Services | Family, Adult, Pediatric Dental & Oral Hygiene Services

Services

Dental Crowns & Bridges

CROWNS

Crowns are used to preserve or protect damaged or broken teeth or to improve the appearance of your smile. In our office we typically use a CEREC technique to make most crowns and bridges. The term CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. What this means to our patients is that we can provide crowns and bridges in one visit! Using CAD/CAM technology we will fabricate your restoration right in our office. Drs. Pavlik and Bargen have been using this technology for over 10 years and still get excited about what we can do with it.

 

BRIDGES

Teeth sometimes have to be removed due to infection or trauma. This can actually change the way your mouth looks and functions. It also can change the look of your face. Bridges are made with artificial teeth to help improve the shape and function of your mouth.

There are many options for bridges. They are made of different materials including porcelain, gold, and alloys. Our office uses a digital impression with an iTero for a goop-free, more accurate impression. Our patients love this! After having a thorough examination with x-rays, we will be able to discuss your options so we can make the right choice for your mouth.

If you have any questions about crowns or bridges or think you may benefit from having one, don’t hesitate to contact our office today at 1-402-564-7575.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

We are proud to be a general family dental office and are excited to be able to offer comprehensive dental care for you and your entire family! We are able to care for every person in your family so that you don’t have to run all over town just to have beautiful and healthy smiles!

No matter your stage of life, our compassionate staff will go the extra mile to ensure your comfort. Whether you’re looking to plan a smile makeover for an upcoming birthday or just want to maintain the beautiful smile you have, we can help! It is our goal to ensure you have a positive visit every time you walk through our doors.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children see a dentist when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday. If you are the parent of a young child, this first “happy visit” is a great time for your child to go for a ride in the chair while you and your dentist touch base on early dental care and discuss brushing, bottles, and other common childhood dental issues. These visits also help to acclimate your child to the dental office and show them that dentistry doesn’t have to be scary.

We want you to have a smile you can be proud of, so we offer cosmetic dentistry to help you optimize the appearance of your teeth.

Before we get started you will need to have a thorough examination with x-rays, and we will listen to what you want and need. After a thorough evaluation, we will discuss your options and help you decide which procedures you want in order to achieve the smile you desire!

It is important that all of your questions and concerns are answered before we start anything. We want you to know what to expect and how you will need to care for your mouth afterward.

If you have any questions about how we can help your smile, feel free to contact us today at 1-402-564-7575.

Invisalign

 

The Invisalign process provides an effective, aesthetic alternative to the metal braces that you had nightmares about when you were a teenager! The ease of taking aligners off to brush and floss, makes hygiene care far easier than with traditional braces.

Invisalign aligners are suitable for use with children from the ages of seven years, right up into adulthood.

A commitment to using the aligners is necessary as these are taken out for eating and brushing, so you or your child must remember to replace the aligners after these tasks. They must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day, or treatment may not be successful.

Only dentists who have been trained by Align Technology can become certified to treat patients with Invisalign. You can rest assured that you will receive the treatment from a qualified dentist.

The Invisalign system mixes 100-year-old orthodontic science with 3D computer technology to ensure you receive aligners that are a perfect match for your teeth and the issues you want to correct. These issues can include overcrowding, overbites, underbites, and gaps between teeth.

Invisalign treatments typically involve visits to your dentist every 6-8 weeks. Aligners will be changed weekly to gradually straighten and realign your teeth.

The Invisalign aligners are clear trays that need to be removed when eating or brushing your teeth. The aligners must be placed in the special aligner case given to you by your dentist.

Wrapping it in a cloth or napkin is not advisable as it can be mistakenly disposed of when cleaning up after a meal. And pets love to use aligners as their chew toys!

Your aligners should be cleaned twice a day with a toothbrush.

Aligners need to be worn for the majority of the day and should only be removed for eating and brushing!

During your initial consultation your dentist will use a 3D scanner to get an image of your teeth. They utilize a specialized computer technology to create the aligner trays to precisely match to your teeth.

You won’t have to suffer through messy impressions. The scanning system is safe and easy.

Your next dental visit is when you’ll receive your new aligners, learn how to care for them, and get the answers to any questions you might have. Further visits to your dentist will be made according to your individual plan and needs. Several aligners will be given to you at your initial visit and your follow-up appointment will be scheduled.

