Archives: Dental Services

Many people avoid visiting the dentist due to stress, anxiety, or a concern regarding pain management. In fact, half of Americans don’t visit the dentist each year, for various reasons. If you’re concerned about making sure that you and your loved ones experience peace of mind and physical comfort in the dentist’s office, we understand. Fortunately, we’re one step ahead of you! Modern sedation makes dental procedures more comfortable for the patient, which in turn allows the doctor to perform procedures with precision and efficiency. Dr. Spillers at Summit Dental in Las Vegas, NV offers three levels of sedation dentistry, and we’ll recommend the best option for you.

Reserve your appointment to learn more about sedation dentistry by calling 702-834-7755.

We Vow to Keep You Comfortable

One of the most important things we do for our patients, in addition to providing clinically precise, evidence-based dental care, is to prioritize patient comfort. You, your parents, children, and those you refer to our office will understand this commitment after just one visit. Part of our commitment to comfort involves giving patients all of the education required to make wise, confident decisions regarding treatment plans. Should you ever have questions or concerns, please voice them. Everyone on our team is prepared to answer questions, or to find answers for you. We consistently present a calm, confident chairside manner and are tuned-in to the nuances of our patients’ needs and desires.

If you express to us that you would like to explore sedation dentistry, we’ll be happy to provide further explanation about the following options.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is more commonly called laughing gas, because it creates a light, giddy feeling when inhaled. Yes, sometimes patients laugh! For over 100 years, nitrous oxide has kept dental patients comfortable during procedures. It is safe for children and adults, and the effects wear off within minutes after the patient breathes normal oxygen. To administer this form of sedation dentistry, we’ll provide you with a mask to wear over your nose. A team member will monitor the amount of nitrous oxide you receive, altering it as necessary to ensure your comfort. You’ll retain your ability to respond to the doctor when he asks questions or makes requests of you. However, your senses will be dulled so that you will not feel pain, anxiety, or stress. After nitrous oxide, the patient can drive and return to work or play without needing supervision.

Oral Sedation

For a bit more intense sedation dentistry, the doctor may recommend Oral Sedation. This involves taking a prescribed tablet, usually valium or halcyon, about one hour before your scheduled procedure. You will experience drowsiness, but you won’t be “put to sleep”. Patients sometimes relax to the point of falling asleep, though. With Oral Sedation, you’ll remain able to communicate with our team. Most patients remember nothing of their appointment after the sedative wears off which generally takes a few hours. Since you will not be allowed to drive while on a sedative, a driver must be prearranged to bring you to and from the visit. Schedule the entire day at home and then plan to return to normal activities the following day.

IV Sedation

The deepest level of sedation we offer is IV sedation, administered through IV. IV sedation is best suited for people who are highly phobic of dental procedures, or those requiring invasive treatments, like a complex root canal. Once you’re made comfortable, you’ll be given an IV and the appropriate level of sedation. You’ll feel very groggy; some people call this twilight dentistry. As with the oral sedative, you’ll need a ride to and from your appointment, and expect to remain at home for the remainder of the day, after your procedure.

Schedule Sedation Dentistry Now

To discuss sedation options, ask questions about your procedure, or schedule sedation for an upcoming appointment, call Summit Dental today at 702-834-7755. Our team is ready to serve you and your family with comfortable preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

Dental implants are the most stable, reliable method for replacing a single tooth or retaining dentures and partials. Best of all, they do not require alteration of healthy teeth as bridges do. If you need to replace one missing tooth, a few teeth, or you’d like to improve your denture security, talk with Dr. Spillers at Summit Dental to learn whether dental implants are an option for you. Our doctor utilizes the latest technology and training to ensure you will have a great experience.

Call us at 702-834-7755 to reserve a dental implant consultation today.

Are You a Dental Implant Candidate?

Not everyone makes a good candidate for dental implants, though most of our patients qualify. At your consultation, Dr. Spillers will answer all of your questions and perform an examination of your mouth. He will also take any necessary x-rays to evaluate your jawbone’s density and health. Good implant candidates have good oral health, no gum disease, and solid jawbone density. In most cases, those who do not immediately qualify can undergo prerequisite procedures to improve candidacy. Once oral health, including gum health, is restored and jawbone density repaired, you may be re-evaluated for implants.

