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What is the best whitening system that produces great results? 

How much does it cost to achieve the best whitening results fast?

How long will it take to get my teeth white?

What is the best hassle-free whitening process on the market?

How fast and how white can I get my teeth? 

Are the tooth whitening kits purchased from the store as effective as professional whitening performed in-office?

While marketing and advertising generate buzz about the latest products, there still seems to be some confusion — and even debate — about the best way to whiten your teeth. Consumers want to know: What is the best whitening system? Which whitening system produces the number one results? How much does it cost to achieve the best whitening results? How long will it take to get whiter teeth?

It seems that it is hard for most individuals to justify the added expense of in-office professional teeth whitening from their dentist, which can generally cost anywhere from $200 to more than $500. Whereas an over-the-counter whitening kit often costs less than eighty dollars.The big picture is that store-bought whitening kits don’t tend to work as well or as quickly as in-office professional whitening. But why?

OTC, or over-the-counter whitening systems, such as Whitestrips by Crest®, use hydrogen peroxide as the primary and active ingredient. Hydrogen peroxide is also the same active ingredient that is used in many professional whitening systems. However, the concentration is generally much lower. In the case of Crest® Whitestrips, this generally low concentration of hydrogen peroxide is mixed into a gel (glycerin). It is this same gel that is found on the back of the whitening strips. Unfortunately, when this glycerin gel is applied to the teeth, it covers the teeth and a portion of the gum tissue.

For this reason, the concentration of any hydrogen peroxide in the gel must be kept as low as possible. If the amount of hydrogen peroxide is too high, it can cause chemical burns to the gum tissue. This gel will whiten teeth, but it occurs over time. Because the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is so low, it takes much more time and more frequent applications than professional whitening systems. But, how are the professional systems different?

The two most noticeable differences between an OTC whitening system and a professional system:

#1 The difference in concentration of the whitening agent. 

Over-the-counter bleaching systems like those from Crest® (White Strips) use hydrogen peroxide 10 %. Professional bleaching systems use carbamide peroxide up to 45 % to provide their bleaching effects. 

Our professional whitening products in the office do not contain any hydrogen peroxide as it leads to severe sensitivity and takes a long time to see results. Instead, we use carbamide peroxide, a powerful, stable, and more penetrating agent leading to a whiter, brighter smile more quickly.

Store-bought whitening strips can easily slide around and produce extra sensitivity even though they have a weaker bleaching solution concentration. Whitening strips purchased in-store contain only a maximum of 10% hydrogen peroxide, but they create sensitivity by sliding around and irritating gums. Professional level bleaching, which offers the best whitening system today, contains 35-45% Carbamide peroxide | CH6N2O3 – PubChem

#2 The greatest disadvantage of store-purchased whitening strips is that the strips slide around easily and produce extra sensitivity despite a weaker bleaching solution. 

In-store purchased whitening kits are a one size fits all and are not custom made. Professional options, which tend to be the best whitening system today, use custom-made “trays.” Custom made trays hold the whitening gel in direct contact with the teeth preventing any contact with gum tissue. Professional teeth whitening trays are a thin, flexible shell of clear plastic that gently rests over the teeth, forming a barrier along the gum line.

Custom trays, which comprise the best whitening system, are fabricated with small pockets or reservoirs to directly hold the hydrogen peroxide gel on each tooth’s fronts. Because the trays are custom made, impressions of the teeth must be made on the first visit so that any duplicate or subsequent impressions of the teeth can be made with a “plaster-like” substance.

On the second visit, the newly made plastic trays are tried in the mouth to ensure superior fit and excellent comfort. At that time, detailed instructions will be given to the patient regarding how to dispense the proper amount of whitening gel into the trays.

Learn more on:

How long will it take to get my teeth whiter?

Generally speaking, the age of teeth, the amount of initial staining, and the amount of enamel determines just how long you may need to whiten your teeth. Younger patients tend to have much fewer teeth staining and more enamel versus that of older patients.

Read more about teeth whitening in young kids.

