Author: LInCo_aDmEeN
The Complete Guide to Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies are getting common nowadays. Realizing the need for urgent care centers, dentists are also available at emergency dental care. Whenever you feel the need, visit them and get the dental problem treated. Finding an emergency dentist near you might be tricky but the guide below can make the process easier.
Why Do You Need an Emergency Dental Care?
Before you decide to visit an emergency dental care near you, make sure you are going for the right reason. Here are a few to clear things up a bit.
Fractured Tooth Need Urgent Care
You may have a fractured tooth that causes severe pain. You need an urgent dental care immediately because this might damage nerves underneath the gums. A chipped or cracked tooth has the same issue. Make sure you visit an emergency dentist right away. You can even look for emergency dentistry near you for immediate assistance.
Losing a Tooth Needs Immediate Assistance
Loss of a tooth is very painful. No matter what the reason is, consult a dentist immediately. Accidents are a major reason behind tooth loss. You visit the hospital to get yourself checked and treated. Your teeth need the same attention.
Bleeding Gums Will Not Leave You
Nothing hurts worse than an oral problem. If you have bleeding gums, be sure that they would not leave until they are properly treated with medicines. An emergency dentist can help you out with this. Go to them right away and get medicines to stop bleeding gums.
Infections Should Be Checked
Any dark spots in the gums or sensitivity in the teeth are alarming. Get it checked before it gets too late. Do not wait for a dentist at a clinic and the appointment hassles. Urgent care units are specially designed for such problems.
These were a few reasons that you need to keep in mind before visiting a dentist in an emergency.
How to Find an Emergency Dentist near You
Finding an emergency dentist is not that tricky. Every hospital has an emergency ward even for dental problems now. If you are suffering from a dental emergency, call a clinic or hospital nearby during working hours and ask for an immediate appointment. Regular working days are beneficial because you get a dentist in contact comfortably. What about the holidays? This is the tricky part.
When everybody is enjoying a holiday or break from the tiring every day routine, you might encounter a serious dental problem. You might need immediate care but finding a dentist near you is not easy in the break time.
After Hours Emergency Dentists
When the dentist are enjoying some free time, the after hour emergency dentists are available for you. However, how will you find an emergency dentist in Lincoln? Here is how you will:
Get an emergency dentist on call
Call your local or family dentist and ask him to provide the number for a 24 hour available dentist. Once you get the number, call him and tell him about the condition. You might be feeling intense pain but the dentist may not find it horrifying. You can get a home remedy as well. If the condition is critical, he will ask you to visit the clinic right away.
Use the Internet
Internet is a blessing for mankind. Search for emergency dentists near you online and the one nearest is your destiny for now. Book an appointment through the internet and visit them immediately. Maybe the online patient guide can help and save your time as well as money.
Consider Home Remedies
Home remedies are a wonderful idea when dentists are unavailable. Try some tips at home and if you cannot ease the pain, follow the above-mentioned steps and get a dentist in contact right away. Home remedies can ease pain for some time but if you have a fractured or lost tooth, do not try to treat yourself at home. This might not end well.
Emergencies can come anywhere and anytime. Emergency units were for health risks only but now dentists are available in emergencies as well. Dental urgencies are not heard every day but you might face one. Before the situation gets out of hand, consult an emergency dental care. Soothe yourself for some time and visit a clinic or your family dentist when the holiday time is up. If you are looking for emergency dentistry in Lincoln, NE, we at Lincoln Dental Associates can help you. Contact us now for a consultation!
Sedation Dentistry: Types and Procedure
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help you relax and reduce nervousness during a dental procedure.
Sedation or sleep dentistry is used for invasive dental treatments such as root canal, dental implant surgery, and surgical orthodontics.
Are You a Candidate?
Dental sedation is ideally used for people with anxiety, low pain tolerance, sensitive teeth or have a gag reflex.
However, people with health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and cardiac diseases need clearance from a physician before dental sedation is performed.