A Two-Phase Procedure

Dental implants require a brief, outpatient oral surgery as phase one. The surgery is typically performed by Dr. Spillers, although he may occasionally refer to an oral surgeon or periodontist who collaborate directly with him.  We also offer sedation dentistry  to help ease patient anxiety. During the procedure, a predetermined number of small, titanium implant posts will be strategically inserted into your jawbone for optimal stability and longevity. Most patients require three to six months of healing while the bone naturally incorporates the biocompatible implant posts. Once the implants are solid, you’ll return to Summit Dental for the second and final phase of the procedure, attaching your restoration.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Though dental implants can hold a single crown or a bridge, they are often used to stabilize dentures. Both upper and lower dentures can be secured to implants, either permanently or with the option to remove the appliance for cleaning. However, since most denture slippage occurs with the lower denture, implants are most often employed for mandibular denture retention.

With implant-retained dentures, four to six dental implants are secured in the jaw. The patient may wear a temporary denture until the jawbone completely fuses with the implant posts. Then, the final denture can be created and secured.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Compared to living with missing teeth, dental implants are a major quality of life improvement. With implants, you’ll enjoy these benefits:

• No reliance of healthy teeth. While bridges require alteration of two healthy teeth for crowns, and partials place an extra burden on healthy teeth that hold them in place, implant-retained prosthetics are self-sufficient. They place no stress on healthy teeth. Because added stress increases the potential for tooth failure, implants are the healthier choice.
• No slippage, looseness, or wobbling. Traditionally, retained dentures tend to become loose and poor fitting as the natural ridges of the jaw wear smooth. This isn’t an issue when dentures are retained with implants. You’ll never experience slippage, looseness, or wobbling, and you’ll never need your dentures relined.
• Long lasting reliability. If you maintain good oral health, your implants could last the rest of your life.
• Easy care. Permanent dental implant-retained prosthetics require no special care. Simply brush, floss, and visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings. Removable dentures attached to implants do require a special care regimen, but it’s simple.
• Dependability, even chewing tough foods. With an implant-retained prosthetic, biting and chewing foods that are dense, crunchy, or chewy won’t be a problem. As a result, you can eat a healthy diet which promotes good overall health!
• Jawbone retention. When teeth roots are missing, the jawbone naturally loses density, becoming brittle and weak. Implants promote solid bone density, so osteoporosis of the jaw does not occur as it does with traditionally-retained prosthetics.

Schedule Dental Implant Consultation Now

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and find out if you’re a candidate for the procedure, call Summit Dental today at 702-834-7755. We are accepting new patients and look forward to improving both your oral health and your smile!

Using the latest technology available, we can make same day crowns that look and feel like your natural teeth! Traditionally, crowns have taken two separate visits with the patient wearing a temporary crown while the lab fabricates the permanent crown.  Besides the inconvenience of two separate visits, temporary crowns had the potential to break or fall off requiring even more visits! With the addition of our Cerec machine, we can now eliminate the second visit and the worries and stress that come with wearing a temporary crown.

Crowns are recommended for teeth that have large decay, cracks, or fillings. Essentially a crown is recommended on any tooth that lacks the appropriate amount of remaining tooth structure to support the health of the tooth long term.  We also recommend crowns for any posterior tooth that has had a root canal completed as the process of doing a root canal can weaken the tooth and make it more at risk to fracture in the future.

Dr. Spillers at Summit Dental employs digital scanning to ensure that the accuracy and fit of your crown is as high as possible.  This means you no longer have to suffer through the messy process of taking a traditional goopy impression! From these digital scans we can design and mill the crown right in our office.  The crowns typically require little to no adjustments and are cemented in that same day. The crowns are the same ceramic materials and quality that we get from the lab, just without the 2 weeks of waiting!

If you are interested in learning more about same day Cerec crowns, call us today at 702-834-7755 to schedule a consultation!