What is the best whitening system for fast, effective whitening results? 

Our dentists use the Opalescence® system.

The benefits of Opalescence® system are:

• Opalescence® tooth whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride), which helps maintain enamel’s health throughout the whitening process.
• Formulated to prevent dehydration and shade relapse.
• Opalescence® in-office whitening contains 35% Carbamide peroxide | CH6N2O3 – PubChem concentration.
• Custom trays are used to apply sticky, viscous gel that won’t migrate to soft tissues.

How fast and how white can I get my teeth? What are the factors that influence the whitening results?

The answer is that it entirely depends on how dark and stained the teeth are initially, the level of whitening desired, and how frequently whitening gel is applied.

The whitening’s final results depend on the Initial tooth color shade, and patients with a more yellow hue have a much greater response to whitening than those with more gray or brown hues to their teeth. Every patient has a unique and inherent whitening potential. 

Unique and inherent whitening potential – is a level at which our teeth won’t whiten anymore, and this varies from person to person. Ultimately, our teeth whitening amount is controlled by our genes and the amount of enamel on our teeth. Some people can achieve great whitening results, and some can not get those super white teeth. Those particular individuals might want to consider dental veneers or crowns for achieving a bright, white smile.

Check out this smile and the little amount of enamel. You can see thin enamel and not much tooth enamel structure remains. This particular patient would not be able to get her teeth super white with whitening products. Dental veneers or crowns would be her only choice to get super white teeth.

Another patient case shows extraordinary whitening results. This patient has lots of enamel, which led to excellent and fast teeth whitening results.

In conclusion, the best whitening system is one that is of professional grade. Professional whitening systems produce better results because they have custom made trays and stronger whitening solutions. 

For some patients with a minimal amount of enamel or severely worn teeth, teeth whitening may not give them the desired results.Those patients should consider dental veneers or crowns to achieve super white teeth. 

Our dentists are more than willing to help you decide the best teeth whitening method for you. A confident smile is a beautiful smile. If you have more questions, please feel free to give us a call. We’re here to help!

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Additional CAQs you may have about teeth whitening: 

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Why does teeth bleaching create sensitivity?

Reason #1: Tooth dehydration. A large concentration of hydrogen peroxide naturally dehydrates the teeth during bleaching, and using a UV or LED light makes it much worse, causing even more sensitivity!

Reason #2: Gums become sensitive due to teeth whitening solution spilling over. For this reason, custom trays are essential, and you should take extra care not to add too much teeth whitening solution.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth bleaching and whitening is one of the safest cosmetic procedures we do in dentistry.

At the concentrations we use in dentistry (5%-38%), it doesn’t damage the enamel. There is no softening, stripping, or abnormal wear of the enamel associated with whitening.

What does bleaching do to the enamel? 

According to research, at the concentrations we use in dentistry (5%-38%), it doesn’t damage the enamel. There is no softening, stripping, or abnormal wear of the enamel associated with whitening. 

How old must you be to do teeth whitening?

It is recommended not to begin the whitening process before the age of 13. This may vary depending on the patient. Due to the enlarged pulp chamber in children and young adults, the teeth’ nerves can be very sensitive, and it may not be advisable.

How long will teeth whitening results last?

Teeth whitening results generally tend to leave you with a stunning smile long after treatment has been done. Do remember, though, that some factors can make teeth lose their shine; things like diet, genetics, age, medications (like tetracycline), and individual habits (such as smoking) can all affect the length of time that your whitening results will last. Fortunately, however, touch-up treatments are easy and quick, which will help you get that bright, white smile back quickly.  

Can I whiten a filling or crown? 

No. Unfortunately, only natural tooth structure can be whitened; any crowns or fillings you have will not react to whitening products. If you have a crown or a visible filling, you may want to talk to your dentist about different options to improve your smile.