The dentist must do a comprehensive medical history before proceeding with the treatment.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Dental sedation can either be mild, moderate, deep or general depending on the type of procedure to be done and your level of fear. The different versions of sedation include;
- Oral sedation
This can range from mild to moderate. The mild dose involves taking a pill such as Halcion an hour before the procedure. This pill makes you drowsy, but you will be awake during the procedure.
Moderate sedation is a larger dose that can make you groggy and sleepy.
- Laughing gas
Nitric oxide is common sedation used in most dental clinics. The gas does not put you to sleep but will reduce anxiety. It is safe and at times can be used on restless children.
Nitric oxide wears off quickly and you will able to regain normal functions relatively fast.
- IV sedation
IV anesthesia is used for moderate to severe dental procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction.
The anesthesia is injected through the veins, and it doesn’t cause you to sleep, but you will be less aware of what’s going on.
Before getting the IV sedation, you will have to make some habit adjustments such as not eating or drinking at least eight hours before you come for the appointment.
Don’t worry, our dentist will give you all the instructions in advance.
- General anesthesia
The dentist will give you medication that will either make you unconscious, meaning you will be deep asleep with no recollection of the procedure.
When you are under general anesthesia, you cannot be easily awakened until the drug wears off. Sometimes the dentist may give you medication to reduce the effects of the anesthesia.
Keep in mind though, regardless of the type of dental sedation used, the dentist will still numb the area they are working on with local anesthesia.
Who Can Perform Dental Sedation?
Most dentists can administer minimal to moderate sedation such as pills and nitric oxide. However, only certified oral or maxillofacial surgeons can perform the deep and general anesthesia. Dental anesthesiologists are trained to administer all forms of sedation dentistry.
Most states in America require dentists to have a sedation license. The problem is some dental clinics don’t have the permit and thus they hire other professionals to perform sedation for them.
At Lincoln Dental Associates, we are licensed to administer all the different types of sedation from nitric oxide to IV sedation.
Is It Safe?
Although dental sedation is safe, certain people may experience side effects. People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea or obesity are likely to develop complications and should inform and discuss with the dentist before the procedure.
How to Have a Successful Dental Procedure
Sedation dentistry should be done by a trained and qualified dentist. So, ensure you confirm the dentist’s qualifications first. Additionally, you can;
- Make sure the dentist has done a comprehensive medical and drug history assessment
- Ask about the sedation dose and if it is appropriate for your age and health
- Ensure you have received a detailed form of the potential dental sedation risks
- Check if the dentist has an oxygen tank, artificial ventilation, and required drugs for reversing general anesthesia.
Schedule an Appointment
Don’t be afraid of dental sedation, at Lincoln Dental Associates we are trained to provide all forms of sedation.
So, if you have any questions and doubts about sedation dentistry, call our doctor in Lincoln, NE and they will provide you with all the information.
Tips By Pediatric Dentistry For Kids to Brush Correctly
It is important to brush and floss our teeth the right way to keep our dental health in good condition. This applies to kids as well. Parents must make it a point to make their kids learn the right dental hygiene techniques from a young age so that they can reap the benefits in the long run. The dentist in 68505 says that it is your responsibility to brush your kid’s teeth till the time they turn 6-7 years old.
When it is time to let your kids brush on their own, you must supervise when they brush to make sure that they do it the right way. Brushing or flossing alone is not important; it is the technique that matters. You need to make your child brush their teeth twice a day. Here’s a look at some tips for your kids to brush correctly.
- It is important to make gentle strokes while brushing so that the kids don’t end up damaging their enamel. Aggressive brushing is a big NO. Also, the brush should have soft bristles and not hard ones as they can again harm the enamel. The child should make circular strokes and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.
- Fluoride toothpaste must be used for children so that their enamel gets the strength and ability to fight against the cavity. For kids who are less than 2 years old, only a small amount should be used. For kids aged between 2 to 5, pea-sized toothpaste can be used.
