What Are The Different Types of Dental Implants?

At Nebraska Dental Center in La Vista, NE, we believe everyone deserves a smile they love. That’s why we offer a variety of high-quality dental implants to restore your confidence and oral health. But with so many types out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Let’s clear the confusion and explore the world of dental implants, helping you find the perfect match for your smile!

Two Main Dental Implant Categories:

While dentists have different approaches, most dental implants fall into one of two broad categories:

  1. Endosteal Implants: These are the most popular and often the best choice for patients. Think of them as artificial tooth roots!

    • Why They Shine:
      • Look and feel like natural teeth
      • Strong and stable for long-lasting smiles
      • Can replace single teeth or support bridges or dentures
    • The Inside Scoop:
      • A titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone
      • Healing time allows bone and tissue to grow around the screw
      • Multiple screw shapes and sizes for custom-fit smiles
  2. Subperiosteal Implants: Less common these days, these sit on top of the jawbone and hold dentures in place.

    • Quick Facts:
      • Shorter treatment than endosteal implants
      • Not as stable as endosteal implants
      • Primarily used for patients with limited bone height

Finding Your Perfect Implant Match:

Choosing the right type of implant depends on factors like your jawbone health, missing tooth location, and desired outcome. At Nebraska Dental Center, our La Vista dentist will carefully assess your individual needs and guide you toward the ideal implant solution. Contact Nebraska Dental Center today! We’re happy to answer any questions you have about dental implants and help you discover the perfect smile solution.

Learn More About Dental Implants

Can AI Improve Dentistry? Exploring the Future of Dentistry

From superhero movies to smart speakers, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere – and even your dentist could soon be tapping into its power!

At Nebraska Dental Center, we’re excited about how AI is transforming the world of dental care. It’s not just about robots replacing dentists, but about using AI as a powerful tool to improve diagnoses, personalize treatment, and make accessing care more convenient. Let’s delve into the exciting world of AI-powered dentistry and see how it could soon impact your smile!

Eagle-Eyed AI: Superpower Diagnostics

Remember squinting at those fuzzy X-rays, hoping your dentist catches everything? Well, say hello to AI’s eagle-eye vision! By analyzing dental images with deep learning algorithms, AI can spot the tiniest cavities, hidden gum disease, and even potential oral cancers, all with superhuman accuracy. Think of it as having a microscopic superpower working for you!

Not Just Cookies: Personalized Treatment Plans

No two smiles are alike, and AI understands that. Imagine your dentist feeding your entire medical history, habits, and past treatments into a supercomputer – then out pops a tailor-made treatment plan just for you! AI can analyze vast amounts of data to recommend personalized solutions that cater to your unique needs, increasing the chances of successful outcomes.

Skip the Waiting Room: Virtual Dentistry Consultations

Forget battling rush hour traffic for a quick dental question. AI-powered virtual consultations are here! Think chatbots that answer your concerns, assess basic issues and even schedule appointments – all through the convenience of your smartphone. This not only saves you time but also helps Nebraska Dental Center streamline operations and prioritize appointments for urgent cases.

The Future is Bright for Smart Smiles

While AI in dentistry is still in its early stages, the potential is truly dazzling. From early disease detection to personalized care plans and convenient virtual consultations, AI promises to empower both patients and dentists, leading to healthier, happier smiles all around.

At Nebraska Dental Center, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of dental technology. As AI continues to evolve, we’ll keep exploring its possibilities to ensure our patients receive the most advanced and effective care.

Ready to experience the future of dentistry? Contact Nebraska Dental Center today!

Unveiling the Lifespan of Dental Veneers: Your Guide to Long-Lasting Smiles

Are you dreaming of a dazzling smile with dental veneers but worried about their longevity? At Nebraska Dental Center, we understand that durability is just as important as aesthetics when it comes to enhancing your smile.

