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When You Visit Your Dentist More than Twice a Year | Las Vegas Dentist

Most people already know that they should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional cleaning. However, what a lot people 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. This type of dental treatment involves the restoration of either decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored or missing teeth with fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants.

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, they also prevent present infections from spreading any further. Another plus about 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 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.patricsimonedds.com.

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

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Do You Brush Your Teeth in the Garden? | Las Vegas Dentist

Dental hygiene is important. But we all can admit – there have been times we have neglected our teeth because carrying a toothbrush with us isn’t a priority. As we wrap up National Garden Month, it is important to know that even when we don’t have a toothbrush handy, there are natural ways you can keep your teeth clean. Just turn to Mother Nature…

When it comes to foods that are good for us, we all know that fruits and veggies are the obvious choices to keeping us healthy, but they can also clean our teeth at the same time! The crispiness of the apple is strengthening your gums, while the juiciness produces saliva, clearing out the bacteria that gives us cavities. In fact, all crispy handheld fruit works similarly. The vitamin C in citrus fruit is great, and the citric acid also scours your teeth. One fruit that may surprise you as a whitening agent is the strawberry. The berries with the seeds that always get stuck in your teeth are also scrubbing them so eat up!

Vegetables are obviously good for us but an onion as a dental secret? Yes, this colorless veggie won’t stain your teeth and let’s face it, you’re also much more apt to brush your teeth afterwards. Broccoli is basically a natural toothbrush, so munching on these little “brushes” will supply your body with iron while giving a quick scrub. Celery is full of vitamins and water for saliva production and if you think about it, it’s like nature’s floss!

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.patricsimonedds.com.

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

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Diabetes and Your Dental Health: What You Need to Know | Las Vegas Dentist

If you have diabetes, you know that you need to take additional precautions 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. The best defense against any future dental issues is taking preventative measures. If you have any concerns or questions, ask your 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.patricsimonedds.com.

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

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Oral Cancer Is Nothing to Mess with | Las Vegas Dentist

Cancer in general is something not to be taken lightly and oral cancer is no different. Because it’s in your mouth it can be very hard to detect, but to the trained eye of your dental professional, it can be found. There are several types of cancers that can develop in several different locations inside our mouths, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, sinuses and throat. How is it detected? Well, at routine dental visits your dentist 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.

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.

A good defense to oral cancer is being educated and prepared. Self-checking every month is a good way to be aware. In fact, just being familiar with your own mouth can help you notice if something is suddenly different. 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.

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.patricsimonedds.com.

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

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Scared of the Dentist? Fear No More | Las Vegas Dentist

sedation-dentistryDoes the thought of going to the dentist scare you? So much so, that you deal with more pain than you have to because you can’t get yourself to keep an appointment? Perhaps it’s the sound of the high-pitched whir of dental tools? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. But you don’t need to fear dental visits any longer. Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, refers to the use of medications that help ease the anxiety or fear patients may have during or before their scheduled dental appointment. Dental professionals are now equipped to make you feel comfortable with any treatment you may need. Here is a quick rundown of the options available:

Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas, helps ease some of the anxiety and fear associated with dental treatments. It wears off soon after the procedure and the recovery time is minimal.

Oral sedation. Oral sedation involves of taking medication beforehand to ensure that you are relaxed during the time of the actual treatment. Recovery time is a little longer with oral sedation, and you will need to have a driver to take you home afterwards.

IV sedation. IV sedation is administered directly into your blood stream via a needle, resulting in immediate relaxation. You will be conscious but incredibly relaxed, and not likely to remember much about the treatment afterwards. Like oral sedation, your recovery time will take a little longer, so make sure you have a ride home after the treatment.

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.patricsimonedds.com.

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

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‘Tis the Season: Chocolate Candy Edition | Las Vegas Edition

If you were good this year, chances are you found some chocolate in with your holiday gifts. And 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! Yes, I know what you’re thinking…praising chocolate isn’t a dentist’s job. But c’mon – we know that chocolate is amazing. We may even enjoy a candy bar from time to time. This is the difference between a dentist and everyone else: We are all for you enjoying the national day – just remember to take care of your teeth afterwards.