- Parents should try to set an example for the children. Kids tend to follow everything that their parents do. Thus, if you brush in front of your kids, they will be tempted to do the same. Asking your kids to brush may not motivate them to follow your command. Setting an example for kids is the right way of making them brush as well, says the dentist near Lincoln, NE.
- If your kid acts fussy to brush at night before bedtime, try to link brushing with some kind of reward. If the child agrees to brush their teeth at night, offer them to read a story from their favorite book or comic.
- For younger kids, cartoons and animated characters are always a fascination. So why not allow your child to choose a brush on their own. Take them to the supermarket and let them pick a toothbrush with their favorite animated character. This will make them look forward to using the brush and they will happily agree to brush.
- When the child grows up a little, try to explain to him/ her about the importance of dental hygiene and why it’s important to brush and floss every day. This may not be possible with toddlers, but young kids will certainly understand and agree to brush whenever you ask them to.
Apart from making them learn the importance and technique for brushing, it is also important to make them familiar with the dental clinic and your dentist. Routine brushing and flossing alone can’t help in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. You need to take them to the dentist as well for routine cleaning and examination. This helps in keeping decay and plaque at bay along with other dental issues.
Talk to your child in advance about the dental clinic visit so that they are not in a state of shock as some kids are anxious about seeing the dentist. Ask them about their fears and what is making them uncomfortable. This will help you in solving their queries and pacifying them.
Try to consult a family or pediatric dentist for your child as they are aware of various ways of making any child feel comfortable during the dental appointment. Allow your child to take their favorite soft toy to the clinic as it will help in distracting them during the appointment.
The Pediatric Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, has a child-friendly environment and bright lights to make the child feel comfortable. The dentists are warm and friendly with children and often have TVs in their rooms to distract the kids. They talk to the kids gently and are empathetic towards their needs.
Your Oral Health Says a Lot About Your Health
Maintaining good oral health is always vital so that we can enjoy healthy teeth and gums for a longer duration. A part of the healthy maintenance of teeth and gums is seeing the dentist every 6 months for dental cleaning and examination. This helps in preventing not just dental issues but a lot of health issues as well. Did you know that there’s a deep connection between oral health and your overall health? The dentist near 68505 can figure out a lot about your health by having a look at your mouth. Let’s have a look at what your oral health says about your overall health.
- Sudden Cavities Can Be a Sign of Diabetes
If you recently saw your Lincoln dentist and he discovered some abnormal amount of cavities during the examination, it can be a sign of a greater problem. If you are not one of those who have a sweet tooth or taking any new medications, it can be a sign that your body is finding it difficult to process glucose in your body. In this condition, the sugar buildup in your saliva and further mixes with the bacteria in the mouth causing an acid attack on the teeth enamel. This can also cause you some pain while eating something hot, cold, or sweet. Cavities are one of the symptoms of diabetes.
It is also important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine for preventing gum disease and cavities. Gum disease can lead to diabetes and increased blood sugar can lead to gum disease. It’s a vicious circle!
- Eroding Teeth can Be a Sign Of GERD- Gastroesophageal Reflux
Heartburn is a common symptom of acidity, but if you are experiencing frequent episodes of heartburn i.e. few times a week in a row, you may be suffering from GERD. If you haven’t heard of GERD, it is a condition where your stomach acids leak into the esophagus. Some people will notice the burning sensation in the throat and chest but others may not even notice the symptoms at all, says the Dentist near Lincoln, NE.
When the acid in the stomach reaches the mouth, it can impact your oral health by wearing away the tooth enamel. You may begin to notice sensitivity in your teeth and erosion on the sides and bottom of your tongue. The symptoms will be accompanied by a burning sensation in your throat. In case you are suffering from GERD, the doctor will prescribe some antacids along with lifestyle changes, which would include losing weight if you are overweight and avoiding eating certain foods. It is better not to ignore the signs of GERD and get it treated as early as possible.