Caring for Your Veneer Investment:

Your veneer journey doesn’t end with their placement. To get the most out of your investment, follow these essential oral hygiene practices:

  • Twice-Daily Brushing: Dedicate two minutes each morning and night to effectively remove plaque. A soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth comfortably is key.
  • Flossing is Floss-tastic: Don’t forget to floss once a day! It reaches those hidden areas between teeth where brushing leaves gaps.
  • Sweet Treats in Moderation: While you don’t have to banish sweets entirely, indulge mindfully. Excessive sugar can impact your veneers’ longevity.
  • Regular Dental Checkups: Bi-annual visits to Nebraska Dental Center ensure professional cleaning and early detection of any potential issues.

Porcelain vs. Composite: A Lifespan Showdown

The type of veneer you choose significantly impacts its durability:

  • Porcelain Powerhouse: Porcelain veneers reign supreme, lasting 10-12 years with proper care. Their strength and stain resistance make them a popular choice.
  • Composite Contender: While less expensive, composite veneers typically last 4-8 years. They’re a versatile option for minor smile corrections.

Remarkable Resilience: Veneers That Go the Distance

With exceptional care, some veneers can even reach a 20-year lifespan! Your Nebraska Dental Center dentist will guide you toward the ideal veneer material and provide personalized tips for optimal longevity.

Time for Renewal: Recognizing Replacement Signs

Just like anything else, veneers eventually require renewal. Signs like chipping, discoloration, or loose bonding indicate it’s time to visit your dentist for an evaluation. Replacing veneers follows a similar process to the initial placement, ensuring a smooth transition.

Unleashing Your Radiant Smile with Nebraska Dental Center

Ready to embrace the confidence and beauty of dental veneers? Contact Nebraska Dental Center in La Vista today! We’ll answer your questions, assess your candidacy, and craft a personalized veneer plan to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Learn More About Dental Veneers

Unlocking Affordable Dental Care: Dental Membership Plans

At Nebraska Dental Center in La Vista, NE, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile. That’s why we offer dental membership plans – your key to affordable, quality dental care, without the insurance hassle.

What are Dental Membership Plans?

Think of them as exclusive clubs for oral health! By joining a plan, you gain access to member-only discounts on various dental services at participating practices like ours. No insurance cards, pre-authorizations, or claim forms are needed – just straightforward savings, directly paid to your dentist.

What Dental Goodies Await You?

Membership plans typically cover a wide range of services, including:

  • Preventative Care: Regular checkups, cleanings, and X-rays to keep your smile sparkling.
  • Restorative Dentistry: Fillings, crowns, bridges, and other treatments to repair teeth and restore function.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers, and other procedures to enhance your smile’s aesthetics.
  • Specialist Care: Access to specialists like orthodontists and oral surgeons, often at discounted rates.

Finding the Perfect Match: Membership Plans Tailored to You

The beauty of membership plans lies in their variety. Choose the plan that fits your needs and budget, based on:

  • Savings: Maximize your discount potential with comprehensive plans offering the best overall savings.
  • Dentist: Select a plan accepted by your preferred La Vista dentist, like Nebraska Dental Center!
  • Procedures: Tailor your plan to your specific dental care needs, whether it’s routine cleanings or more complex procedures.

Nebraska Dental Center: Your La Vista Smile Sanctuary

At Nebraska Dental Center, we’re committed to making dental care accessible for everyone. Our membership plan provides peace of mind and opens doors to affordable, high-quality services. To explore your options and unlock your path to a healthy, confident smile, call us today at (402) 331-1695.

No insurance limitations, no hidden fees, just exceptional dental care at your fingertips. Let Nebraska Dental Center be your trusted dental partner!

Learn More About Our Dental Membership Plan

Bad Breath Tips During The Holiday Season

Treating Halitosis in La Vista, NE

Bad breath and the holidays don’t go well together. Nebraska Dental Center offers halitosis treatment for patients in La Vista, NE so you can feel confident in your smile this holiday season. If you suffer from halitosis – you are not alone. Below are some tips for treating bad breath during the holidays!

Hydrate Your Mouth

Water is a great help to wash away any bacteria in your mouth, which can help combat bad breath. Here are some tips to avoid dry mouth this holiday season:

  1. Remember to drink water during your holiday feasts. This will help you stay hydrated as well as avoid dry mouth and bad breath. 
  2. Limit your coffee and alcohol intake – keyword: LIMIT. We know the holidays are for having fun and celebrating with your family and friends, but both coffee and alcohol encourage you to use the bathroom which can leave you feeling dry as a result. Limiting these drinks can help control the symptoms of dry mouth. 
  3. Avoid that holiday cigar. Smoking cigars can dry out your mouth, so if a holiday cigar is a tradition of yours, try avoiding it this year. 

