Dental Health

5 Critical Oral Cancer Facts

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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

3 Problems Which May Require A Root Canal

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Root canals

North Las Vegas family dentist

The idea of root canal therapy can strike fear in the most courageous dental patients. It is important to know what is happening during this anxiety-inducing though routine procedure, which we perform at Summer Dental in Las Vegas.

At the center of each tooth is a very small tissue called the pulp. Any of the following problems can damage the pulp:

  • An injury to the tooth
  • A very deep cavity
  • A crack in the tooth

If this tissue becomes damaged or infected, it can build up at the root tip inside the jawbone and form an abscess. If ignored, this can destroy the bone and eventually cause a lot of pain

When we perform a root canal, the infected pulp is cleared out. The space that is left is cleaned and then it is shaped and filled. This eliminates the need for a diseased tooth to be pulled. It would require continued cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gap.

We hope this message has helped you better understand this effective and sometimes necessary procedure. Accurate dental information is important.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas we perform root canals, and provide a full range of 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

 

ArticleID 4716

Three Reasons Not to Skip a Dental Checkup

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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

 

Find A Few Minutes To Floss

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Las Vegas family dentistry

One common reason given by people who don’t floss their teeth is that the practice is difficult to fit into their daily schedule. If you’ve found this to be true, Summer Dental in Las Vegas has some suggestions for fitting this vital dental health habit into your day.

  • The most common time is right before bed, but make sure you aren’t too tired to do a good job.
  • Right when you wake up is also an option, but if food is left between teeth all night, it can lead to plaque.
  • Try just after lunch, before you go back to work.
  • Floss while you are in the car sitting in traffic. It’s easier one-handed with the pre-strung floss pics. (You might get some curious looks from other drivers, but it’s worth it.)
  • Keep some floss in your gym bag so you can floss after you exercise.
  • While you’re watching the nightly news.

We hope this gives you some ideas to help you make flossing part of your daily routine. Flossing is important for anyone who wants to have a healthy smile.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, the dental health of our patients is always our number one priority. Our services include 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

 

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Dental Implants Change Lives

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Categories: Dental Health, Dental implants

dental implants Las Vegas

A wise person once said that everyone wants a long life, but no one wants to get old. Yet it happens. While some challenges that come with aging can’t be avoided, others can. At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we help patients of all ages with their dental health issues.

Gaps In Your Smile?

Many dental problems common among retirees such as missing teeth, gum recession, tooth damage, and yellowed enamel, can be remedied.

Some people think losing their teeth as they age is inevitable. It isn’t. With a proper dental health routine at home and regular cleanings and checkups in our office (just like you’ve always done, we hope) your teeth can last a lifetime.

Changes

But the mouth does undergo changes as we age. The nerves in teeth may get smaller, to the point where teeth are not as sensitive to cavities and other issues. That means you may not feel as much tooth pain from a cavity as you once did. Regular checkups become that much more important.

If you do lose one or more of your teeth, dental implants may be right for you. Implants can:

  • Support a single artificial tooth
  • Support a set of dentures

To find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants, call us at Summer Dental in Las Vegas to schedule an appointment. Other services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office 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 8158

Not Happy With Your Dentist?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentisty

Looking for a new dentist? It’s easy to find one. A quick Google search, a Yelp review or two, and you’ll have a short list of possibilities. The trick is finding a dentist you’re happy with! At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we’re proud of our positive online reviews.

Even so, knowing whether a dentist is right for you can be a little tricky. What traits should you look for? There are a lot of factors that come into play. Do you choose a dentist near your home? By experience and education? Or maybe because a friend recommended a practice?

What To Look For

It may not be an exact science. But here are some of the things we think you should look for when trying to find a dentist:

  • Continuing Education. Dentistry is complex, and always changing. A good dentist is committed to staying on top of innovations and developments. A desire and willingness to improve is a trait to look for.
  • Sharing Information. A good dentist is always ready to explain what’s going on with your dental health. Any issues you might have should be explained in plain English.
  • A Good Listener. Whether it’s a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, or some other specialty, a good dentist will listen to your concerns and address any issues you might raise.
  • Good Manual Dexterity. Your mouth is a sensitive place. It’s also small, compared to the rest of your body. Certain dental procedures can be time-consuming and require a steady hand.
  • Conservative. Not every smile needs to be corrected to meet an ideal; not every cavity needs to be filled right away. A good dentist will take a conservative approach to treatment, and always do what is best for you.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we strive for excellence in dentistry every single day. We want to have happy patients with great dental health. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. We would love to see you in our office for a cleaning and checkup soon!

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 2988

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

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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

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

This post from Summer Dental in Las Vegas is about your toothbrush and your dental health.

As you stand over your bathroom sink and look at the frayed bristles of your favorite brush, you may wonder if it’s time to replace it.

It’s a good question. We all brush our teeth on a daily basis. Like a good pair of jeans, it seems the more we use a toothbrush, the more comfortable it gets.

As it turns out, that’s not a good thing when it comes to brushing your teeth.

The angle of the bristles on your toothbrush are an important part of cleaning. Straight bristles scrub your teeth and flex your gums. A light circular motion is enough to clean your teeth without causing damage.

Flat or frayed bristles are less capable and can even cause you to work harder. Pressing harder on your teeth can cause damage.

So how often should you change your toothbrush?

Anyone who has worried about changing the oil in their car has learned this basic rule of thumb; change your oil every three months. It’s the same with your toothbrush.

Most dental professionals recommend a new toothbrush every three months. The American Dental Association suggests replacing your toothbrush “every three to four months.” The reasons include worn bristles and bacteria.

Worn bristles, as we have discussed, are less effective. Bacteria can also built up in the small gaps of your toothbrush and may contribute to decay and bad breath. Make sure you keep your toothbrush in a sanitary location. Allow for good drying to help extend its life.

Regardless of how long it’s been, if the bristles on your toothbrush look like they’re trying to get away from each other, it’s time. Otherwise, change your toothbrush at the start of every new season to keep it fresh and effective.

At Summer Dental in Las Vegas, we want the best possible dental health for each of our patients. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry, and pediactric 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

 

ArticleID 7776

Check Out The Checkup!

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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

Relieving Your Dental Anxiety At Summer Dental – Kids|Adults|Braces

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Categories: Dental anxiety, Dental Health, Sedation dentistry

Relieving Your Dental Anxiety At Summer Dental - Kids|Adults|Braces

If you tense up just thinking about going to the dentist, you may benefit from sedation dentistry offered by Summer Dental in Las Vegas.

Millions of Americans stress out because they have to see the dentist. It is referred to as dental anxiety. There is a more severe form, too, called dental phobia. In both, some people would rather skip the dentist altogether than sit down for a checkup. The problem with that is it puts their dental health at risk.

There are lots of reasons why people develop anxiety or phobia over dental care. It often stems from a bad experience they had with a dentist as a kid. Fear of pain is often involved, as well as a fear of anesthesics and possible side effects.

Whatever the cause, sedation dentistry has helped millions of people get through their dentist appointments. We offer three types:

  • Nitrous Oxide. You also know this as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for more than a century and is highly effective.
  • Oral conscious sedation. You take a sedative an hour or so before the appointment. You won’t sleep, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. When the appointment is over, someone will have to drive you home.
  • IV Sedation. As the name suggests, this is a sedative that is administered intravenously. You won’t sleep with this on, either, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. You’ll need an escort for a ride here and back.

It is essential that you do not compromise your dental health by skipping the dentist. Sedation dentistry from Summer Dental in Las Vegas may be just what you need. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an 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

 

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