Bleeding Gums While Brushing Are a Sign of Gum Disease
Bleeding gums can happen as a result of rough flossing or aggressive brushing. Apart from that, seeing blood in the sink while brushing can be an indication of developing gum disease, says Lincoln dentist near me. It’s important to treat gum disease as it can have severe implications on not just your oral health, but your overall health.
When gum disease is in its early stage, it can be treated as well as reversed, but if left untreated, it can progress into periodontal disease, which can cause the gums to recede from the teeth and form pockets that can get infected. When the infection progresses, it can reach other parts of the body as well and cause several other diseases such as diabetes, strokes, and Alzheimer’s. Gum disease in pregnant women can lead to pre-term birth as well.
If you notice signs of gum disease such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you must immediately make an appointment with the Sedation Dentistry in Lincoln, NE so that he can suggest the right precautions along with treatment for preventing further damage.
It is said that the best way of combating dental issues or other health issues is to seek professional help. The dentists will be more than happy to help you out and restore your oral health. It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine along with a good diet so that you can prevent dental issues from happening.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?
Dental implants done in our practice allow our dental professionals to create customized plans for treatment. Lincoln Dental Associates is dedicated to restoring your smile, so let’s discuss some of the things patients should know about the dental implantation process.
The First Step: Your Consultation in Omaha
Since every patient is unique, we will need to have a consultation in our office to determine the treatment that you need. Our dentists will go over your oral health and discuss your medical history along with the goals you have for your smile. Once this is done, we can discuss options for replacing any missing teeth.
A Typical Implant Dentistry Timeline
How long treatment takes depends on the type of implant being used, the condition of the jaw, and your medical history along with your dental history. You will need several appointments at your Lincoln dentist near you for implants to be installed successfully.
What About Mini Dental Implants?
A mini dental implant in Lincoln, NE, may be recommended if they would be a better fit for your jawbone. They’re faster than other dental implants, though they may not be as strong and durable.
Making Sure the Bone and Gum Tissue is Healthy Enough for Implants
Your gum tissues, as well as any bone beneath them, should be in good condition before implants can be installed. If a bone graft is necessary, this will be done before treatment and may add to the time it takes for implants to be completed.
Allowing Time for Osseointegration
Once your dentist in 68505 places the implant, it will need to bond to the jawbone to be secure. This process is known as osseointegration and can take several months to complete.
Placing the Final Tooth Restorations
Your dentist in Lincoln, NE, will check how stable the implant is and make sure the tissues have healed. Once the implant has bonded to the bone, your crowns, dentures, or bridges can be placed by the dentist near you.
Risks and Signs of Oral Cancer
When you go to the dentist office for a routine deep teeth cleaning and oral examination, you may have had your mouth, tongue and throat checked closely for oral cancer. It may not seem like a big deal, but this quick, simple check can be a lifesaver. Like other forms of cancer, oral cancer is dangerous and is fatal if not diagnosed and treated early on. Unfortunately, oral cancer progresses rapidly and exhibits very subtle symptoms that are often overlooked. With oral cancer, there aren’t always visible symptoms or pain or discomfort. Only the trained eye of a dental professional can identify these subtle signs.
Who’s at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Like other forms of cancer, anyone can develop oral cancer. Even though healthy patients who take great care of their teeth and gums can get it, there are some patients who are at greater risks of getting oral cancer. Below are the patients who are more likely to develop oral cancer some time in their life:
- Those who smoke
- Those who chew tobacco
- Those who consume excessive alcohol
- Those who participate in risky sexual behavior, namely oral sex
- Those that don’t regularly see the dentist for check-ups
- Those with a previous cancer diagnosis
- Those with significant sun exposure to the face
The Signs of Oral Cancer
One of the biggest reasons that oral cancer is so dangerous is that some of the symptoms aren’t noticeable. Patients can be unaware that they have the beginnings of oral cancer. When noticeable symptoms arise, it may be too late for effective treatment. This is why regular dentist office visits every six months are important.