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work for Whitening Teeth? Although charcoal tooth products can make teeth feel extremely clean and smooth, there are some disadvantages to regularly using them. Charcoal is more abrasive than particles found in toothpaste. \The best is to avoid using charcoal toothpaste daily. Learn more https://nebraskafamilydentistry.com/…/trending-hygiene…/

Other CAQs and links to more

Top 10 teeth whitening products

Best teeth whitening kit with light?

Best teeth whitening gel?

Best teeth whitening toothpaste?

Best teeth whitening reviews?

Best teeth whitening toothpaste 2020

How to Use and Care for Custom Whitening Trays

Prior to using professional strength teeth whitening products and getting custom whitening trays, be sure to see your dentist for an exam to ensure that your gums are healthy enough to bleach your teeth. It’s important to know that crowns, veneers, and fillings will not bleach. If the shade of your natural teeth matches your existing dental work before bleaching, whitening your teeth will result in mismatched shades. Regularly receiving professional cleanings to remove tartar and plaque accumulation on the teeth will give you the evenest results from whitening.

Unique and inherent whitening potential – it’s believed that we each have a level at which our teeth won’t whiten anymore.  This varies from person to person and is controlled by our genes and determined by the value/hue of our teeth. We can only get the value color changed to brighter and whiter color/hue, which determines your final color and whitening results.

• If you are in color range A, you can get to A1 as your lightest result.
• If you are in category B, you can get to the highest B shade, B1.
• If you are in category C, you can only get to the lightest shade of C.

Please look at your initial shade using this shade scale:

Will my previous dental work whiten?

If you have dental fillings, crowns, or any type of dental work, those restorations will not whiten.

Steps for using custom whitening trays at home:

Opalescence™ 35% bleaching solution should only be used with custom bleaching trays from your dentist and applied for the prescribed time of 60 minutes. 

Teeth should be thoroughly brushed and flossed before bleaching. To load your custom bleaching trays, apply the bleach in small dots to the inside of the front portion of the teeth only. You should not use more than half of the syringe per application for both arches. Once you have inserted the trays, lightly tap the sides of the tray to allow the gel to contact your teeth. Do not eat, drink, or sleep while your trays are in your mouth. 

After 60 minutes, remove the trays and gently brush with a soft toothbrush and rinse your mouth with room temperature water to remove any residual bleaching gel. You may clean the remaining gel from your custom trays by gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush. Store trays in a cool environment in a container to avoid damage. Avoid using warm or hot water to clean them as this will warp your trays.  Avoid soaking your trays in mouthwash to avoid discoloration. After whitening, you should avoid tobacco products, coffee, tea, dark pop, red wine, etc for 24-48 hours.

The color of your teeth may appear uneven immediately after you remove your bleach trays. This is temporary and is due to the dehydration that occurs during whitening. The shade of your teeth may have a gradient color, with a darker shade closer to the gumline and lighter shade closer to the biting surface. This is normal and is a natural feature of enamel anatomy.

The longevity of your whitening results varies based on diet and lifestyle habits. Using a whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains between whitening applications. You can touch up your whitening for a day or two whenever you feel that your teeth are starting to appear less bright. For most people, this is one or two applications of bleach every 3-4 months. Store leftover bleach in the refrigerator. 

Sensitivity after whitening is normal and temporary. Patients who have autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammatory disease may experience prolonged sensitivity symptoms after whitening. Patients who grind their teeth may experience more discomfort after whitening. You may take Tylenol or ibuprofen to help manage your sensitivity along with daily use of sensitivity toothpaste.

What if you want super white teeth but not able to get there with just teeth whitening based on the limitations of your enamel?

Consider dental veneers, crowns, or replacing aged dental work. Doing so will create permanent whitening results. Dental veneers and crowns stay permanently white and do not stain.

Whether you’re looking to replace the siding on your house, landscape your backyard, or even fix your smile, there is always something to do. And, chances are it seems many of these things get put on the back burner because of time or cost. Cost is enormous to everyone, and we all know that there really isn’t anything that is “cheap.” If it is “cheap,” most of us tend to say, “whoa hold up, there has to be a catch,” right!? The rule “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is,” seems pretty spot on.

