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Keeping an Eye on Oral Cancer | Henderson Dentist

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? Thankfully, routine dental visits 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. And this is just one more reason why you need to keep those dental visits regular.

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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How to Care for Your New Veneers | Henderson Dentist

When we have a flaw in our teeth, oftentimes your dental professional will suggest treating the area with porcelain veneers. Not only is it a fantastic way to improve your smile, but veneers can look so natural, no one will know the difference. They are strong, subtle substitutes to your actual teeth. And while they are meant to last, nothing lasts forever. However, the longevity of your porcelain veneers greatly depends on how well you take care of them. Yes, you can get your smile makeover, but maintaining that new smile is going to fall in your hands. But worry not – here are some quick tips to keeping your smile healthy and bright:

Brush your teeth. Brush and floss daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste containing fluoride. Good oral care at home helps prevent periodontitis, which can cause your gums to recede. Veneers are placed right at the gum line. If your gums start to recede, the appearance of your veneers could be compromised.

Avoid excessive force. No biting your fingernails, hairpins, ice or hard candy. These types of things can break or dislodge a veneer.

No clenching and grinding your teeth. By grinding your teeth your veneers can be chipped or broken due to the force generated by these actions. In fact, it may be the reason you need the veneers in the first place. If you suffer from bruxism at night, look into wearing a night guard to protect your teeth and veneers.

Food and drink stains. Although porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining, the cement used to hold them in place can stain over time. Try to avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain, like coffee, berries, wine and tobacco.

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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Munching Your Way to a Healthy Smile | Henderson Dentist

It’s easy to maintain a proper dental hygiene routine, but did you know that there is an even easier way to keep your smile bright? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, certain foods naturally cleanse, brighten, and defend against bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums. Yes, it’s food! Here are the top ten foods recommended by the academy for a healthy, brighter smile.

Pineapples. Pineapples can help whiten teeth. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover. Bromelain also helps break up plaque.

Ginger. Ginger can protect against periodontal disease, an inflammatory process that causes the loss of bone and supportive connective tissue in your mouth.

Carrots. Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eating them raw stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.

Basil. Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Cheese. Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which help reduce acid in your mouth.

Sesame seeds. Sesame seeds help “scrub” away the plaque on your teeth. Chewing nuts can also provide a coarse scrubbing action. Sesame seeds also contain bone and teeth-strengthening calcium.

Mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.

Onions. Onions contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eating them raw is a must as cooking will destroy these tooth-friendly compounds.

Salmon. Salmon not only provides calcium but also vitamin D, another nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.

Broccoli. Broccoli contains iron, which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.

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 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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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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Henderson Dentist | Healthy Gums

general dentistry

Keeping your gums in a healthy state is a lot more important than you may think.  In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthy diet can also help you maintain healthy gums and helps in the prevention of gum disease.

By eating properly, you are providing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for your gums and teeth, which can help keep your gums and teeth healthy.  Not everyone knows this, but Fluoride is found naturally in some foods, so by consuming them, you are effortlessly helping contribute to tooth decay prevention.  Fluoride, also found in your water supply (in most areas), can help reduce cavities by up 60%.

While on the topic of food, it is important to point out that certain foods can be very detrimental to the health of your gums and teeth.  Particularly, foods high in sucrose (also known as granulated sugar) are damaging to teeth.  Although very tasty, it is the leading cause of tooth decay.

Here are a few more ways to help keep your gums healthy:

  • Brush often – Whenever you eat, you are leaving behind bacteria in your mouth that, if left alone, can cause plaque.
  • Floss daily – It is best to floss 2-3 times a day.  Flossing is essential to getting rid of all the bacteria that is trapped between your teeth (the areas your tooth brush cannot reach).
  • Use mouthwash – Not only does it leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean, it also helps get rid of bacteria.  If you can, use it after every meal.  It is important to note that mouthwash is not nearly as effective as brushing or flossing.

If you would like more information on keeping your gums healthy and preventing gum disease, please contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com.