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.

What Are The Benefits of IV Sedation in Dentistry?

iv-sedationMany 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.

In all reality, patients remain conscious during IV sedation, and are able to understand and respond to requests from the dentist.  However, patients typically don’t remember much, or anything at all, about what went on during the procedure. This is because of two reasons:

  1. IV sedation involves patients being induced in a state of deep relation and a feeling of not caring about what’s going on.
  2. 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.

Benefits of IV Sedation

  • IV sedation is a method of choice if patients don’t want to be aware of the procedure due to dental fear or dental phobia. The alternative is oral sedation, but oral sedation is not as effective as IV Sedation.
  • 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 maximum level of sedation that can be reached with IV sedation is much higher compared to oral sedation and inhalation sedation.
  • 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.
  • IV sedation provides a conscious state for the patient, while also helping them relax. Meaning the patient will be able to cooperate with instructions and feel relaxed at the same time.

Don’t let you fear of the dentist stop you from having a bright and healthy smile. If you do suffer from dental fear or dental phobia, be sure to ask Dr. Patrick Simone about sedation dentistry today.

If you would like to learn more about IV sedation, contact Dr. Patrick Simone, DDS in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information regarding sedation dentistry.

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

5 Great Benefits of Inlays and Onlays |Henderson Dentist

Do you have broken, fractured or decayed teeth that need repairing? Thanks to restorative dentistry, there are a myriad of ways to go about restoring teeth, and one of those restorative options include inlays and onlays.

Inlays and onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. These sort of dental restorations are a more conservative approach compared to other options like crowns because inlays and onlays don’t require your dentist to remove as much of your natural tooth. There are many more benefits that stem from inlays and onlays, including the following:

  1. Natural Looking- Inlays and onlays are aesthetically pleasing because they are made up from a porcelain and composite resin mixture, which creates a natural looking appearance.
  2. Durable- Dental inlays and onlays are made from a stronger material than crowns and due to the durability they can last longer than crowns.
  3. No Expansion- Inlays and onlays won’t expand or contract the way fillings would, thus putting less stress on your teeth.
  4. Tooth Preservation- This restorative procedure doesn’t require your dentist to remove as much of your natural tooth compared to other procedures.
  5. Hygiene- Since inlays and onlays are made for a custom fit they’re easier to keep clean and bacteria is less likely to get into the affected area after the procedure.

As with many other dental restorations, inlays and onlays aren’t always permanent and may need replacing someday. However, with proper oral care your inlays and onlays can last for many years, giving you a gorgeous long lasting smile!

If would like to learn more about inlays and onlays, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule an appointment today or for more information visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

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

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.

Options for Repairing Chipped Teeth | Henderson Dentist

Teeth are extremely durable, but they can chip or break sometimes. There are many situations that can result in chipped or broken teeth, such as having cavities that weaken the tooth to sport accidents. Fortunately, there are many restorative dentistry solutions to repair damaged teeth depending on the severity of damage. Some of those solutions include the following:

Bonding- If a small portion of your front tooth is chipped, your dentist may repair your tooth with dental bonding. To bond your tooth, your dentist will roughen up the edge of it with a gel, and then your dentist will apply a solution to bond the material. After bonding material is applied the tooth is shaped and then hardened with an ultraviolet light.

Veneers- Depending on the severity of the chip, veneers may be another option for you if you have chipped or broken tooth in the front area. A veneer is a thin piece of tooth colored porcelain or resin composite material that covers the whole front of the tooth, with a thicker area where the chip is. Your dentist will remove very little natural tooth, then rough it with a gel. After that your dentist will apply a special cement and place your veneer.  Once placed your dentist will use a light to activate chemicals in the cement to harden.

Crowns- If a large piece of your tooth breaks off or if it has decay, your dentist may have to grind away some of the tooth and use a special cement to place a crown. There are many types of crowns, porcelain crowns are the most popular. It takes two dentist visits to place your crown, the first visit molds of the tooth will be taken and sent off to a dental lab to create your custom crown. During that time a temporary crown is placed. At your second appointment, your temporary crown is removed, tooth will be cleaned and your custom crown will be placed with a special cement.