While some things are too good to be true, there one thing is genuinely legitimate. It’s Teledentisry! What is Teledentistry? Teledentistry, in short, is the use of information and telecommunication to offer dental services to a variety of patients. What’s cool about Telehealth, in general, is that providers in any area of expertise can reach a maximum number of people. The same goes for Teledentistry. Dentists can see more patients even quicker than they could in the office. A dentist can see you from the comfort of your own home or another provider’s office, coordinating care. Thus, benefiting your oral and overall health. Now that’s pretty cool!

But why would anyone want to have a Teledentistry appointment? Ok, we all know that you aren’t going to get your teeth cleaned by a dentist in Lincoln, NE, while you are sitting on your couch in Dallas, TX, that’s not realistic. But, what is practical, however, is that many people worldwide have had successful Teledentisry appointments. The reasons behind Teledentistry are quite simple and do make sense. So, let’s go over them!

3 Great Reasons to Try Teledentistry

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1. Education – Education plays a huge role in any decision we make. If we don’t have the facts, it’s hard for anyone to decide anything. Similarly, we can’t get the facts if we don’t talk to someone who knows something. Whether it’s the guy selling you new siding for your house or a dentist talking to you about the reason for your discomfort and the options available to remedy it, these people have the facts. Facts, no matter what, help build a solid foundation. With a solid foundation, you can make confident, educated decisions. Making good decisions will ultimately benefit your overall health.
   
2. Awareness – What exactly is awareness? Awareness is to spread knowledge about something or spread knowledge that something exists. Whether it’s cancer awareness or awareness about different dental diseases, it’s awareness nonetheless. In this particular case, Teledentistry could help spread awareness to patients about oral cancer or periodontal disease. In the end, spreading awareness could help one person or multiple people – and it could save your teeth!
   
3. Treatment and Consultation – Teledentistry could prove extremely valuable if you need urgent dental care. We all know that emergencies never seem to happen during business hours. If you need immediate oral care, you can still get an opinion from a licensed dentist. Now that’s pretty neat! In doing so, you can formulate a treatment plan. If the dentist you consult with feels your dental concern is severe enough, they may have you come to the office. Overall, that’s still an easy visit. The hardest part is over; you’ve talked to a dental professional who is aware of your condition, and they likely offered you a remedy of some kind even if it’s short-term. For me, having advice from a professional is almost always enough to ease some pretty severe discomfort.

Even though not everyone feels Teledentistry is ideal, it does have many benefits. One of the biggest pros of using Teledentistry, or Telehealth in general, is that you don’t have to go to the office (in most cases). For you, that means more time in your schedule to do what you need to do. You don’t have the headache of fighting traffic or waiting in line once you arrive at the dental clinic. Teledentistry is a straightforward process, and being able to see a dentist when you need to see a dentist, should sound incredibly appealing. If you’ve ever experienced dental pain, you know it’s no fun. Also, a second opinion is sometimes necessary, and this a quick way to get a second point of view. Another perk? Your insurance just might cover the cost or at least a portion of Telehealth appointments depending upon your plan. Be sure to call and ask them.

Now that you know more about Teledentistry, I hope you are inclined to try it. Going out of your comfort zone is sometimes needed, and in the end, you might discover something you love. I’m all about easy and convenient, and Teledentistry offers both. What’s not to love about that? Give it a try; I think you’ll like it!

Nebraska Family Dentistry has multiple Lincoln Dental Clinics!
Choose any location “dentist near me” convenient for you.

What’s in a name? We’ll find out here about some of the common consumer dental products that are on the market for purchase today. We’ve picked a few and listed out some of their specifications. So, if you’re in the market, hopefully you’ll find our article to be of value. The products we’ll discuss below are:

–Activated Charcoal Toothpaste/Whitening Powder

–Electric Toothbrush Technology including:

• Burst

• Quip

• Waterpik® Sonic Fusion

-SmileDirectClub

–At Home Scalers

–CleanOral™ Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaner

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Activated Charcoal Toothpaste/Whitening Powder: Is it safe to brush your teeth with activated charcoal?