Don’t Pass Up The Veggie Tray

There is always a vegetable tray at every holiday party – don’t skip on those snacks! The crunchy vegetables stimulate the production of saliva, which can wash away the bacteria in your mouth. When you attend your next holiday celebration, eat crunchy vegetables like carrots, peppers, and broccoli. Fruits also have the same effect, so eat as many apple slices as you want! 

Skip The Eggnog

The number one holiday treat that causes bad breath is eggnog. Since the two main ingredients are dairy and sugar, and many people add alcohol to this holiday treat, it is a perfect recipe for bad breath. 

Opt For Sugarless Gum

We know that reaching for a stick of gum is what most people grab first when they want to fight their bad breath. Chewing gum is still a good way of avoiding bad breath, but we suggest opting for sugarless gum this holiday season. When selecting a sugarless gum, look for brands that have the ADA seal on them. 

Don’t Forget Your Gifts, And Don’t Forget To Brush!

The holiday season is hectic, but it’s important that you continue to brush your teeth on a routine schedule. Your hygiene routine is likely to be disrupted if you are enjoying late nights with friends and early mornings with family. Brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day will always be a great way to combat bad breath.

No Date This Holiday Season? No Problem!

We know that not having a date during the holidays can be lonely, but Nebraska Dental Center is always here for you to schedule an appointment. We’re more reliable than a holiday date anyway! 

Don’t Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Holidays

If you implement these tips we’ve outlined above, you are sure to have perfect breath for all of your holiday get-togethers! If you have any questions about halitosis, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (402) 331-1695

Happy holidays from Nebraska Dental Center!

 

Learn More About Regular Dental Checkups

Tooth Decay & How To Prevent Cavities

Preventing Cavities in La Vista, NE

Cavities, often referred to as tooth decay, are tiny holes that develop in the hard surface of your teeth. They are most common in children and teenagers, but they can affect everyone including infants and toddlers. Take a closer look at what causes cavities and how you can prevent them.

Causes of Cavities

Cavities typically occur as a result of poor oral health habits but other various factors can increase the risk of getting a cavity, including:

  • Dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps wash away food stuck on the teeth and it counters the acid produced from bacteria in the mouth, which reduces the chance for cavities.
  • Foods and drinks. Certain foods aren’t as easily washed away from saliva, making them more likely to cause decay. Foods you should limit include: ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, cake, chips, cookies, and hard candy.
  • Constant snacking or sipping. Drinking or eating frequently throughout the day results in increased bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria produces the acids that attack tooth enamel.
  • Lack of fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities and can reverse the early stage of tooth decay. Using a fluoride mouthwash is recommended.

Cavity Prevention

Regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing are the best protection against cavities. But, cavities left untreated get larger and larger, affecting the deeper layers of your teeth. Deeper cavities result in higher chances of experiencing severe toothache and infection. So, when it comes to cavities, prevention is key. Below are some of our cavity preventions tips:

  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste. Brush and floss twice a day, ideally after each meal.
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque that builds up over time which isn’t removed by regular brushing and flossing. Going to the dentist twice a year is one of the best cavity prevention options.
  • Dental sealants. Sealants protect the tooth enamel from harmful plaque and bacteria.

Learn More About Fillings and Sealants at Nebraska Dental Center

What Is The Best Teeth Whitening Option?

Teeth Whitening at Nebraska Dental Center

When it comes to getting a brighter smile, you can whiten your teeth at home or get a professional treatment. At home whitening typically includes over-the-counter products like whitening strips, pens, or toothpaste. Professional whitening includes custom-made whitening trays you take home or an in-office appointment. So what’s the best teeth whitening option for you?