Treatment Appointment

Your appointment starts with Dr. Spillers and his team scanning your teeth into the Cerec machine. After the tooth is prepared for the crown, we will use the Cerec software to digitally design your custom crown. We love including the patient in this process from beginning to end. After the design is finalized, the crown is sent to the milling unit and the crown is fabricated. The fabrication process takes between 10-40 minutes depending on the material used.  During this time, you can relax and watch TV or play on your cell phone. Once the process is complete, we will of course always show you the final crown prior to cementing it. This is so you can approve the cosmetics of the crown and give us the final approval that you love it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits of a Crown

• Offers support to misshapen or badly-broken down teeth
• Looks and feels natural
• Protects posterior teeth that have root canals
• Can fix your smile or correct chewing problems
• More stable long term than a large filling

Crown Materials

There have been many wonderful advances in dental technology in the last 10 years and you can trust that Dr. Spillers and his Summit Dental team are current with the latest crown materials and cements.  In almost all cases, we recommend ceramic crowns that are metal free.  These crowns are made of only one solid material, unlike crowns in the past where porcelain was layered on top of a metal coping.  These old crowns did not appear as lifelike as the new ceramic materials, and they were prone to chips and fractures.  Over time, these crowns also created additional wear on the healthy teeth opposing them. With our knowledge of the newest ceramics, you can be sure we will deliver custom natural looking crowns that take advantage of all the advances science can offer. We will also seek out modern technology and make sure our patients are receiving the best researched and longest lasting crown materials.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Do you experience pain on a tooth when you are chewing?  If so, the tooth may have cracks in it that are weakening the tooth and causing pain.  When there are large fillings on a tooth, in particular large silver fillings, they can weaken the surrounding healthy tooth structure.  Over time as you chew, clench, or grind on that tooth, it can develop hairline cracks that are undetectable to the naked eye.  If you don’t seek out a dentist, this can lead to cracked tooth syndrome. If the cracks are neglected long enough, the tooth could fracture and have to be extracted.  If you have a tooth that is painful when you chew, call our office for a consultation.  The solution for a cracked tooth is to place a crown on the tooth, so it is supported and won’t fracture in the future.

Schedule Your Same Day Crown Now!

If you’d like to learn more about same day crowns and find out if you’re a candidate for the procedure, call Summit Dental today at 702-834-7755. We are accepting new patients and look forward to improving both your oral health and your smile!

 

At Summit Dental, our team respects the fact that emergencies pop up when least expected, like during a soccer game or right before bedtime, at home. Our patients are the most important part of our practice, so we offer emergency dentistry. If you experience an urgent oral health situation during office hours, call us and we’ll do our best to let a dentist see you the same day, if necessary. After office hours, call our main line to learn how to get in touch with our on-call staff member.

Are you having an emergency? Call us now at

702-834-7755.

If you have a severe laceration or potentially broken jaw, do not wait. Go straight to the nearest emergency room, and call us once the patient is under a doctor’s care. Please put our number in your cell phone now. It’s 702-834-7755.

Who Needs Emergency Dentistry?

When a tooth is knocked out, if it still has its nerve and did not break structurally, it might be successfully reattached, but time is of the essence. (Read below on first aid tips for this and other common dental emergency situations.) An acute toothache that keeps you up at night and has kept you from working should be addressed by a dentist as soon as possible. These are true dental emergencies that require immediate treatment.

What Can Wait?

Some urgent situations can wait until the next day for treatment, if an emergency occurs after office hours. For instance, if a crown, filling, or permanent bridge comes loose, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible so that you can eat properly. A tooth that breaks or chips, but does not cause pain, can be seen the next day – or even the next week, if that works better for your schedule. When a nagging toothache doesn’t go away after a few days, you need to see the dentist. However, you don’t necessarily have to see a dentist immediately.

Are you having an emergency? Call us now at

702-834-7755.

First Aid for Dental Emergencies

Whether or not you see the dentist immediately following the injury, dental emergencies require first aid from a knowledgeable person who’s on the scene of the accident. By reading these tips, you’ll have the information you need to help out when the time comes.

Toothache

The first course of action for a toothache is to thoroughly rinse the mouth and floss teeth. Commonly, food particles lodged between teeth can cause significant discomfort. Simply removing the food will relieve pain. However, if flossing does not resolve the issue, the patient should take an appropriate dose of over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or Advil, and call our office. Dental infections can become quite serious, left untreated. Not only will pain increase, but the infection could spread into the blood stream and affect other parts of the body.