It’s common for patients to ask about dental products for consumers, which can include using items like charcoal toothpaste or powder. The charcoal toothpaste is no different than if a patient used whitening toothpaste. It only removes surface stains due to its abrasive property but doesn’t whiten the tooth structure. Even though there aren’t any great dental concerns when using this product, there are some cons. It can leave residue along the gum line, especially if the patient doesn’t have great home care. Also, the charcoal can settle along gum lines or heavy plaque/calculus. In the end, the abrasive property can be harmful to areas of recession/exposed root structure, may even cause more sensitivity. At Nebraska Family Dentistry, we are always sure to stay up-to-date with the latest products, so we know what might work well for our patients.

In addition, if a patient is using dental products for consumers like active charcoal for oral care, they may be using other products/supplements containing it as well. It should be noted that activated charcoal can interfere with some medications. Activated charcoal may also reduce the absorption of certain nutrients.

Medications affected are: 

• Acetaminophen
• Digoxin
  • Used for heart disease. It is a medication that helps your heart work better to send blood through your body. It strengthens the heart muscle’s contractions and slows your heart rate. 
    • types of digoxin include: digoxin (lanoxin, lanoxicaps, digitek) and digitoxin (crystodigin)
• Theophylline
  • Theophylline is a relatively weak but inexpensive bronchodilator containing a chemical similar to caffeine. It relaxes the smooth muscle that surrounds the airways.
• Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have been used to treat depression since the 1950s. They tend to cause more side effects than newer drugs for depression. As with all antidepressants, you must take TCAs for a while before it starts to work. 
    • Types of TCAs include amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine Asendin), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil).

Electric Toothbrush Technology: An Excellent Dental Product for Consumers. Are electric toothbrushes actually better?

There is a huge selection of dental products for consumers when it comes to electric toothbrushes. So, “which is the best?” Honestly, they’re all about the same as long as the patient is using them correctly.

Newer or trending models: 

BURST

• Charcoal Bristle
  • Super soft charcoal-infused PBT nylon bristles: specially designed to remove surface stains. BURST has been clinically proven to provide up to 91% greater plaque removal vs. a manual toothbrush. The charcoal is naturally antimicrobial, which helps keep the bristles hygienic for the brush head’s lifetime.
• 33,000 Sonic Vibrations Per Minute
  • Versus a manual toothbrush, BURST reduces gum bleeding up to 3 times more after just 15 days.
• 2 Minute Timer
• 3 Brushing Modes
  • Whitening, sensitive, and massage.
• Powerful, Long-Lasting Lithium Battery
• Cost $69.99, with a subscription replacement heads are $6.00 apiece.

QUIP

• Sensitive, silent sonic vibrations.
• 2-minute timer with 30-second pulses.
• Waterproof & shower-safe.
• Mirror mount that doubles as a travel cover.
• Electric sets for adults and kids start at $25, with refill plans from $5.

WATERPIK SONIC FUSION® TOOTHBRUSH

• Sonic-Fusion® combines the power of an advanced sonic toothbrush with the Waterpik® Water Flosser. The toothbrush head features a built-in water flosser tip that pulsates from the center of the toothbrush, allowing you to use one device for both brushing and flossing.
• Waterpik’s® clinical study found that Sonic-Fusion® is 2 times as effective as traditional brushing and flossing for reducing plaque and improving gum health. BUT NO STUDY ON HOW EFFECTIVE FOR PREVENTING INTERPROXIMAL CAVITIES OR INTERPROXIMAL CALCULUS!
• Patients can use most mouthwashes in the reservoir. The exceptions are povidone-iodine and pure essential oil such as tea tree oil. If any agent other than water is used in the reservoir, you should flush the unit with water after using it.
• Sonic-Fusion® includes patented water flossing brush heads
• 2 minute brushing timer with a 30 second pacer
• Advanced pressure control
• Recharge indicator light
• Includes deluxe toothbrush travel case
• The price range is $169.99-$199.99

When it comes to dental products for consumers, Waterpik® isn’t generally a top choice. If a Waterpik® is used in combination with traditional floss, however, it can be beneficial. Also, if a patient is in full orthodontic gear, or they are older and have lost dexterity, then it can be better than not flossing all.