Both options use peroxide bleaching agents as the main active ingredient. The difference between each option is the amount of peroxide it contains. Over-the-counter solutions use 3 – 20 percent where professional solutions contain 14 – 43 percent. Solutions with higher amounts of peroxide should be left on for a shorter amount of time. Keeping the solution on longer will dehydrate your teeth and make them more prone to sensitivity.

Professional Whitening

Professional teeth whitening options are much safer and more effective. Additionally, it ensures that all of the proper precautions are taken. So, when it comes to protecting your gums, the whitening agent only gets on your teeth.

Learn More About Teeth Whitening at Nebraska Dental Center

 

At-Home Whitening Products

Over-the-counter products are cheaper, generally take longer to see results, and have limitations depending on your tooth color and health prior. If used incorrectly, at-home teeth whitening kits can lead to burned gums or tooth sensitivity. Always talk with your dentist to decide the best treatment option for you.

If you choose to go for an over-the-counter solution, we recommend that you use one from the list of bleaching products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Bleaching Products with ADA Seal of Acceptance

One Year Update: COVID-19 and Dental Offices

From Nebraska Dental Center

It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic changed almost every aspect of our daily lives—including regularly visiting the dentist. However, this should soon be a thing of the past. Not visiting the dentist was one of the many ripple-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and even though it is not over, yet, things are looking up.

According to the ADA Health Policy Institute, confidence in going back to the dentist hit a new high since the pandemic started, with 94% of patients stating they are ready to go back to the dentist or they have already gone back to see the dentist, compared to August of 2020 where only 78% of patients had been back or were ready to go back to the dentist.

If you’re ready for your next dental checkup, contact Nebraska Dental Center today to setup an appointment!

Continued Safety Protocols

As more and more people become fully vaccinated, the CDC has started to provide less-restrictive guidelines for these people. However, most recommended precautions, such as using personal protective equipment, have not changed for health care settings, including dental offices.

Even though we are seeing COVID-19 case numbers trending down, we still ask that you follow our guidelines for your safety and the safety of others, including:

  • Do not come to the office if you have any symptoms of COVID-19
  • Limit the number of people you bring to your appointment, if possible
  • Wear a mask until notified that you can remove it

Per the CDC, we are regularly consulting with our state and local health departments for region-specific information and recommendations, as they monitor trends in local case counts and adjust accordingly.

We understand that you may not feel comfortable quite yet, or you have questions about the protocols we’ve implemented in our office to keep patients safe. You can review our entire list of COVID-19 Safety Protocols or you can contact us in La Vista, NE and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Learn More About Nebraska Dental Center COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Pediatric Dental Care: Starting Your Child Off on the Right Tooth

Pediatric Dentistry in La Vista, NE

The quality of dental care a child receives while growing up can have a huge impact on their teeth — and even their general health — for the rest of their life. Dental care sets the stage for the way teeth develop as they grow, and it’s important to begin with a good foundation. To reinforce healthy brushing habits with children and make sure their teeth are coming in nicely, we recommend visiting the dentist early, with the first visit at about twelve months of age, which is usually less than six months after their first tooth shows up.

Here are a few specific reasons to take your children to the dentist early in their lives:

Baby Teeth are Important

Your child’s baby teeth aren’t disposable just because they’re temporary. They play an important role in your child’s development. Making sure their baby teeth are in order will have a positive effect long after they lose them. Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth; they help your child’s jaw and gums develop in the right way. Not only that, healthy baby teeth help children learn to speak by supporting the shape of the mouth correctly. And a dazzling smile is good for their self-esteem.

Experience Calms Anxiety

Many grownups feel anxious about going to the dentist. However, if you bring your children in for a visit at about the age of twelve months, they’ll be too young to think anything bad is going on and they won’t likely be very worried. One of the best ways to help children avoid the development of dental anxiety is to begin building a habit of regular dental visits early in life. Parents who wait until children are two years of age or older likely will have a much rougher time with visits at early ages, and the children could develop lifelong anxiety about going to the dentist.

Tooth Decay Comes Early

Tooth decay can set in as soon as your child develops their first tooth. A CDC report showed that as many as 40% of children will develop some form of tooth decay before they reach kindergarten. And that decay can have a long-term effect on the health of their teeth and gums.