According to the American Dental Association, we should be brushing two times a day for at least two minutes, just barely the appropriate amount of time to sufficiently remove dirt from the front and back ends of the teeth. After brushing, use dental floss to get in between and hard to reach areas. Floss removes any extra food particles left in between teeth. If left untouched, those particles may turn into plaque, resulting in a higher risk for gum disease. Flossing is merely the act of wrapping a piece of string around your teeth, one by one, in order to remove any bacteria and excess material stuck between each tooth. Wrap a piece of floss around your index fingers, pull it taut between your thumb and index finger and guide the floss in between each tooth in a downward zigzag motion, gently scrubbing the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Finally, rinse your mouth with an ADA approved mouth wash to seal the cleanliness in and for a trace of fresh breath. Top off your oral hygiene with a quick check-up after the holidays are over to make sure you didn’t develop any chocolatey dental issues.

But before we go, here are a few fun facts to enjoy while you are snacking on your chocolate candy:

Chocolate Facts

  • 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.
  • Americans consume 12 pounds of chocolate each year.

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 but visiting his website at www.patricsimonedds.com.

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

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5 Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings | Las Vegas, NV

general dentistryThere are myriad of dental treatments that general dentistry offers that can help prevent dental problems in the long run. One of the best ways to prevent dental problems is to visit your general dentist for regular checkups and cleaning. Not only can regular checkups and professional cleanings help prevent dental problems, it can also help provide you with good oral hygiene. There are several other benefits that stem from this type of general dentistry, which include the following:

  1. Cleanings prevent cavities. Plaque buildup, that sticky, colorless film, is the leading cause of tooth decay. The acidic substance found in the bacteria in plaque eats away at tooth enamel and, if left untreated, it can cause cavities. You can remove plaque buildup through proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
  2. Cleanings can prevent tooth loss. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, starts with plaque buildup and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease progresses, the harmful bacteria in plaque moves further down the tooth where is can destroy the surrounding gum tissue and bone structure that supports teeth, which can cause them to loosen and fall out. Fortunately, thanks to general dentistry, dentists can perform professional cleanings which can greatly reduce the chance of tooth loss.
  3. Cleaning can brighten up your smile. Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco products can dull your pearly whites and even stain your teeth. A professional dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave your pearly whites freshly polished. What the result? Much brighter pearly whites!
  4. Cleanings can freshen your breath. Practicing proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent chronic bad breath. Proper oral hygiene involves you brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. In addition to practicing proper oral hygiene at home, you should also visit your general dentist for professional cleanings on a regular basis to keep a healthy, odor- free mouth.
  5. Cleanings can boost your overall health. Several studies have shown a connection between oral and overall health. It’s been said that regular professional cleanings may help reduce your risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. There are many medical conditions that can be detected in their early stages by your dentist during a routine checkup.

To take advantage of these benefits and much more, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Las Vegas, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule an appointment today. For information regarding general dentistry visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

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What Does General Dentistry Include?

Professional dental brushingGeneral dentistry is an area of dentistry that you are likely familiar with. General dentistry covers a wide variety of dental procedures. If you’ve had x-rays, CAT scans, or molds done, this all falls into the general dentistry category.

As far as dental treatments go in general dentistry, you will find that most general dentists offer some or all of the following:

  • Fillings- Done to restore a tooth. The materials for fillings include gold, amalgam, mercury, porcelain and composite resin.
  • Crowns- These are artificial teeth that are fitted over broken or damaged teeth. Crowns maintain the tooth’s structure and protect it from further damage.
  • Dental Bridge- This is a dental appliance which contains artificial teeth that are anchored to remaining teeth or crowns. The appliance is fit over the natural teeth on either side of the gap to help secure the replacement teeth in place.
  • Root Canal Therapy- This treatment is done when the pulp within a tooth becomes infected, and aims to save the tooth. This procedure can be done by a general dentist or specialist.
  • 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. The material used is composed of a composite resin that hardens and fuses to your teeth when a specialized light is shined on it.
  • Dentures- These are a false set of teeth used to replace missing teeth that look and function like your very own 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. However, you may find that your general dentist offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures as well, such as teeth whitening, veneers and cosmetic bonding.