SmileDirectClub: Is the SmileDirectClub Safe?

What about the SmileDirectClub? The SmileDirectClub offers dental products for consumers and makes claims to straighten teeth without seeing an orthodontist. Generally, it is a good idea for patients to see an actual orthodontist so that the orthodontic treatment can be evaluated appropriately and monitored throughout the whole process.

• https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/things-didn-t-feel-right-some-smiledirectclub-customers-report-problems-n1134056
• https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/21/technology/smiledirectclub-smile-nda.html

At Home Scalers: Is it bad to scrape plaque off your teeth?

Patients have asked if they should use dental products for consumers such as a “pick” or “scaler” in-between cleanings. The short answer is, no! Often, a person ends up doing more harm than good. Instead, continue to focus on brushing twice per day and flossing daily. Here is an ultrasonic scaler that anyone can purchase online called “tooth stone.” If anything, the name can give you a good chuckle.

CleanOral™ Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaner: Do ultrasonic teeth cleaners work?

• Effectively removes dental plaque, dental calculus, and stains. Remove hard tartar easily from teeth preventing gum disease.
• Using CleanOral™ in conjunction with your current dental care routine will decrease bacteria levels in the mouth, resulting in fresher breath.
• High-frequency vibration Remover. Physically remove dental calculus.
• Safe Medical Dental Materials: Food-grade silicone/PC/ABS/304 stainless steel head; high quality, easily clean dental calculus, tartar, smoke, coffee stains, tea Spots, etc.
• Five gear intensity adjustment, suitable for different needs, relaxation, and comfort.
• Built-in rechargeable battery.

Safe dental visit during the pandemic

Here’s what we think you should know if you have an upcoming dental appointment while the recommendation of social distancing is still in place.

There is always a chance of being exposed to the virus anywhere you go. In this article, we will summarize the top 5 reasons for seeing our dentists and hygienists.

Five Top Reasons to See Your Dentist and Hygienist.

1. We follow every infection control recommendation from the CDC, OSHA, ADA, and NDA.
   
2. We have biological dentists on our team. A biological dentist takes extra precautions to create a safe environment for our teams and patients. Biological dentists help guard against common pathogens in dentistry.
   
3. We have completed the “Clean Air Project” that assures clean air at our offices.
   
4. Most dental diseases, such as cavities, gum disease, and low-grade infections, are painless. The pain develops when the disease reaches its final stage. At this stage, the cost of treatment increases dramatically and prognosis decreases.
   
5. Our gums should never bleed. Gums that bleed are a sign that you need to have a professional cleaning. According to one of the Mayo Clinic studies, people with bleeding gums have a higher risk of developing cognitive problems over time.

#1 Top reason to see your dentist and hygienist. We follow every infection control recommendation from the CDC, OSHA, ADA, and NDA.

What do our offices do to ensure your safety?

We follow every recommendation:

To ensure our patient’s and teams’ safety, we have implemented several protocols to keep everyone safe and healthy. Our goal has been, and will be, to create a wellness-oriented environment with high infection control standards. Check out our infection control high standards even before COVID-19.

In light of the current situation, our offices have instituted extra precautions and protocols:

✅ Heightened screening for potential COVID-19 patients

✅ HEPA Air purifiers, Negative ion generators, and UVC Sanitizers

✅ Increased intervals between appointments and patients to minimize cross-infection

✅ Hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse before dental procedures

✅ Rubber dam isolation with high-speed turbo oral aerosol vacuum suction hose

✅ Anti-retraction headpieces

✅ Effective and strict disinfection measures

If you are not comfortable at this time coming to the office for your appointment and prefer to wait, please consider Teledentistry.

Reason #2 to see your dentist and hygienist: We have biological dentists on our team. A biological dentist takes extra precautions on creating a safe environment for teams and patients to guard them against common pathogens in dentistry. Learn more about biological dentistry.