Dislodged/Knocked Out Tooth

When an accident causes a tooth to come out of its socket completely, first determine whether the lost tooth is a primary tooth (baby tooth) or permanent tooth (adult tooth). Primary teeth are going to fall out in time, so while you should visit the dentist for a checkup to make sure the site of the lost tooth is healthy, you do not have to try to find and save the tooth. You should check the child’s mouth, inside his lips and cheeks, and beneath his tongue, to remove any pieces of the damaged tooth. You do not want him to choke on it or aspirate it.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, first address the patient. He/she should apply a clean, moist cloth or wet teabag to the empty, bleeding socket and exert some pressure. Biting down on the towel or teabag is sufficient. Pressure will help with clotting. Next, find the tooth or its pieces, gently rinse them in clear, clean water if they are dirty. Be careful with any remaining nerve tissue, which would extend from the root of the tooth. Do not touch the nerve. Place the tooth or its pieces into a small container, such as a Baggie, with either milk or the patient’s saliva to keep the tooth moist. Then, call our office to let us know you’re coming. Transport the tooth and patient to our office, as advised.

Broken/Chipped Tooth

When a tooth is broken or chipped, simply gather the pieces and place them in a small container. Call our office, and we’ll let you know what to do next. Treatment will depend upon the extent of damage.

Schedule Your Appointment

Whenever you experience a toothache, oral abnormality, or dental emergency, call Summit Dental today at 702-834-7755. We provide emergency dental care for current and new patients, so save our phone number in your phone for quick reference in the future. New patients welcome!

If you are experiencing prolonged cold or hot sensitivity on a toothache, this may be a sign you need a root canal. When you feel these symptoms, it is usually a problem with the nerve of the tooth. If neglected long enough, the painful tooth can become infected and even lead to swelling of your jaw. If you are experiencing any of these problems, please contact our office right away! We strive to see all emergencies the same day you call, and we consider it one of the great privileges of our profession to help people get out of pain.

Are you in pain? Call us now at

702-834-7755.

What causes teeth to need root canal therapy?

The nerve of a tooth is found deep inside the middle of the tooth. When dental decay is neglected for too long, it can cause destruction of the tooth all the way to the nerve. When this happens, the nerve swells and causes a tooth ache. Another reason a tooth could need a root canal is a crack in the tooth that has reached the nerve. Sometimes a tooth can need a root canal for no apparent reason. Previous trauma to the tooth, such as an accident to the face and teeth, or orthodontic movement can predispose a tooth to have the nerve go bad. It is common to not know which tooth has gone bad as you may only feel pain in an entire region of the mouth. There are tests Dr. Spillers at Summit Dental can perform to help determine the cause and location of the problem tooth. These can include x-rays and clinical tests that will help make the proper diagnosis.

Root Canal Procedure

Since root canals can cause great anxiety to many patients, we first ensure that you are comfortable for the procedure. If desired, we offer nitrous oxide and oral or IV sedation. These can help you to feel comfortable and relaxed while we perform the procedure. After you are comfortable, we numb the area and start the root canal. A small hole is made in the top of the tooth to gain access to the nerve. It is then removed, and the tooth is shaped for the root canal filling material. The area where the nerve used to be is then filled and closed with a temporary filling. An x-ray is then taken to verify that the root canal went well and you can be released. If Dr. Spillers feels it is necessary, you may be prescribed pain medications and/or antibiotics.

What to expect after a root canal

Typically, the amount of pain a patient has before the root canal procedure will determine how much pain they experience afterwards. If a tooth is extremely painful before you visit the dentist, you can expect it to feel about the same for a brief time after your root canal. This is when Dr. Spillers may prescribe pain medications. This pain should taper off and become less noticeable each day as the area around the tooth heals. If you have no pain prior to needing a root canal, you can expect little to no discomfort after the procedure has been performed. Antibiotics are usually used sparingly and when needed. This can include times when you are visibly swollen or are running a fever.

What is the next step?

A root canal procedure is usually only half of the treatment needed to restore your tooth back to complete health. When performing a root canal, the tooth is weakened and can become more likely to fracture or break. To prevent this, most teeth that have root canals will need a crown done after the root canal is completed. This crown can protect the root canal and the remaining tooth from fracturing and possibly needing an extraction.

Referrals to Endodontists (root canal specialists)

Dr. Spillers is trained to do root canals and completes most of his own root canals in the office. Occasionally, teeth can present complications for a variety of reasons. They may have significant curves or obstructions that make the tooth harder to treat. Dr. Spillers will use his judgement and occasionally refer you to an endodontist if needed. Endodontists have 2-3 years of additional training beyond dental school and are specialists in performing root canals. Often they can complete the root canal in a shorter time, and with advanced equipment such as microscopes, they can manage any complicated teeth.

Schedule a Consultation Now

If you are having dental pain, or any dental emergency, call our office today at 702-834-7755.  We would love to help you get out of pain!