While some of the signs of oral cancer may be unnoticeable, there are others symptoms that should be red flags and warrant a prompt visit to the dentist. These oral cancer symptoms include:
- Mouth ulcers that don’t seem to go away
- Red or white patches in the mouth, particularly on the gums, inside of cheeks, around the tongue, on the lips and along the throat lining
- Unusual lumps and swelling in the mouth
How Oral Cancer is Diagnosed?
Oral cancer has been on the rise in recent years and more cases have been noticed among young adults and adults who are healthy. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest ones are the widespread lack of information and awareness of oral cancer. Patients can better protect themselves through regular oral cancer screenings and through recognizing the symptoms.
At Lincoln Dental Associates, we conduct an oral cancer screening on every patient. We make it a part of our routine oral examination. It is important to note that an oral cancer screening and diagnosis doesn’t treat the condition, nor does a screening protect one from getting oral cancer. The purpose of these tests and diagnoses is to spur proactive, preventative treatment and care to halt the progression or formation of the cancer.
At Lincoln Dental Associates, we take oral cancer seriously and believe these screening are important for the health of our patients. Below is what you can expect from an oral cancer examination:
- We’ll do a thorough look inside of the mouth. We may use a light to look for red or white patches or sores in the mouth. The light will make abnormal cells and tissue appear lighter in color.
- We’ll feel the inside of your mouth for abnormal lumps
If you wear dentures, we’ll ask you to remove them for the exam. This will let us get a better look at the gums and other areas of the mouth that are covered by the dentures.
Should we find something unusual, we’ll conduct further testing. This may include having you rinse with a special blue dye that adheres to abnormal cells. We also may perform a biopsy, whereby we remove a sample of cells to be examined in a laboratory to determine whether cancer is present.
Should we do any of these additional tests, we’ll request you come in for a follow-up appointment to see if any improvements have occurred.
If it has been more than six months since you last paid us a visit or you notice abnormal changes in your mouth, contact us today to schedule an appointment for your family dentistry in Lincoln, NE needs. Oral cancer is nothing to take lightly and early, proactive treatment is the best way to maintain good health.
What is Preventative Dentistry and How Can Your Dentist in Lincoln Help?
One of the most underrated areas of dentistry is preventative dentistry. This includes all the work that prevents bigger problems by keeping your teeth healthy and whole. There are two areas of the mouth that we focus on during preventative treatments, the teeth and the gums.
Preventative Dentistry for Teeth
Beautiful, healthy teeth are good for more than just a great smile. Healthy teeth are strong, enable you to eat well, and talk properly. Taking care of your teeth is very important. The American Dental Association recommends a professional cleaning every six months to keep your teeth in top condition. This is important because we can monitor your teeth and give extra care to weak spots. Some of the most basic but important things we do during a visit are:
- Take radiographs. This allows us to take a deeper look inside your teeth to find potential problems that aren’t visible during a visual exam.
- Oral Cancer Screening. Just like other cancers, the sooner the cancer is found, the better the prognosis.
- Hygiene Instruction. Based on areas with more plaque and tartar, the hygienist can spot areas you miss during brushing and flossing.
- Apply sealants. These are placed on the biting surfaces of molars and premolars. They help protect the teeth from decay in the most vulnerable areas by creating a smooth surface so food and bacteria can’t get stuck.
- Fluoride treatments. We apply these in the office to help strengthen your teeth and build up the enamel where demineralization has occurred.
Another procedure that some classify as preventative dentistry is filling small cavities. While this is not totally preventative, it does prevent more damaging problems and procedures.
Preventative Dentistry for Gums
Gums are a vital part of your mouth because they hold your teeth in, signal serious underlying problems, and protect the roots of your teeth. As a dentist in Lincoln who prides themselves in helping patients avoid dental problems, we do two preventative services for your gums. During your regular cleanings for preventative work, the hygienist will scrape off the plaque and tartar and then we do assessment on your gum health.