Reason #3 to see your dentist and hygienist: We have completed the “Clean Air Project,” which ensures clean air at our offices.

Back in 2019, we completed “The Clean Air Project” as part of our wellness program to promote health within the workplace. Our air filtration system helps significantly reduce the number of harmful aerosols created during dental appointments. Our filtration system also removes mercury vapor. In addition to this office-wide system, we have individual air-vacuum units at each of our locations. These air-vacuum units help remove pathogens during aerosol producing procedures. We are proud to offer “Clear Air” at each of our locations. We did so even before COVID-19.

Reason #4 to see your dentist and hygienist: Most dental diseases, such as cavities, gum disease, and low-grade infection, are painless. The pain develops when the disease reaches its final stage. At this stage, the cost of treatment increases dramatically, and prognosis decreases.

Most cavities do not have any pain or symptoms unless the cavity reaches the middle part of a tooth where the nerve resides. When that happens, a root canal is indicated as treatment. Root canals are more expensive than fixing a cavity with a dental filling. Most of the cavities we diagnose can be fixed with dental fillings.

Learn more about cavities: What are cavities? When do I need a root canal? 

Most cavities can be fixed with a dental filling. But, if the cavity grows, it will reach the nerve often requires more extensive work. Ultimately, this is a much more significant expense. Likewise, a cavity that has progressed beyond being fixed with a filling might need a root canal and a dental crown. However, if the cavity is extensive or a patient has immunocompromised health, a root canal procedure may not be a great choice. In this case, a dental implant is a better option.

For reference, the cost of a white, mercury-free dental filling without dental insurance is approximately $280 in Lincoln, NE.

The average cost of a root canal plus a dental crown in Lincoln, NE without dental insurance is about $2,400.

The cost to replace a tooth with a dental implant and a crown without dental insurance in Lincoln, NE, is about $4,500.

Reason #5 to see your dentist and hygienist: Bleeding gums can be a sign of increased inflammation throughout the body and correlate with overall health.

Periodontal Disease and its connection to overall health

Studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between chronic conditions and periodontal disease. Such chronic conditions include diabetes, pregnancy complications, heart disease, and respiratory disease.

A few things characterize periodontal disease. Common characteristics include chronic inflammation of the gums, disease-causing bacteria within the oral cavity and periodontal infection below the gum line. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and halting or slowing periodontal disease progression not only reduces the risk of bone loss and gum disease, but it also reduces the chances of developing other serious illnesses.

Periodontal disease is, unfortunately, the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the world. Periodontal disease should always be treated promptly.

Check out this video: Can I get rid of Periodontal (Gum) disease?

Still not comfortable leaving your home and visiting our office? Consider Teledentistry.

Teledentistry is a fantastic and growing option that still allows you to see your dentist. Telehealth, or Teledentistry, connects patients to their dentist using various forms of technology, including cell phones, videoconferencing, and communicating through tablets and other personal digital electronics. Teledentistry services can address dental conditions that range from crooked teeth to oral exams to urgent or emergency care.

Our dentists can help you via teledentistry visit for:

 ✅  Routine oral exams

 ✅  Examine a toothache and prescribe necessary medication

 ✅ Diagnose the source of sore or bleeding gums

 ✅ Evaluate a broken tooth and scheduling a follow-up

Questions you may be asking about your upcoming safe dental visit.

Q: You might still be asking what extra precautions are we taking during this time for dental tool sterilization?

A: Non-disposable items such as dental tools are cleaned and sterilized between every patient. Needles and disposable dental tools are never reused. Additional infection control precautions also require that any dental team members involved in direct patient care, use the appropriate protective equipment, including gloves, masks, gowns, and eye wear.

Q: I heard you have rooms with negative pressure. What is it? Does having a negative pressure room help decrease aerosols caused by aerosol producing procedures?

A: Yes, it significantly decreases the number of aerosols and any potential exposure to other pathogens, such as mercury vapor.

