2650 Lake Sahara Dr. Suite 160,
Las Vegas, NV 89117 | 702 734 0776
34000 people on average will be diagnosed with Oral Cancer this year and 8000 will die from Oral Cancer, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkins disease, cancer of the brain, liver, testes, kidney, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma). The death rate from oral cancer is so high because often times it has often metastasized to another location.(Data courtesy:http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/) Fortunately, researchers from the British Columbia Cancer Agency and the MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a unique tool that allows us to better determine whether or not an oral lesion is potentially dangerous or not. The Velscope is a special light that causes the tissues in the mouth to fluoresce… Normal healthy tissues fluoresce and those that are potentially dangerous do not, they appear as dark shadows. Our office is now proud to offer the Velscope as part of the oral cancer screening process!
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BECAUSE YOUR SMILE IS IMPORTANT TO US. We now offer Care Credit. A convenient, interest free program for 3, 6, or 12 months. Also, an extended low monthly payment program for your entire family specifically designed to pay for your dental care. Applying for CareCredit is quick and easy. Simply choose the option you prefer. You can go on line @ http://www.carecredit.com or use the automated phone application by calling 800-365-8295. Have a healthy and beautiful smile today!
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Updating your health history at every appoinment lets us know of any changes going on with your general health. When we know that you are now taking blood thinners we understand to expect the possibility of slightly more bleeding during your cleaning appointment. If you have recently had an artificial heart valve or joint placed, we know that you will need to premedicate with antibiotics before any dental treatment can be done. If you happen to be taking any of the oral osteoporosis medications we know that it is imperative that your periodontal is carefully monitored as these medications have been known to disrupt the healing potential of the bone that holds the teeth in place. There are all sorts of medical conditions that help us understand your dental health and to treat you in the most appropriate way.
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Periodontal (gum) disease can occur at any age, with over half of all people over the age of 18 having some form of the disease. Periodontal charting (probing) is an essential tool to help diagnose gum disease problems and to follow the success of gum therapies. A periodontal probe, with ruled millimeter markings, is used to measure the depth of the space between the teeth and gums. Ideally, normal measurements range between 1 and 3 millimeters deep, depths greater than this may signify the presence of periodontal pockets and associated gum disease. 
Image Courtesy Perio.org
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January 18, the Las Vegas Review Journal had an interesting article about Dental Implants…
“Dental implants also offer a means of replacing multiple lost teeth. Individual implants can be placed where the missing teeth used to be, or implants can be used as anchors for full or partial dentures.”
Read the Entire article
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We have set up a Lens at http://www.squidoo.com/toothbrushing/ to find more about toothbrushing...!
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
How successful are dental implants?
Success rates vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 97%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
There are no relative health contraindications to dental implants. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant procedure. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders - such as diabetes or heart disease - or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.
What are the advantages of Dental Implants?
-Implants restore proper chewing function so you can enjoy foods previously too “difficult” to eat.
-You feel confident that your replacement teeth won’t move or loosen.
-You regain the closest thing to the look, feel and function of your natural teeth.
-Forget about unsightly partial denture clasps which place damaging pressure on remaining natural teeth.
-Chew comfortably and efficiently.
-Eliminate irritated and painful gums.
-Improve your speech by eliminating or reducing the “fullness” of full or partial dentures.
-Replace missing teeth with the look and feel of natural teeth without having to “cut down” healthy teeth.
How are dental implants maintained?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist every sixth months, or more frequently if so advised.
How much time is involved with dental implants from start to finish?
Traditionally, the procedure has been performed in two steps. The dentist began by installing the implant, which was left for from three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient was given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown could be put in place.
Today, there is an alternative to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed in one whole piece in one single session. This new method has simplified the procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists.
The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as the patient’s dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
What is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?
–Improved appearance: When you lose an entire tooth – crown and root – shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge doesn’t.
–Maintained natural teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
–Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after installation. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Is the treatment painful?
Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.
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My gums bleed when I brush and floss. Isn’t that normal?
No. The gums that surround and support the teeth are very durable and when healthy can withstand normal brushing and flossing. Bleeding gums are one of the signs of gum disease. Think of gum tissue as the skin on your hand. If your hands bled every time you washed them, you would know something was wrong. There are a number of other warning signs of gum disease.
What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious chronic bacterial infection that attacks and destroys the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.
Infection occurs when dental plaque, a sticky sometimes colorless film, accumulates on the surfaces of teeth. The bacteria in the plaque produce chemicals that can affect the gums, causing them to swell and bleed.
In the early stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by routine dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Over time, plaque can spread below the gum line. The toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body essentially breaks down and destroys the bone and gum that surround the teeth. When this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, pockets form around the teeth. As the disease advances, these pockets become deeper, providing ever-growing spaces in which plaque accumulates and bacteria can spread, making the disease a major cause of tooth and bone loss. Periodontitis is a chronic, but treatable disease. With proper treatment, patients have a better chance of saving their teeth and prohibiting further disease progression.
In addition to complications from potential tooth loss and surgery, recent studies suggest that oral diseases may have significant effects on general health. These studies show that there is a possible relationship between periodontal infection and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and increased incidence of pre-term, low-birth weight babies.
What are pockets?
Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming “pockets” around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space in which bacteria can live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.
What are the warning signs of Gum Disease?
Many of the patients that have early to moderate periodontal disease have not reported any of of the signs listed above. Periodontal disease in the early stages is virtually undetectable. Routine visits and hygiene appointments can keep this devastating disease in check.
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Introducing the amazing CEREC system
CEREC is a CAD/CAM chairside system that delivers superb quality porcelain restorations quickly, precisely and efficiently. Just look at these benefits!
Most teeth with existing silver/mercury fillings that need restoration can be completed with a CEREC chairside restoration that is completed in one visit, like the picture above. The replacement of the silver/mercury restorations above was completed in one visit. View the CEREC Gallery.
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Creating Smiles
for You!
