Dental check-up

5 Critical Oral Cancer Facts

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental Health, General Dentistry

oral cancer dental checkup Las Vegas

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we encourage all of our patients to come in twice a year for a dental checkup. If you’re tempted to skip one because you don’t think you have any cavities, maybe getting an oral cancer screening is a more persuasive reason.

Oral cancer is something we take very seriously, and you should too. It claims almost 10,000 lives every year in the United States. If you smoke or have acquired HPV, you have a higher-than-average risk for developing oral cancer.

We work to increase awareness of oral cancer and the significance of early diagnosis. Here are five important things to know about oral (mouth) and oropharyngeal (back of mouth and throat) cancers.

  1. About 80% of those with oral cancer use tobacco of some kind (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes).
  2. 40% of individuals who receive late-stage diagnosis of oral cancer die within five years. The survival rate for early stage diagnosis is 90%.
  3. In many cases, it is hardly possible for the individual to detect oral and oropharyngeal cancers because they can produce unobtrusive symptoms or no symptoms at all. Any abnormality in the mouth or throat, even if small and painless, should be checked by a dentist or doctor.
  4. HPV (the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the US) is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer. Of the numerous strains of HPV, HPV16 is the one most repeatedly linked to oropharyngeal cancer.
  5. Black males have a higher risk of dying from oral cancer than whites.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we want the best possible general and dental health for all of our patients. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup with us today!

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

ArticleID 7438

Three Reasons Not to Skip a Dental Checkup

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you need to do. At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we understand that. It gets busy for us, too! But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the other twenty items on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are essential for keeping your smile in great shape!

You might say: “But my teeth feel fine.”

We answer: Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental troubles can be progressing without you being aware of it.

1. Your Gums May Be Receding
Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are in danger.

2. Decay May Be Lurking
When the acids in plaque start drilling into a tooth, we usually don’t feel it until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings remove plaque before it can do any damage.

3. Prevent Oral Cancer
About 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. During your checkup we’ll screen for oral cancer. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is essential.

After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is necessary moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will make certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

Scheduling twice-yearly exams with Summer Dental in Las Vegas is the best way to ensure your teeth and gums are in great shape. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

Do I Need A Dental Cleaning If I Brush And Floss At Home?

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental cleaning, Dental Health, General Dentistry

dental cleanings Las Vegas

This post from Summer Dental in Las Vegas focuses on professional dental cleanings. You might wonder if you need a professional dental cleaning if you already practice dental hygiene daily at home.

The answer is that both processes are essential because they work in tandem to maintain oral health.

We encourage our patients to practice preventative dentistry by:

  • Brushing
  • Flossing
  • Healthy diet – fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
  • Regular dental cleanings
  • Regular checkups

Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of your daily oral care by removing the plaque and tarter that can accumulate regardless of daily brushing and flossing. In fact, when plaque hardens, it can only be removed with the special tools used by a hygienist.

A hygienist will first use a vibrating ultrasonic tool to dislodge the largest pieces of tartar. This process may tickle a bit. The hygienist will then use tools with finer attachments to remove the smaller pieces of calculus. When all plaque and tartar is gone, polishing is the final step in the cleaning process.

The goal is to make your tooth surfaces as smooth as possible, to prohibit food particles from lodging in tiny spaces that are difficult to clean. If you are having an exam during the same visit, your technician may take dental x-rays. X-rays can reveal cavities while they are small and can be easily filled.

Let our hygienist know if your teeth are sensitive so he/she can make your cleaning as comfortable as possible. After the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be given to help strengthen your teeth.

Before the hygienist leaves, you may want to ask if there are areas you can improve. Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are presenting a problem, you can talk to Dr. Habashi about sealants.

Call Summer Dental in Las Vegas to schedule a cleaning and checkup today. Our services also include general and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

ArticleID 7074

Check Out The Checkup!

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental cleaning, Dental Health, General Dentistry

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas we want to see each one of our patients for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. Most of the time we try to get you to schedule your next appointment even as you leave the office from your latest one.

There are some very good reasons for seeing us twice a year. Along with daily brushing and flossing, six-month cleanings and checkups are the best way to ensure you have good dental health. That means clean teeth with no cavities, and pink healthy gums.

