’t worry – there is hope. 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 and even offer some over the counter techniques that may be used, however only if used correctly.

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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Five Foods Your Teeth Want You to Avoid | Henderson Dentist

There are plenty of rules we have in order to keep our mouths healthy. We practice good oral hygiene on the daily, we see our dental professional twice a year, and we stay away from bad habits that can wreak havoc on our mouth. But there is one more thing we can do in order to maintain a healthy mouth – adjust our diets. These are the top five most harmful foods for your smile. Eat them in moderation and you should be just fine.

Refined carbohydrates. Food likes white bread, chips, pasta or crackers are processed sugars when broken down. When these sugars mix with bacteria, they create lactic acid, which is an acid that very hard on your tooth enamel.

Candy. Sticky candies are the worst for your teeth. When sucking on a hard candy, it exposes your teeth to sugar and damaging acids for a longer period of time, while sticky candy allows the sugars to stick to your teeth.

Dried fruit. Not many people would suspect that dried fruit would be hard on their teeth, but the chewy texture makes it easy for the fruit to stick to your teeth, giving it plenty of time to damage them.

Citrus fruit. Although citrus foods are healthy and packed with vitamin C, they can also damage your teeth. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruit are high in enamel damaging acids and sugars as well.

Carbonated drinks. Not only are drinks like soda and diet soda loaded with sugar, they contain carbonation and phosphorous that wear away tooth enamel. For example, a cola beverage has around 10 teaspoons of sugar.

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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Revolutionize Your Dental Appointments with 3D Imaging | Henderson Dentist

Did you know that our practice was among the first to add a 3D extraoral imaging system to its office, revolutionizing patient treatment and perfecting the way the practice treats oral infections? The CS 8100 3D Extraoral Imaging System enables us to obtain low radiation dose, high-resolution, three-dimensional images, as well as panoramic images.

With the addition of this state-of-the-art 3D unit, our practice will greatly improve its level of patient care. Three-dimensional technology allows doctors to better visualize their patients’ dentition, without having to send patients for radiology scans. Viewing an unprecedented level of anatomical detail helps us diagnose more accurately and treat with confidence. The CS 8100 3D System will transform dental imaging in the same way that CT scans have changed the medical field, in terms of care through better visualization.

This unique “two-in-one” system (3D and panoramic) is well suited for dental professionals who regularly perform complex diagnostic, restorative, surgical, and endodontic procedures. The highest resolution imaging capabilities provided by this unit will enable Dr. Simone to detect lesions with more accuracy. This breakthrough technology provides unprecedented x-ray views of the oral cavity.

Periapical and panoramic radiography have been augmented by the recent introduction of high-resolution cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), allowing 3D assessment of oral lesions, canal morphology, retreatment cases, root fractures, implants, and so forth. The CS 8100 3D System uses less radiation than other systems, radiating only one small area of view at a time. Comfortable patient positioning and wheelchair accessibility make this unit patient friendly. The system enables us to perform a wider range of diagnoses and treatments in the office, helping reduce multiple visits, saving patient’s time and making the treatment more affordable.

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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Have a Relaxing Dental Visit with IV Sedation | Henderson Dentist

For some of us, going to the dentist is a very anxious time. Whether it be the sound of the equipment or the nervousness about the pain of the procedure itself, the fear one has when thinking about visiting the dentist can become a stifling issue. But you need not worry – there is help for you and your very common fear. Intravenous Conscious Sedation, or IV sedation, is when a drug, usually of the anti-anxiety variety, is administered into the blood system during dental treatment.

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 but classified as general anesthesia.

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, if anything at all, and this is 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 produces 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. So, it may appear as if you were asleep during the procedure. If you feel like this will help you cope with your dental visits, talk to your dentist. Keeping you at ease is their first priority.

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.