If you feel that you would benefit from one the general dentistry treatments listed above, contact Dr. Patrick Simone, DDS in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information regarding general dentistry.

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

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Traumatic Dental Injuries & What to Do | Henderson Dentist

skd284147sdcNo matter how well you take care of your teeth, you can’t prevent accidental dental injuries. There are several ways in which your teeth can become damaged, such as the breaking or chipping of a tooth. Some dental injuries can also cause for your tooth to dislodge or knock out of the socket.

In the event of trauma, where damage is caused to one or more teeth, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately. Sometimes the neighboring teeth can suffer additional, unnoticed injuries that can only be detected by a dental exam. There are various possible problems, and each have their own way of being treated. The following includes a few possible injuries and how they may be treated:

  • Chipped or Fractured Teeth- Most times a chipped or fractured tooth can be repaired by either replacing the broken piece or by bonding a tooth colored filling. If a large portion of the tooth is broken off then a crown will likely be required to restore the tooth. If the pulp is exposed or damaged a root canal treatment may be needed.
  • Dislodged Teeth- A dislodged tooth is when a tooth pushed sideways, out of or into the socket. In these sort of cases, a patient will usually require a root canal and a dentist or endodontist will focus on stabilizing the tooth.
  • Knock out Teeth- When a tooth is completely knocked out of the socket it may be able to be saved if the patient arrives to the dentist in time, and the tooth is handled properly. Do not touch the root of the tooth, and keep it moist (either in the socket, on the gum against your cheek, or in milk). Fast treatment is crucial to save the tooth, so the patient should get to the dentist immediately.

While most dental trauma is treatable, there are cases where the tooth is lost due to the nature of the damage. If you have a crack or chip in your tooth, even if you believe its minor, be sure to visit your dentist to ensure that the tooth is healthy. You don’t want to jeopardize the tooth root by neglecting to treat the chip properly.

If you have experienced trauma, that has left you with broken, chipped, dislodged or a knocked out tooth, please contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV immediately at 702-735-2755 to schedule an appointment. If you would like to learn more about our services visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com

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

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The Benefits of an Oral Rinse | Henderson Dentist

 

Who doesn’t love that minty fresh feeling you get after rinsing with mouthwash? Did you know your mouthwash is doing more than just giving your breath a boost? Rinsing daily with certain mouthwashes can improve your oral health. We’re talking whitening your teeth, helping to prevent gum disease and fighting plaque!

So what are the benefits of swishing daily with an oral rinse?

1)     Freshens breath – First and most obviously, mouthwash temporarily reduces bad breath. Mouthwash kills bacteria associated with causing bad breath leaving you with minty fresh breath.

2)     Prevents Plaque build-up – Various mouthwashes help prevent plaque build up on your gums, in-between teeth, and on the surface of your teeth. Although it prevents the build up of plague, it cannot reduce the plaque that already exists on your teeth. So remember to always brush and floss before plaque becomes a problem.

3)     Removes particles – Most people use mouthwash only after brushing. This is a perfectly fine practice, but used before before brushing to rinse out loose particles in your mouth will make the brushing and flossing more effective.

4)     Stop cavities from forming – Regular use of mouthwash before and after you brush and floss, you can reduce the chances of cavities forming. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can prevent cavities and strengthen your enamel. Remember, not all mouthwashes contain fluoride. Be sure to check the label on your mouthwash before purchasing.

Of course mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing and should be used in conjunction with good oral health habits. It only takes a moment to rinse but the positive impact on your oral health is much greater. With rinsing daily you can successfully navigate around dental problems.

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.

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