If you have lost some or all of your teeth, dentures can replace your missing teeth and improve your quality of life. With a little practice, dentures can make eating and speaking easier. You can smile freely without feeling embarrassed.

Dentures can be made to look like your natural teeth. Full dentures may even give you a better smile than you’ve ever had! Dentures also help you to look more youthful as they support the cheeks and lips so the facial muscles do not sag.

As with all new and critical periods, you may encounter moments of anxiety and worry at first. This is understandable and it is only natural that you will experience minor annoyances and adjustments at first. We at Summit Dental realize this and in order to help you overcome these problems and enable you to more quickly enjoy your artificial teeth, we have prepared this handout.

Call 702-834-7755 now to schedule a denture consultation!

Immediate Dentures

Some patients may have the option to get immediate dentures. These dentures are made before the remaining teeth are removed. Once the denture has been made by the lab, the remaining teeth are extracted and the denture is placed right away. The benefit of immediate dentures is that the denture wearer does not have to go without teeth during the healing time. The downside is that while the gums heal and shrink underneath the denture, a process that can take 2-6 months, the fit of the denture will loosen over time. To counter this, the dentures will need to be adjusted and relined (see below) more often. In some cases, a new denture needs to be made after the healing is complete. This can be a good idea as the old denture can be retained as a spare.

You should not remove your denture for the first 24 hours. It will act as a bandage to protect the extraction sites and helps control bleeding and swelling. After three days of healing, you may use a denture adhesive if you desire. It may be difficult to eat at first because of the soreness of the gums, but a soft diet with lots of liquids will keep your strength up until you are able to chew more solid foods.

Getting Used to Dentures

A new denture is uncomfortable for the first several weeks. It may feel loose while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold it in place. Additionally, saliva may increase and you may feel minor irritation or soreness. You may bite your cheeks or tongue as you learn to use your new denture. It takes practice and patience to eat with dentures, so start with soft foods cut into small portions. Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth at the same time to keep the denture from moving out of place. Don’t bite with your front teeth as this causes your denture to tip and come loose. As you adjust to the denture, add other types of foods until you’re back to your normal diet.

Speaking with a new denture takes time and practice. Read aloud and repeat difficult words in front of the mirror. Speak slowly to help reduce muffled, blurred or thickened speech. You may lisp or whistle your “s” when you first try to talk. Your denture may sometimes slip out of place when you laugh, cough or smile. Put it back in place by gently biting down and swallowing.

Relines

A loose denture makes it harder to chew and may cause irritation, sores, or infection in your mouth. If your denture is loose, return to our dental office so we can check it. You may need a temporary “soft” reline or a laboratory “hard” reline. A temporary soft reline is done in the office while you wait. It is usually done during the healing phase. A soft material that bonds to the underside of the denture is added to improve the fit. This material helps keep the denture close and comfortable. It is removed when a laboratory hard reline is needed. Most people are ready for a permanent laboratory hard reline in six to eight months when the healing has completed. You need to leave your dentures with us for up to eight hours. The process involves removing any temporary soft reline material and making an impression of the space between your gums and the denture. A permanent hard reline is then made with the same type of material used to make the pink portion of your denture. A reline generally does not change how the denture or your face looks.

Home Care

Dentures, like natural teeth, must be cleaned to keep your mouth healthy and odor free. Brush the surfaces of your denture inside and out morning and night. Brush with the solution from denture cleanser soaking solutions, liquid soaps, or special toothpaste designed for dentures. After the first night, store your dentures in water or denture cleanser soaking solution when you are not wearing them. This helps keep the shape and prevents drying out. Please don’t adjust or repair a denture yourself as you can permanently damage the denture and cause harm to the tissue in your mouth. Don’t use hot water on the denture as it can cause it to warp. Don’t use scouring powders on your denture, as they can remove the denture materials or roughen the surface. Don’t use abrasive cleaners or bleach to remove stains. They can change the color of the gum-colored acrylic.

Denture facts

A lower denture is never as “tight” as an upper denture. The lower denture doesn’t have the suction to keep it in place like the upper one does. The lower denture is held in place by the muscles of the lips, tongue and cheeks. It should not pop out of place, but it does not have a tight feeling. It usually takes 4-5 times longer to master a complete lower denture compared to an upper denture.

Getting used to a denture takes time and patience. Remember, your gum tissue changes, not your denture. For some patients, many visits to the dentist for adjustments are needed. A big gain or loss in body weight can also change the fit of your denture.