Nip Problems in the Bud

After children have stopped growing, it can be difficult to get crooked teeth back in order. The process is likely to be more difficult, longer and more uncomfortable for the patient than if the problems are taken care of early in life. That’s why there’s no better time to fix misaligned or crooked teeth than when your child is still growing. As soon as their teeth show signs of these problems, we can begin early to guide their teeth into the correct position.

 

Giving your child’s teeth the care they deserve sets them up for dental success in the future by introducing good dental hygiene habits and preventing problems from getting worse as their teeth age. If you have any questions about how to give your child the best dental care possible or would like to set up an appointment, give Nebraska Dental Center a call at (402) 331-1695. Begin proper dental care as soon as your child’s first tooth shows up and you’ll put them on the road to a healthy, beautiful smile all their lives.

Learn More About Pediatric Dentistry Contact Nebraska Dental Center

Sedation: Making Your Dental Procedure as Comfortable as Possible

La Vista Dental Sedation

As we get older, we figure out that many things we didn’t like as children really were for our own good. Sometimes, we even end up liking some of those things, such as vegetables or early bedtime. But let’s be honest – sometimes when you’re sitting in your dentist’s waiting room listening to a poor eight-year-old boy throw a fit, you’re right there with him. Dental visits rarely end up being anyone’s favorite thing to do!

Even if going to the dentist doesn’t terrify you, the idea of a dentist visit can be nerve-wracking and uncomfortable for some people. About 15% of Americans are so intimidated by going to the dentist, they avoid it altogether – unfortunately for their teeth. Waiting to go to the dentist, or never going, can turn small dental issues into bigger, more complicated problems that are potentially more painful, too.

At Nebraska Dental Center, we want you to know we understand coming to see us can seem intimidating, and we are committed to making your visit as comfortable as possible. Among other things we do to welcome you to our office, we can make most procedures relatively painless, thanks to the power of modern medicine.

Usually, a local anesthetic is enough to manage your pain. However, for some people, pain isn’t the only concern. Patients who suffer from anxiety, for example, may be concerned the discomfort of a procedure will cause elevated anxiety. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry! Sedation can make your visit a breeze!

Controlling Dental Pain: Local Anesthesia vs. General Anesthesia vs. Sedation

Dentists use three primary methods to manage patients’ pain and stress during procedures:

  • Local anesthesia: numbs the immediate area being worked on
  • General anesthesia: makes you unconscious for the duration
  • Sedative medication: calms you – dentists can choose different levels of sedative

Local anesthesia is applied with a swab or syringe directly to the skin or muscle in the area the dentist plans to work on. Some sedatives are released into the patient’s bloodstream through a needle or catheter inserted into a vein. Unlike general anesthesia, where the patient is entirely unconscious and may need assistance with their breathing and heartbeat, sedative medication can leave the patient in a semi-conscious state. This means the patient can respond to verbal commands and doesn’t need to be watched as closely.

Many sedatives leave the patient with no memory of the procedure, so they don’t have to worry they will have traumatic memories of the procedure. A combination of local anesthesia and sedative medication makes a patient’s experience both painless and more emotionally comfortable.

Oral sedatives (by mouth) often simply calm a person’s nerves a bit. These sedatives leave the patient fully conscious but help them relax during the dental procedure.

The type of sedation a dentist uses depends on the individual needs of each patient.

Going to the dentist may not ever be one of your favorite things, but at Nebraska Dental Center we have ways (including sedation) to ensure your dental visit is as comfortable as possible. If you have questions about how we can accommodate you during your visit, or if you have specific questions about any procedure, give us a call at (402) 331-1695 and we’ll be happy to ease your anxiety!

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry at Nebraska Dental Center
nebraska dental center exterior of building

Nebraska Dental Center

8050 South 84th Street
La Vista, NE 68128
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Directions

From Giles Road in La Vista, turn into the strip mall anchored by Thrift World, Harbor Freight, and Dollar Tree. Nebraska Dental Center is a few businesses to the left of the Dollar Tree. Look for the green Nebraska Dental Center logo and the "Nebraska Dental Center" window decal.

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - Noon

Phone

(402) 331-1695