Q: What do you use to catch aerosols/splatter by dentists during drilling to ensure a safe dental visit?

A: A big part of our “2019 Clean Air project” was adding a standalone air purification machine or APM. APM should be placed right next to patients while performing aerosol producing procedures. It can play a significant role in reducing transmittable bio-aerosols. 

Q: What do you use for isolation and catching saliva? 

Check out this video 

Q: What is the best mouthwash to kill coronavirus?

A: At this time, it is uncertain which mouthwash is the best to kill the COVID-19 virus. According to one study, hydrogen peroxide is more effective as it oxidizes and inactivates the virus.

At our offices, we use a a pre-procedural mouthwash of 2% hydrogen peroxide.

Q: I am older and afraid to see the dentist in fear of contracting COVID-19? How can I see a dentist safely?

A: We have a biological dentist and strive to create an environment that is safe for immune-compromised and older patients. Biological dentistry is about choosing the safest materials and creating the healthiest environment for patients.

Q: Can I have a safe dental visit near me?

A: If you are looking for a safe dental visit during COVID-19, meet our biological dentist, who works hard in providing a safe place for patients, dentists, and team members.

Biological dentistry is way pr practicing dentistry to decrease and eliminate the risks associated with common pathogens in dentistry and its effect on overall health.

Q: I am an immuno-compromised and know that healthy gums are essential to keep me at my healthiest. Yet, I am worried about visiting the dentist. How can I have a safe dental visit? 

A: Healthy gums are an essential part of being healthy overall. If you are concerned about safety, consider seeing our biological dentist. Biological dentists practice dentistry to assure that patients and team members have the healthiest environment free of common pathogens encountered in dentistry.

Q: Can my dental treatment wait until fall?

A: Most dental diseases, such as cavities, gum disease, and low-grade infection, are painless. The pain develops when the disease reaches its final stage. At this stage, the cost of treatment increases dramatically. But, prognosis decreases. In deciding to wait, you should consider the current condition and the stage of it. If you need help in choosing, please email our treatment coordinators or schedule a FREE Online Virtual Visit with one of our dentists.

Q: I had an infected tooth before the pandemic, can this infection grow and affect my overall health?

A: If a tooth becomes infected, a small area around the tooth can become infected. This type of infection is a low-grade infection. Likewise, this type of infection can be painless. Unfortunately, if this infection gets bigger, it will affect the soft structure of a face. It will also create swelling, putting a patient at risk for a life-threatening situation.

Q: I had SRP before the pandemic, should I consider my gum disease under control? 

Do know and understand that you can have a safe dental visit, even now, and we will make sure of it. Dental cleanings are essential in removing the build-up below the gum line and keeping gum disease in remission. Deep cleaning is the first step to treat gum disease. After every deep cleaning, it is natural to get the build-up back. At home, you can do a big part of keeping gum disease in remission by flossing and brushing daily.

Depending upon the stage of your gum disease, these steps may not be enough. Gum disease can become active without the help of a hygienist to remove the build-up naturally below the gum line.

Q: I needed SRP, deep cleaning before the pandemic. Can gum disease go away on its own? 

A: The gum disease diagnosis relies on the signs of inflammation in the mouth. This inflammation is caused by the tartar or rough feeling build-up above and below the gum line. Without the help of a dental professional, it is impossible to remove build-up and treat gum disease. Deep cleaning is a crucial step in treating gum disease.

In conclusion:

At Nebraska Family Dentistry, we know that each patient trusts us to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere. After all, you want to have a safe dental visit, and we think you should. Also, each patient trusts us to operate with the highest standards of dental office infection control. Part of our responsibility to each of you is to provide the highest infection control standard to ensure your safety and health. It is vitally important that every patient feels well-cared for and safe while at any of our offices.

Nebraska Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE maintains a high standard of cleanliness. We follow the infection control guidelines recommended by the ADA and CDC (American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). When you come to any Nebraska Family Dentistry location, we want you to rest assured that your overall health and well-being are our number one priority.