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The ABCs of Dental Fillings | Henderson Dentist

In the past, we only had the traditional metal fillings. They were not only durable, but they were also quite obvious to others. Today, you have more discrete options available. In fact, you have lots of things to consider when choosing which is best for you and vary depending on the patient’s health, where and how the filling is placed, the amount of chewing pressure the tooth will have to bear, components of the filling material and the number of visits needed to prepare and accommodate the tooth. Some of the choices include amalgam, composite and ionomers. Let’s break them all down…

Amalgam fillings are very durable, easy to use, and inexpensive when compared to other materials. Since amalgam fillings can sustain very heavy chewing loads, they are usually used to restore molars. Some of the disadvantages of amalgam fillings are that the silver tone is not as natural looking, possible short-term sensitivity, and more tooth structure is removed to conform the filling.

Composite fillings are made out of a mixture of glass or quartz and resin, this mix produces a tooth colored filling. Composite fillings are durable and provide good resistance against fracture in small to medium restorations where there is moderate chewing pressure. Because less tooth structure is removed when using a composite, a smaller filling can be used than one using amalgam.

Ionomers, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders. Ionomers are usually utilized to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth or in small fillings that do not require any chewing resistance since they have low protection against fractures.

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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End of Year, End of Bad Habits | Henderson Dentist

Now that we are hearing all about the effects of vaping coming to the surface, it is safe to say that all smoking is going to be an issue to our health. And knowing this information should be enough incentive to think about finally quitting for good. It’s a struggle, but isn’t that what the new year is for? So, as we prepare to say goodbye to our tobacco addiction, here are some fun facts to make sure you realize that quitting will be the best thing you could possibly do for yourself.

Smoking’s effect on oral health includes bad breath, stained teeth and tongue, and a dulled sense of taste and smell, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site. Because the immune system is affected, however, smokers often have weaker defenses against infections like gum disease and experience slower healing times. Oral cancer is another huge consideration, and it can spread to the lips, tongue, mouth and wthroat as long as tobacco is consumed. Salivary glands and tonsils are common sites of oral cancer.

Although it may be tempting to quit smoking cold turkey, quitting can be challenging. Because of the addictive ingredients in tobacco products, there are methods to help you stop using tobacco over time, and for good.

Once you’ve made initial steps toward trying to quit, it is vastly important to improve your oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. Alongside a new oral care routine, it is strongly advised for smokers to get a professional cleaning, which follows the removal of plaque and tartar with a thorough polishing that is conducted by the dental hygienist.

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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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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Accidents Happen. Don’t Panic. | Henderson Dentist

No matter what we try to do, life happens. Accidents happen. We can’t control it, but we can control how we deal with it. In the event of dental 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. 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, 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. A dislodged tooth is when a tooth pushed sideways, out of or into the socket. In these cases, a patient will usually require a root canal and a dentist or endodontist will focus on stabilizing the tooth.

Knocked out. 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.

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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Your Mouth Hates These Foods | Henderson Dentist

As we wind up another fun-filled summer, we have to change our summertime fun into a much busier autumn schedule. While we begin to start focusing on school schedules and meetings, we should also take some time to reassess our dental routines. We all become lax during the summer, but it can’t last all year ‘round. We all know that brushing and flossing is vital to the health of our teeth. But there are also foods that are doing some major damage. The following list includes the top five foods that damage your smile:

Refined carbohydrates. Food likes white bread, chips, pasta or crackers turn into sugars. When these sugars mix with bacteria that’s found in the mouth, they create a lactic acid, which is very hard on your tooth enamel. They also stick to the grooves of your teeth, giving the food more time to build up acid.

Candy. Long lasting and sticky candies are the worst sort of candy for your teeth. Hard candy exposes your teeth to sugar and damaging acids, sticky candy is more prone to adhere to teeth.

Dried fruit. Not unhealthy, but dried fruits such as apricots, prunes and pineapple can be just as damaging as candy. Not only are they sweet, but they stick to your teeth.

Citrus. 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.

Carbonated drinks. Not only are drinks like soda and diet soda loaded with sugar, they contain carbonation and phosphorous that wear away tooth enamel.

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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Don’t Sleep on Going to the Dentist | Henderson Dentist

Many dental practices use the term “sleep dentistry” when talking about IV sedation. This can be confusing for some because it suggests that you are being put to sleep. However, this terminology is more descriptive to deep sedation, which is classified as general anesthesia because you are not actually asleep during the procedures. Instead, IV sedation involves patients being induced in a state of deep relation and a feeling of not caring about what’s going on.