Most appointments begin with a cleaning from the hygienist. During the cleaning we’ll scrape any tartar from your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque, and you can’t get it off with a toothbrush and floss. That’s one of the reasons brushing twice a day is so important: it helps prevent plaque buildup!

Scraping tartar off of your teeth is known as scaling. Once your teeth are scaled, we’ll polish them with a gritty toothpaste. This is pretty harsh stuff, and it does a fabulous job removing any surface stains on your teeth. Sometimes patients wonder if they can get something like it for use at home. The trouble with that is that it’s just too abrasive to use every day.

After scaling and brushing, the last step is flossing. Then, it’s the dentist’s turn.

During the checkup we look for any new cavities that may have appeared since your last visit. We might take X-rays, although this is not done at every visit. We’ll examine your gums, too, for any signs of gum disease.

Finally, we’ll look at your tongue, throat, face and and head, and your neck. We’re checking for swelling or redness, or any signs of cancer.

And that, in a nutshell, is how your visit to the dentist goes. At Summer Dental in Las Vegas our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

Dental Breakthroughs On The Horizon

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental Health, General Dentistry

dental breakthroughs Las Vegas

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we use the latest technology to provide our patients with quality dentistry. In addition, we keep up-to-date on the latest research that is pushing the industry forward.

Here are some of the intriguing dental technologies currently being studied and tested:

Fill and Heal: Bioactive Glass
A new type of filling created from ‘bioactive glass’ has been shown to lengthen the life of fillings by restricting secondary decay and replacing lost minerals.

“Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades. This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings.” Jamie Kruzic, professor of advanced structural and biomaterials at the Oregon State University College of Engineering

Stem Cells
Stem cell regenerative medicine is poised to provide a plethora of exciting innovations in dentistry.

A research team from the University of Nottingham and Harvard University is applying stem cell technology to dentistry with the development of stem-cell based biomaterials that regenerate tooth dentin.2 The intent is to use them in fillings and root canals to save and regenerate tooth structure. The research is in its early stages, but this technology could one day help preserve millions of smiles for individuals worldwide.

3D Printing
3D printing is already being used in some dental offices to fabricate aligners, retainers, drilling guides for implant placement, and extremely accurate models for restorations. As the printers become faster and less costly, you will be seeing them in more Nevada  dental offices.

Technology has its place, but experience, proficiency, and a warm and attentive chairside manner are just as crucial. The experienced team at Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces invites you to appreciate the difference at our comfortable dental office. Call today to make an appointment.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, advanced dental technology is an important part of the dental care we provide. Services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

ArticleID 7289

Summer Dental Takes Care Of Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental cleaning, Dental Health

Las Vegas Guide To Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

At Summe Dental in Las Vegas, we find that many of our patients get a couple of dental terms mixed up. In  this post, we would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities.

Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing. However, if it isn’t removed it can build up and harden into calculus.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that also accumulates minerals from food and saliva. Regular check-ups and cleanings are necessary to remove tartar as well as hard-to-reach plaque.

Plaque and calculus are not cavities

A cavity is basically a hole in the tooth caused by decay. Because plaque and calculus contain bacteria, the bacteria release acids which accelerate tooth decay and eventually lead to more cavities.

A good rule of thumb is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities.

We hope you’ve found this helpful. At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, our staff loves to answer any questions you have about dental health. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. To keep your smile clean and tartar-free, schedule your next cleaning and checkup with us today!

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

ArticleID 3783

5 Cavity Basics

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental cleaning, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist

The desire to prevent tooth decay is one of the main reasons people go to their regular checkups at Summer Dental in Las Vegas.

In this post, we are going to talk about five things you need to know about cavities.

1. Cavities are also called caries. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings emerge. These little holes are cavities.

2. Factors that contribute to decay are:

  • Frequent eating
  • Consuming sugary beverages
  • Oral bacteria
  • Poor dental hygiene

3. Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you observe any of these symptoms, you should call your dentist today to schedule an appointment.

4. Cavities are more common among youngsters, but that doesn’t mean adults don’t have to take precautions.

5. Avoiding cavities is straightforward. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat right, and forego frequent snacking.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we want all our patients to enjoy excellent dental health. Toward that end, we encourage you to come into our office every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. Services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today.