Lastly, a yearly check-up is recommended in order to examine the oral tissues, perform an oral cancer screening, and clean your dentures.

Call to Schedule a Consultation About Dentures

If you want more information about dentures, don’t hesitate to call our office at 702-834-7755.  Dr. Spillers would be happy to answer your questions!

 

Fillings are how dentists replace missing tooth structure caused by dental decay or cavities. With advances in technology, we can now place white composite fillings that look and feel natural so you can smile with confidence. Fillings can be done in one visit and can help prevent further breakdown of a tooth before it needs a root canal or an extraction.

If you think you may have a cavity, call us now to schedule a consultation!

702-834-7755

What causes teeth to need fillings?

Tooth decay or a “cavity” is what causes a tooth to need a filling. More specifically, cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth that eat on the same foods that you do. When you eat foods containing processed carbohydrates or sugars, the bacteria in your mouth love to feast on them as well. After they metabolize the sugars, they release acid that eats away at healthy tooth structure and causes holes. These bacteria hide out in the grooves of our teeth, or in between the teeth, and this is the reason we recommend you brush and floss them away every day!

When there is a hole in a tooth, you need to seek out a dental professional who can help you repair that hole. These holes can be detected with x-rays and a clinical exam.

Once it is determined that a cavity is present, Dr. Spillers will recommend either a filling or a crown depending on the size of the hole. If a filling is needed, the area will be numbed first. Then the decayed area will be removed and filled with a white composite material. This filling will seal the area and prevent bacteria and food from causing further breakdown.

Filling Procedure

Depending on the number of fillings to be done, your appointment will be between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Dr. Spillers will first numb the area so the procedure will be as comfortable as possible for you. He will then remove any diseased tooth structure that has been destroyed by the bacteria. The tooth will then be isolated, and a dental adhesive will be placed. This adhesive will help create the bond between your tooth and the filling. The white composite filling material is then sculpted into place while it still has a “playdough” consistency. Then a dental curing light will be used to harden the filling material into its final shape. At this point, Dr. Spillers will adjust and polish the filling so it appears as lifelike as possible and allows you to chew normally. Once the anesthesia has worn off (typically about 1-2 hours at most), you can chew and use this tooth. There is no waiting period necessary. It is possible the tooth and the injection area may be a little sore for a couple of days and if this occurs, just take Advil or Tylenol as needed.

How long does a filling last?

Typically, a filling will last somewhere between 7-10 years. Many people consider a filling a “permanent” solution and think that once the procedure is done the problem is fixed. Most people don’t know that a filling can get another cavity underneath it. Unfortunately, a filling only repairs the damage and does not correct the source of the problem. The real solution is getting patients to brush and floss better and make healthy food choices. We will help educate you on how to clean your fillings and take good care of them. With your help, you can expect your filling to last much longer that the average of 7-10 years that is common.

Benefits of white composite fillings

There are numerous benefits of composite fillings over traditional types of fillings done in the past. Composite fillings blend in more naturally to the surrounding teeth because they are white. They also feel more natural when you chew and taste. Compared to old amalgam (sometimes called “silver”) fillings, composite fillings bond to the tooth and create a much tighter seal. This helps to prevent decay from creeping back under the filling. Additionally, composite is less temperature sensitive that amalgam metal fillings. Amalgam can carry the temperature of a cold or hot liquid into the tooth and cause it to be sensitive. Extreme temperatures can also cause the amalgam to expand and cause cracks in a tooth over time. Composite overcomes these challenges and helps to support the surrounding tooth structure instead of weakening it.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think you may have a cavity, or just want a regular check up and cleaning, call our office at 702-834-7755.

There are multiple reasons a tooth may need to be extracted. The tooth may be broken down from dental decay, have an infection, or be impacted. Impacted means that the tooth is coming in sideways and is blocked from erupting normally. If any of these situations occur, an extraction may be recommended. Dr. Spillers has a lot of experience and training in doing extractions and even extracts wisdom teeth in our office.

Call our office today for more information!

702-834-7755

Extraction Procedure

Our first priority is to make you feel comfortable at all times. For this reason, if you are anxious about having an extraction, or your wisdom teeth removed, we offer sedation dentistry to help relax you. This can help reduce anxiety, and often you leave the office with little to no memory of the procedure even being performed! After you are comfortable, we numb the area of the mouth to be worked in. If teeth are severely broken down or impacted, we may have to take them out in pieces in order for you to be more comfortable. Once the tooth is out, Dr. Spillers may write a prescription for pain pills or antibiotics if he thinks it is necessary.