Scrape Plaque and Tartar
This is an unpleasant experience for some patients during the cleaning. It is very important to remove them from your teeth and gum line to help protect your mouth. Plaque is a sticky yellow substance that clings to your tooth, trapping bacteria against it. Tartar is plaque that has hardened and can only be removed through scraping. Both contribute to cavities and gum disease. Since it lies along the gum line, infection builds and the gums swell up and recede.
Assess Gum Health
Periodontal treatments are available in the office for those who have gum disease. Each treatment is based off what is the most effective method to fix the current conditions of the gums. Some of the signs we look for during a gum assessment that you can watch for at home are:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad Breath
- Swelling or bright red colored gums
- Receding tissue
- Shifting teeth
- A constant funny taste in the mouth
If you notice any of these signs between visits, let us know. We can help provide treatments in the office that help heal gum disease. The sooner the treatments are done, the better. Like all preventative dentistry, the best way to stop problems from happening is proper care at home and in the office.
Everything You Need to Know About Dentures
Do you think you’ll need dentures soon? Dentures have come a long way since your grandpa’s dentures thanks to improved dental technology.
Today’s dentures have many advantages to them over the ones of the past. The greatest of these include:
Contact our dentist in Lincoln, NE
Improved looks. Your grandpa’s dentures probably looked like a like something from a monster: the size and teeth were too big for his mouth. Having his dentures in gave him a perpetual fake smile. The teeth of the dentures are also not the correct, natural shape.
Today’s dentures, however, have gotten a much-needed facelift. They are made of composite resin that better mimics the look of natural teeth. The teeth of modern dentures also have the density of natural teeth.
Better fit. Old timers using traditional dentures are often heard complaining of the bad, loose fit of their dentures. Today’s dentures are custom fabricated to specifically fit each individual patient. This is done using 3-D imaging technology that reconstructs the ideal teeth size, shape and alignment of the denture to make it look and feel like the patient’s natural teeth and bite. The 3-D imaging produces a more accurate picture of the patient’s mouth which yields a better fitting, more comfortable and secure denture.
Less slipping. One of the greatest complaints of traditional dentures is their ill-fit and risk of embossing slips. Dentures of old were not nearly customized as modern ones are, so there was a one-size-fits all mentality with them. This created dentures that caused irritation, made it more difficult to speak clearly and a lose fitting denture that would accidentally come out of the mouth with even the smallest cough or laugh.
With the addition of better dental technology, modern dentures utilize the 3-D imaging technology and additional support of other restorative dental procedures to produce dentures that have a more comfortable and snug fit, ensuring they will better stay in place. Today’s dentures are truly custom fabricated to each patient.
Utilize other dental treatments for more options. In the past, the only denture options were partial or full dentures. Both options were removable and had to be taken out at night and before eating. Those two options still exist today with modern dentures. There is however, an additional option: permanent dentures. These dentures, also called All on Four, utilize dental implants to anchor the dentures in place. These types of dentures don’t require to be taken out to be cleaned or before meals. These dentures truly act like natural teeth. You can eat food with them, and bite with them without the fear of them slipping out. They are cared for as you would your natural teeth.
Dentures have come a long way from the ill-fitting, unnatural contraptions of the past to natural-looking, comfortable-fitting dentures of the present.
Book with our Dentist in Lincoln, NE
Those who need dentures don’t have to worry about the shortcomings of past dentures.
For more information about modern dentures or to learn whether dentures are the best options for you, contact us at Lincoln Dental Associates. We are a state of the art dental office in Lincoln Nebraska, and would love to take care of your dental needs.
Implants vs Dentures for a More Confident Smile
There are many reasons that people lose their teeth as they age, but the one unifying factor is that each person looks for a solution with no hassle. For some people, they have found that dentures are a great option, but for others, they are a constant pain. Implants have become a major procedure for fixing teeth problems. If you are looking for the best option for your situation, let us help you decide.