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

ArticleID 4786

Avoid These 5 Smile Wreckers

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental Health

oral health hazards Las Vegas

We hope this post from Summer Dental in Las Vegas will alert blog visitors to potential oral health risks. Too often, we treat tooth decay and damage caused by the following:

1. Sports Injuries

Many parents send their little ones out on the playing field with a mouthguard, but fail to safeguard themselves when they participate in activities that put teeth at risk. Talk to us at Summer Dental sports mouthguards for every athlete in the family.

2. Ice Chomping

Many men and women like chewing ice, especially that irresistible pebble ice you can get in some fountain drinks. You may not even be aware that you chew on the ice when you have finished your drink. Breaking this habit can protect your teeth from cracks, chips, and tooth sensitivity.

3. Oral Piercings

Are you someone who expresses your personality with piercings in and around the mouth? We strongly discourage this. In addition to the risk of cracking or chipping, infection and permanent nerve damage can result.

4. Gummy or Sour Candy

Of course all sugary treats are no friend to your enamel, but gummy candy packs a double punch because it is both sugary and clings firmly to teeth. Sour candy triggers even more acid production than sugary candy alone. If your sweet tooth is extremely persuasive, chew sugarless gum.

5. Eating Disorders

These complex mental disorders have a plethora of mental and physical implications and, for most affected people, cannot be simply wished away with willpower. If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, we hope you are receiving the appropriate specialized treatment. Be advised, however, that there are some things you can do to receive a measure of protection for your teeth while you work through the healing process. Doctor Habashi can provide sensitive, discrete oral health guidance for those currently suffering or those who have overcome a disorder but have tooth damage as a result.

What If It’s Too Late?

If you have oral health issues due to one of these, or for any other reason, there are still ways to heal your smile. Virtually all tooth damage can be treated with advanced dentistry.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas we pride ourselves on providing answers to the dental problems caused by common smile wreckers. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call us to schedule your next cleaning and checkup today.

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

ArticleID 7481

3 Point Checklist Before Your Dental Consultation

Posted on
Categories: Dental check-up, Dental Health

family dentist Las Vegas

Looking for a dentist because you’re losing the battle with plaque build-up, chipped teeth, tooth pain, stains, or tooth decay? Come see us at Summer Dental in Las Vegas for a cleaning and checkup.

The state of your mouth is essential to your health, both emotionally and physically. Everyone wants to make a pleasing impression when they smile or speak. We understand that.

The look, the odor, the feel, the functionality of your biting surfaces are important to your everyday experience. We recognize our role in finding answers to any issues you may have.

After you schedule a consultation, please take a moment to review the following checklist:

1. Evaluate your hygiene routine and gaps in technique or consistency.
When do you brush your teeth? Do you floss? How often? If not, why? We can review your habits and determine what is holding you back, if anything.

2. Describe pain or problem areas throughout your mouth.
Persistent or intermittent? Sharp or dull? Triggered by hot or cold? Living with pain is unneeded with the technology and expertise available these days. Usually there are manageable solutions to seemingly big pains. Let us address all your aches.

3. Describe what you want your smile to look like.
If you can describe your ideal smile, we can explore how to achieve it. There are numerous possibilities for a terrific smile transformation as well as dental maintenance procedures.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, the state of your smile is always our top priority. Please call our office to schedule a cleaning and checkup. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Make your next appointment today.

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

ArticleID 6934

Do You Have The Most Common Dental Problem?

Posted on
Categories: Cavity filling, Dental check-up, Dental Health

Las Vegas Teeth WhiteningAt Summer Dental in Las Vegas, cavity filling is something we do every day to create smiles that are both healthy and beautiful.

Decay is the most common dental problem and the second most common disease in the nation (number one is the common cold). In fact, virtually all American adults have had at least one cavity during their lifetime: some ninety-two percent of grownups between the ages of twenty and sixty-four. If you have one or more teeth with decay, and you’ve been putting off the dentist, it’s time to take care of them.

We use composite resins to fill cavities. These can be colored to match your teeth, so the fillings are not at all noticeable whenever you laugh or shout.

Remember: unfilled cavities can lead to other complications, like tooth abcesses or broken teeth. And that in itself is an excellent reason to not put off getting a cavityu filled; issues like that are more difficult to correct.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, cavity filling is one of the most important services we provide. Other services include pediatric dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces:

702-852-2829

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

10965 Lavender Hill Dr., #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
89135

 

ArticleID 1371