The drugs that are used for IV sedation produce either partial or full memory loss from the period when it kicks in until it finally wears off. As a result, time will seem to pass very quickly, and patients won’t recall much of went on. Many patients remember nothing at all. For those with dental phobia, it is an ideal choice.

The onset effects of IV sedation are very rapid, and the drug dosage and level can be altered to meet the individual patient’s needs. This is huge advantage compared to alternative sedation methods. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable.

The gag reflex is greatly diminished, patients that receive IV sedation rarely experience gagging during the procedure. If you’re choosing IV sedation to reduce gag reflex, inhalation sedation is tried first. If that fails to diminish the gag reflex, then IV sedation is used.

Some treatments can be performed at a much faster pace and with less appointments with the help of IV sedation because it provides a conscious state for the patient, while also helping them relax.

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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The After Effects of Dental Implant Surgery | Henderson Dentist

dental implant

No surgery is a fun event, but if you really think about it, it’s the recovering from dental implant surgery that really throws us for a loop. Not only are you sore, but chances are you’ve ever had to experience this before so it’s changes to your face you just aren’t prepared for. But worry not – these painful effects don’t last long after the procedure. And then you have a healthy smile to work with for years to come. So, what should you expect after leaving the dentist chair? These are some of the common ailments:

Soreness. Because tissue had to be damaged to accommodate your implants, you’ll experience some soreness in your jaw and gums. Soothe the pain with over the counter prescription painkillers, then switch to less powerful painkiller, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.

Swelling. It’s very common for your jaw, gums and cheeks to swell up after dental implant surgery and will typically last about a week. 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, 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 or be completely gone by the end of the first week.

After the first couple weeks, your face should look and feel considerably better, and you should be able to return to your normal daily foods and activities. If any side effects worsen, call your dentist immediately.

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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Treat Yourself to a Brighter Smile | Henderson Dentist

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up may be needed every several years and more often if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

  • Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
  • Normal wear of outer tooth layer
  • Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
  • Yellow, brown stained teeth

What does tooth whitening involve?

This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

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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The Pros and Cons of Veneers | Henderson Dentist

People with beautiful, healthy smiles enjoy flashing their pearly whites, but let’s face it, not all of us have smiles we’re proud to show off. For those with chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth, smiling can be an agonizing experience, both emotionally and physically. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, offering many ways to repair and improve your smile. One of the most popular dental procedures done in cosmetic dentistry are porcelain veneers, as they produce extremely natural looking results.

Advantages of veneers:

  • Stain resistant to coffee, tea, soda and cigarette smoke
  • Mimics the light reflective properties of a natural tooth
  • Extremely durable and the strength is comparable to natural tooth enamel
  • The shape, size and color of porcelain veneers are all customizable
  • If taken care of properly, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years
  • The procedure preserves more of the natural tooth structure
  • Provides fast and dramatic results

Disadvantages of veneers:

  • Once placed the colored cannot be changed
  • The natural tooth has to be altered
  • If the veneer breaks, the whole thing must be replaced
  • Temperature sensitivity for a few days after procedure

If your teeth are discolored, chipped, decayed or poorly shaped, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. They can also be beneficial in situation where people have slight gaps, as well as minor crowding and bite-related issues.

If you end up being an ideal candidate, be sure to be a part of the design process. Let your dentist know your likes and dislikes about your teeth and what you’re looking for in your new smile.

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 Anxiety? There Is a Solution | Henderson Dentist

Do you get anxiety at the first thought of having to make a trip to the dentist? Do you cringe at the sound of the high-pitched whir of dental tools? Fear no more – sleep dentistry helps relax your anxieties and fears. 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. The dental industry has dedicated itself to making you feel comfortable with any treatment you may need. Some of those methods of relaxation used include the following:

Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used to help ease some of the anxiety and fear associated with dental treatments. This method wears off quickly after the procedure and the recovery time is minimal.

Oral sedation. Oral sedation involves of taking a medication before the treatment to ensure that you are relaxed during the time of the actual treatment. Recovery time is a little longer with oral sedation, so take precaution and have someone to drive you home afterward the treatment.

IV sedation. IV sedation is administered directly into your blood stream, resulting in immediate relaxation. You will still be conscious but in a heightened state of relaxation and will not likely 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.

Don’t let your fear of the dentist keep you from having a bright and healthy smile. If you do suffer from dental anxiety, ask your dental professional about sedation dentistry today.

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.