What to do after an extraction

In general, we advise you to take it easy for a day or two to rest your body so it can devote energy to healing properly. Please do not work-out vigorously or attempt to go back to work too soon. Please refrain from smoking for at least 48 hours as the toxins can cause a delay in the healing process and decrease blood flow to the area. Also remember that typically swelling is the worst after about 48 hours but should start to subside after that time period.

General Post-Op Instructions:

DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA: Do not swish, suck through a straw, spit, or smoke for 48 hours, as they can dislodge the blood clot and impair healing.

BLEEDING: Keep slight pressure on the gauze for at least 45 minutes and don’t change it during this time. You may bite on additional gauze or a tea bag for another 30 minutes if you feel the area is still bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure. Be sure to place a towel over your pillow the first night as slight bleeding can still occur.

PAIN: Take your first dose of prescribed medication before the anesthesia wears off. Taking it with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach and nausea. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

NAUSEA: Nausea and vomiting can occur because of swallowed blood, dehydration, discomfort, anesthesia, or pain medicines. Post-operative nausea is usually self-limiting and sipping on flat cola or ginger ale often helps. Soda crackers may also be used. If nausea persists, stop taking the pain medicine and substitute an over the counter pain medicine for the next dose. If nausea persists, call our office.

SWELLING: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the face over the operated area the first day. Apply the cold for 15 minutes, then remove it for 15 minutes. The swelling will usually start to go down after 48 hours.

BRUSHING: Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for 3 days.

RINSING: Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after the extraction. After 24 hours, you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution. Avoid commercial mouth rinses.

DIET: Eat soft foods for the first two days and maintain a good, balanced diet. Avoid anything hot in temperature (i.e. soup, tea, coffee, etc.). Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days. Drink plenty of water.

REST:  Avoid exercising for the first 2-3 days after surgery. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep for the first 7 days after your surgery as the body does most of its healing and repair during sleeping.

ANTIBIOTICS: If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed until they are gone. Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods while taking antibiotics and for one week after.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS: If non-absorbable sutures were placed, an appointment will be made in 7-10 days for their removal.

EMERGENCIES: If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office at 702-834-7755. Dr. Spillers can be reached at all times. If you call during after hours, wait for the voicemail to pick up. Instructions, in case of an emergency, can be found in the voicemail message.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth.

Without proper care, plaque and bacteria begin to accumulate around and even extend below your gum tissue. The first stage of periodontal disease presents as gingivitis or red inflamed bleeding gums. In this stage of periodontal disease, the tissues can be restored to health if professional dental care is sought out and proper procedures are implemented at home.

However, if this infection is allowed to persist, the plaque and bacteria around and below your gum tissue accumulates and begins to destroy the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. This stage of periodontal disease is referred to as periodontitis. Once periodontal disease has reached this stage, it is no longer reversible but can still be treated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47.2% of Americans over the age of 30 have mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis. If periodontitis is left untreated, the chance for tooth loss increases. Research has also shown that periodontal disease is associated with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

To schedule a consultation about periodontal disease, call our office today at 702-834-7755.

Prevention

As your dental professionals, we are here to help prevent and/or treat periodontal disease. Daily brushing and flossing, when done properly, can help remove plaque. However, professional dental cleanings are needed to remove plaque and calculus (tarter) from places that are harder for a toothbrush or floss to reach.

We can help modify and improve your home care technique and help you identify risk factors that can increase your susceptibility to periodontal disease. These risk factors can include but are not limited to: diabetes, tobacco use, gingivitis, genetic predisposition, stress, certain medications, hormonal changes, and even malposition or crooked teeth.

Treatment

We recommend treatment of periodontal disease with these nonsurgical procedures: Scaling and root planning (SRP), laser therapy, and/or antibiotic treatment.

• Scaling and root planning (SRP): A thorough cleaning with the use of ultrasonic and hand instrumentation to remove calculus (tarter), bacteria, and bacterial toxins from the root surface of the tooth
• Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy: After the root of the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, a laser can be used to help kill bacteria and stimulate healing. The laser energy is attracted to and helps eliminate different components of the diseased tissue. This non-invasive and comfortable procedure, when used in conjunction with SRP therapy, has led to far better long term tissue stability than SRP alone.
• Arestin antibiotic treatment: An antibiotic that can be placed between infected gum tissue and the tooth surface. This can be done after SRP as another tool to help kill bacteria.

