Dentist Las Vegas is a medical professional who works as part of a team to make sure people’s teeth are healthy. They undergo a path of study similar to that of a physician and must pass the same licensing exams.
Choosing the right dentist is important because they’ll be there to help you through your dental journey. They should be willing to work with your insurance, and be comfortable talking about your medical history.
Unlike traditional medical care, which focuses on treating health problems once they appear (including symptoms or complications), preventive healthcare aims to reduce the risk of disease and detect conditions at early stages, when they are easier to treat. It includes routine health services like physical exams, screenings, tests, and patient counseling that are used to prevent diseases or identify them at an early stage when treatment is more likely to work.
Preventive care is important at every age and stage of life, but it may require more attention and effort as people lead busier lives with competing priorities. The key is working together toward a common goal: delivering high-quality, personalized care that improves patient outcomes and experiences while reducing costs and burden to the health system.
Often, the best way to take control of your health is by leading a healthy lifestyle. CDPHP and your doctor can help you by providing recommendations that are tailored to you based on your age, health history, and family history. This is why so many preventive care services are free of copays or deductibles. These include vaccines to protect against diseases like tetanus, measles, and chicken pox, as well as health screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and certain cancers.
Fillings
Dental fillings are used to treat tooth decay and help repair the appearance of a damaged or broken tooth. They also protect a tooth from further damage and prevent bacteria from destroying the enamel.
To prepare for a filling, your dentist will numb the affected area with a topical gel or an injection of a local anesthetic. You may also be offered nitrous oxide, which allows you to relax and reduces your pain tolerance.
Then the dentist removes any remaining debris with a dental drill and cleans the tooth. A bonding agent is then applied, followed by composite resin. This is molded to fit the tooth, and a special light hardens each layer. Finally, the dentist trims and polishes the filling for a comfortable bite.
Tooth fillings can last up to 15 years with proper oral care and regular check-ups. However, they can become cracked or damaged over time, and you may need to get them replaced. To extend the life of your filling, you should avoid eating hard foods and brush and floss your teeth daily. It is also important to schedule regular check-ups, as your dentist can identify problems and recommend treatment before they become more severe.
Crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is customized to cover a patient’s tooth to restore its shape and size, increase its strength, improve its appearance, or for any number of cosmetic reasons. When a crown is cemented into place, it completely encases the tooth, protecting it from further damage or decay.
The procedure begins with the dentist numbing the affected tooth, and then trimming away some of the surface of it to create space for the cap. A bite impression will also be taken, so that the crown fits comfortably with the teeth above and below it (this is referred to as ‘occlusion’).
Crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic and are usually more durable than straight fillings. However, because they are a mixture of different metals, allergic reactions can sometimes occur.
It is important for patients to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices and see their dentist regularly to extend the lifespan of dental work, including crowns. This includes teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and check-ups. In addition, patients should wear a mouthguard while sleeping to prevent grinding and clenching of the teeth which can cause deterioration of enamel and also shorten the lifespan of other dental work such as fillings and crowns.
Root Canals
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected tissue from the inside of a tooth and replaces it with filling material. This keeps the tooth functional and protects it from a future infection, and helps patients maintain their natural smile.
A patient can need a root canal due to several factors including, but not limited to:
The dentist will administer anesthesia to the infected tooth and surrounding gum to ensure that it is completely numb. They will then place a small rubber sheet (dental dam) over the area to isolate it and keep it dry during the treatment. They will then make a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels and tissue. They will clean and disinfect the area and then seal it to prevent reinfection.
Although root canals have a reputation for being painful procedures, modern technology and techniques have made them more comfortable than ever. Typically, patients experience very little pain during this process and can return to normal eating and chewing within a few days. Root canals are also less expensive than replacing the tooth and can help preserve the natural alignment of other teeth in the mouth.
Extractions
While dentists are focused on helping patients retain their natural teeth for life, sometimes it is not possible and a tooth must be pulled. This is often the case with patients suffering from periodontal (gum) disease, which results in loosening of the tissues and bones that support the teeth.
To prevent pain throughout the body, dentists inject a local anesthetic before extracting the tooth. In some cases, this treatment may require sedation to ensure patient comfort. This is usually a good idea for people with significant dental anxiety, especially for lengthy procedures.
Sedation can be delivered either by a pill or intravenously (IV). IV sedation allows for more rapid and consistent administration of sedative drugs as well as the option of adding pain medication if required. Patients who choose this option should arrange for a driver the day of their appointment.
A thorough risk vs benefit discussion of extraction should be undertaken with the patient, including a consideration of their medical history. This should include a check for stroke-risk factors such as hypertension and previous transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). It is also essential to understand the implications of extraction in patients on blood-thinning medications. Clear safety net instructions should be provided if these patients develop severe, prolonged bleeding at home that cannot be controlled by pressure.
Implants
Dental implants are metal fixtures that replace the root of a missing tooth. They are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they become anchored to the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, an artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the implant. Dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Whether an implant is the best choice for you depends on many factors, including your general oral health and medical history. Patients who smoke or have uncontrolled medical conditions may not be candidates for implant treatment. Implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options and may not be covered by insurance.
Before placing an implant, the dentist will evaluate your mouth to determine if there is enough healthy bone to support it. If there isn’t, a small graft may be needed to build up the area before the surgery. During the implant procedure, you will be under local anesthesia. After the surgery, you’ll need to follow a strict regimen of brushing and flossing to prevent infection and keep the area healthy. Your dentist and hygienist will develop a comprehensive post-implant placement maintenance plan to ensure the best outcome.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the aesthetics of the teeth and gums. This includes treatments like dental veneers, teeth whitening, and dental bonding, as well as orthodontic procedures such as Invisalign clear aligners and tooth reshaping (enamel shaping). A cosmetic dentist will have taken extra training to master these techniques. They will have real world experience and a deep technical knowledge of the procedures, as well as a refined artistic touch.
Cosmetic treatment not only improves a patient’s appearance, but can also lead to better oral health. Teeth that are straight and have a uniform shape are easier to clean, so they are less likely to develop decay or infection. Likewise, an uneven bite can affect the way you chew food, making it harder to digest. Correcting these issues early on with cosmetic dentistry can save you from needing more invasive and expensive procedures in the future.
A beautiful smile can have a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem, and can make them more confident in social situations. This can help you get a job or meet new people, and can even lead to more romantic relationships.