If you would like more information concerning restorative dentistry, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit our website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Prevent Tooth Decay with 5 Easy Steps

Tooth decay is one of the common most problems seen among patients. Dr. Patick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV encourages good oral health and regular dental checkups to fight against tooth decay. The following are five tips to help prevent tooth decay.

• Fluoride Therapy: It is the delivery of fluoride to the teeth topically or systemically in order to prevent tooth decay (dental caries) which results in cavities. Fluoride Therapy delivery involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed. Tablets or drops are rarely used where public water supplies are fluoridated.

• Brushing your teeth: Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. Brushing your teeth three times a day makes your teeth stronger.

• Regular checkups with your dentist: It is very important to seek the help of a dentist since they know a lot about it. They know what to do and where to focus on your teeth.

• Dental sealant: It is the dental treatment that consists of plastic material that covers one or more teeth, for preventing of cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied in a dentist’s office.

• Dietary snacks: It is good to limit sweet snacks as excessive intake of sweets alters’ your blood sugar. If you avoid snacks, you may be depriving your body of nutrition from food. Good snacks should include healthy proteins and fats.

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.

Meet Dr. Simone | Henderson Dentist

After completing his undergraduate degree at St. John Fisher College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Dr. Simone went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dentistry, where he earned a doctor of dental surgery degree. He then completed a residency in general dentistry at Rochester General Hospital.

Dr. Simone is an active member in the dental community, taking membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, and the Clark County Dental Association. He is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, an accomplishment achieved by only 1% of the dentists in the United States.

Dr. Simone has spent his life practicing and perfecting advanced techniques that enable his clients to regain and maintain their quality of life and the dental health they desire. He was born and raised in Rochester New York and have been a Las Vegas resident since 1986.

For more information about Dr. Patrick Simone, call Dr. Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit www.patricksimonedds.com.

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

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.

Henderson, NV | Cosmetic Dentistry | Rembrandt® Teeth-Whitening

Are you on a tight and busy schedule? Does it feel as though you never have time for a professional teeth whitening procedure?

Thanks to the latest technology used by Dr. Simone, you can have your ideal smile in only one hour! The Rembrandt® teeth-whitening system is the most popular and convenient procedure that can make your smile up to eight shades whiter! If you are worried about looking unnatural, Dr. Simone and his skilled staff will be able to give you the exact shade of color you would like to achieve during your visit.

So how does the Rembrandt® teeth-whitening system work? The Rembrandt® whitening procedure begins when trained clinicians apply whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. This gel is used with a “Sapphire” Plasma Arc to reduce the appearance of discoloration and stains. For maximum results, Dr. Simone and his staff will apply the gel for three 15 minutes sessions for a total of 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Don’t let time and your busy schedule get in the way of receiving your ideal smile. With the Rembrandt® teeth-whitening system your rejuvenated smile is only 1 hour away. Call Dr. Simone and his staff of professionals and ask about the Rembrandt® teeth whitening procedure.

For more information about our   in-office teeth whitening procedure call Dr. Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit www.patricksimonedds.com.

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

Henderson Dentist |General Dentistry Improves your Smile

Dr. Patrick Simone DDS provides the following general dentistry procedures and solutions:

  • Teeth cleanings
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Gum disease treatment
  • Fillings

These general dentistry solutions will benefit your smile by allowing you to have the best oral health. Dr. Patrick Simone DDS is an expert in a variety of dental solutions that can assist you with your oral health and any dental issues. Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment are offered to patients who are seeking a whiter and enhanced smile, while gum disease prevents the decay of teeth that can eventually lead to the loss of teeth. Fillings are essential to guarantee the strength and longevity of your teeth. For this reason, a visit to Dr. Patrick Simone DDS is essential to the health of your teeth so don’t wait and call today!

For more questions on the general dentistry procedures that Dr. Simone Patrick DDS in Henderson, NV offers call 702-735-2755 to make an appointment of visit www.patricksimonedds.com.

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