Patients are often unable to effectively clean below the gum line in areas where the supporting bone has been destroyed. Bacteria will begin to accumulate in these areas again and can re-infect the tissue and bone in as little as 3-4 months. For this reason, after nonsurgical periodontal therapy has been completed, patients are moved to a shorter recall frequency for Periodontal Maintenance cleanings. The patient is scheduled for this one hour cleaning every three to four months depending on the severity of the periodontal disease. If bone and gum tissues are not responding well to nonsurgical therapy, the patient is often referred to a Periodontist who specializes in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Call Today to Learn More About Periodontal Disease

To schedule a consultation with one of our hygienists, call our office at 702-834-7755.  They would happy to answer any questions you have and to assist your in maintaining great oral health!

coming soon…

Crooked, overlapping, or widely spaced teeth can make a person’s smile less than attractive. If your teeth have always been misaligned, or they’ve shifted out of proper alignment after orthodontic therapy, Invisalign clear braces may be a great option for you. We offer fast, inconspicuous, convenient treatment to adults and older teens who want a more uniform, beautiful smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, call us today at 702-834-7755 to schedule a consultation.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Most patients qualify for Invisalign treatment. If you have severe malocclusion, however, you may need a different treatment. The doctor will evaluate your oral health, tooth alignment, and also talk with you about your cosmetic concerns. In some cases, Invisalign can be combined with other treatment, like teeth whitening, to dramatically improve a smile’s appearance.

About Treatment

To begin your Invisalign therapy, we’ll take digital images of your teeth. Then, the doctor will use special computer software to design a treatment plan for you. The software designs a series of dental aligners that incrementally shift teeth toward their ideal position, in six-week increments. An Invisalign lab will fabricate your aligners and send them to our office. Once they arrive, you’ll come by to pick up the first few aligners in your program. Each aligner is made from clear acrylic, a type of plastic that is nearly invisible. Simply place your aligners on the appropriate arch (upper or lower). You can take off the aligner to clean your teeth, clean the aligner, eat a meal, or for special occasions that require your best smile.

We can tell you how many aligners you’ll wear and when treatment is expected to come to completion. Of course, the estimated treatment time depends greatly on your compliance. You’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners 22 hours a day to stay on track.

Benefits of Invisalign

Compared to traditional braces, Six Month Smiles, and other wire-and-bracket orthodontic treatments, Invisalign offers many benefits to the patient. Invisalign does not attach to teeth like brackets, which are cemented in place. Oftentimes, brackets damage tooth enamel when removed, and teeth discolor around the bracket, leaving a noticeable outline behind. With Invisalign, you won’t face these worries.

Also because no brackets, wires, or rubber bands are worn with Invisalign, patients avoid the hassles of loose wires, poking hardware, and mouth sores from brackets rubbing against soft tissues. They don’t experience the jaw pain often associated with wearing rubber bands, either.

Invisalign is also removable, which makes cleaning teeth convenient and simple. No special types of flossers or brushes are necessary. Removing the aligner also allows a patient to chew gum, eat popcorn, and enjoy other foods that are taboo for wearers of fixed braces.

Patients also like the fact that Invisalign treatment usually completes in 9 to 18 months, whereas traditional braces can take up to two years to shift teeth to the targeted positions.

Invisalign Teen

Because teenagers often have two bad habits when it comes to orthodontics, Invisalign Teen has failsafe measures in place. First, a blue dot featured on the aligners will fade as the appliance is worn in the mouth, so doctors and parents can determine whether the teen is actually wearing the aligner according to the treatment plan. Not wearing Invisalign as instructed can result in longer treatment, relapse, greater expense, and frustration for the patient and parents. The second program feature is up to five replacement aligners at no additional cost. Teenagers are notorious for losing, misplacing, or accidentally harming oral appliances. For this reason, the makers of Invisalign Teen allow for up to five replacement liners with the course of treatment, at no extra fee.

Schedule Your Appointment With Our Invisalign Certified Dentist

Call Summit Dental today at 702-834-7755 to find out if Invisalign is a good option for you or your teenager. Our Invisalign certified dentist will be happy to evaluate your dentition and help you determine the best course of treatment for your desired outcome and your lifestyle.