Dentures
The most common dental solution for massive tooth loss through most of the 1900s was dentures. These are fake teeth that you can take out and put back in. The biggest problems with dentures for patients have been
- Fit: Fitting dentures for a mouth takes careful measurements to make sure they fit the gums right. If the dentures are too big, they are hard to wear and if they are too small, they pinch and cause pain. The fit is more difficult to get and can change over time.
- Comfort: Comfort becomes an issue with the fit of the dentures, but also how securely they are placed. From strips to creams, there are many products on the market to help dentures stay secure.
- Confidence: When the fit and comfort are not precise, dentures make chewing and talking difficult. It’s hard to feel confident when you’re constantly in pain or worried your teeth could fall out of your mouth during any conversation.
Dentures are less expensive and the only option for some patients. Too much bone loss, smoking, and a few other characteristics can disqualify patients because they don’t have enough bone and healthy tissue for dental implants, which require a titanium screw to be fused for the tooth to attach. While dentures have made a lot of improvements in the last ten years, conventional denture options include implants to improve the device.
Implants
Dental implants are available in different forms; a single tooth, a row of several teeth, or a full arch on the top or bottom. The titanium screw is placed in one appointment and then left to heal for a few months. Once healing is complete, you come back into the office and have the tooth or teeth placed. One screw is used per tooth when done as a single space, but with multiple teeth, less screws are used.
The main benefits of implants are that they are
- Permanent
- Secure
- Feel and look real
Implants are great replacements and don’t require any extra special care. Instead of removing teeth to brush, floss, and soak the dentures, you just brush and floss like you would regular teeth. The lack of messy and insecure adhesives mean you can feel more confident in every situation. Many patients appreciate not having to worry about going out to eat with family, limiting themselves to softer foods, or stressing about having conversations.
If you have missing teeth and want to know your options, we’d love to talk to you. We pride ourselves on creating beautiful smiles our patients can feel confident showing. Make an appointment today to see what we can do for you.
Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
There are multiple options for replacing missing teeth, but for almost all of them, you’ll have to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lincoln.
You could continue to live with the anxiousness, frustration, and overall lower quality of life by not doing anything about your missing teeth.
Or you can take charge of your life and repair and restore your smile with these restorative dental procedures:
- Dental Implants. This missing tooth replacement option is ideal for patients with one or a few missing teeth. Dental implants are made up of a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw where the missing tooth was located. On top of the post, an abutment is attached and a tooth-like crown then tops the implant off. Only the tooth-shaped, tooth-like crown is visible.
- Patients who have multiple missing teeth that were located next to each other can be best treated with a bridge. There are various types and sizes of bridges available. The most common types of bridges include: implant supported bridges, tooth supported bridges, and resin bonded bridges. Each of these types of dental bridges are highly durable and last many years. Most type of bridges are considered permanent, meaning they don’t have to be taken out when eating or sleeping overnight.
- Partial Dentures. These forms of teeth replacement are ideal for those who are missing more teeth that can be best treated with implants and bridges, but aren’t missing all their teeth which would warrant full dentures. Common partial denture types include cast metal partial dentures and flipper removable partial dentures. Flippers are often used as a temporary treatment for patients waiting for implants to heal and/or awaiting additional orthodontic work.
- Full Dentures. Full dentures are ideal for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth. Patients who have only a few remaining teeth will likely have those removed so the full denture can be inserted. The conventional full dentures are still in use, though newer, more comfortable, more natural-looking and more secure dentures are now offered by dentists, including Lincoln Dental Associates. At our Lincoln dental office, we offer patients All on Four implant supported dentures. These permanent full dentures are comfortable, natural-looking and don’t need to be removed to eat or taken out at night to be cleaned.
You don’t have to live with a lowered self-esteem, difficulty eating or speaking or lack of confidence and happiness because of missing teeth.
If you’re tired of hiding your smile because of missing teeth, contact us today to set an appointment. Our trained and experienced staff will recommend the best option for replacing missing teeth for you.