You might experience some initial, very mild discomfort when you first use your new tray. But this will only last a day or two. You might also experience some difficulty taking your tray out of your mouth, but once you’ve practiced this task a few times, it will become second nature. This will all be reviewed at your initial visit and we will make sure you are comfortable taking your aligner in and out. By the time you move on to your second tray, managing any situation with your new smile becomes effortless.

During the Invisalign treatment process, you’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene, so cleaning and flossing your teeth is still necessary. You should still be visiting the dentist for cleanings every 6 months to maintain a healthy mouth.

Dental Innovations is proud to offer this revolutionary treatment to our patients.

We’ve seen the successful results many times and our patients are thrilled to easily overcome dental issues such as crossbites, underbites, overbites, crowded teeth and gaps between teeth.

“Viveras” are the name of the retainers worn after the completion of Invisalign treatment. Here are the instructions for wear after treatment is complete.

  • When Invisalign treatment is finished, it is recommended you continue to wear your Vivera retainers for 22 hours a day for 2 months.
  • After 2 months of 22 hour a day wear, wear retainers for 18 hours a day for 1 month.
  • 3 months after Invisalign treatment is complete, wear retainers for 12 hours a day – Then slowly taper down to night time wear only.
  • Continue night time wear FOREVER, or as long as you want your beautiful new smile.
  • These are generic rules to weaning off of 22 hour a day wear. If at any time retainers feel tight after leaving out, wear retainers more during the day as well as at night until tightness stops. This could be teeth trying to shift back to original position.
  • Clean retainers prior to each insertion with tooth brush and water. Can use Dawn dish soap to clean every couple of weeks as needed.
  • Keep away from dogs or cats as they like to chew on retainers. Try to keep in case provided when not wearing retainers.
  • If having any trouble with fit of retainers, refer back to wear instructions above. May need to wear longer than just at night for a while longer. Time span is different for everyone as we are all unique.
  • Call office if you lose or break your retainer and do not have any additional retainers. Too much time without retainers will allow your teeth to shift.
  • Do not leave in hot car or wash with hot water as this can distort your retainers and the fit will be compromised.
  • When ordering sets of Vivera retainers, they come in sets of 4. The first 4 sets are included with Invisalign treatment. Retainers needed thereafter are your financial responsibility. Each set of retainers can last 12-18 months depending on wear.
  • It is recommended to bring your Vivera retainers with you to your 6 month cleanings. We can clean retainers for you and check the fit to help you decide if it is time to switch to your next set or continue wear in your current retainer.

If you have any questions about Invisalign or are wanting to schedule a free consultation please call our office at 1-402-564-7575.

Pediatric Dental Care

The American Dental Association recommends that all children should first see the dentist sometime after their first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. This allows the dentist to evaluate the child for signs of proper growth and development, as well as to make sure that their baby teeth are in good condition. Of course, we hope that all children develop with no problems, however, the earlier an issue where growth and development are concerned can be identified, the better. Baby teeth are very important, because they act as placeholders for the adult teeth and help maintain the proper amount of space needed for our adult teeth to erupt into place. They also help with the development of proper speech, and of course, chewing!

We also want the opportunity to look beyond just the child’s teeth. Lots of research has been conducted in the world of dentistry concerning airway issues in children and how that can impact their growth and development. While a dentist may not necessarily be the doctor that treats these possible issues, we can often identify them and discuss treatment options with parents. If you have any concerns related to your child’s behavior, sleeping, or eating, please let your dentist know! Sometimes restricted movement of the tongue, often referred to as a “tongue tie,” can result in difficulties with feeding and speech; these tongue ties in infants can also cause difficulty with breastfeeding. Similarly, a restricted airway can lead to difficulty sleeping and even behavioral problems. If your child has any of these issues, it is worth mentioning them to your dentist.

HEALTHY START

Statistics show 40 million children can be affected by sleep disorders and 9 out of 10 children are suffering from one or more symptoms of sleep related breathing symptoms. Healthy Start evaluates and treats the underlying root cause. Not a band-aid but if started early enough a permanent fix. To find out more information check out www.thehealthystart.com

SEALANTS

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth, when you’re developing proper brushing and flossing techniques – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars).

A sealant is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of back teeth. Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important when it comes to your child’s dental health.

Dental Implant Restorations

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth. Although we don’t place implants at our practice, we do restore them. The crowns and bridges we place are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile.

The development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.

Most patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable and a good replacement for their own tooth. There are generally three phases to getting an implant:

  • First, the dentist we refer you to surgically places the implant into the jawbone. They may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
  • Next, the bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and takes time. Most patients need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant.
  • Finally, it’s time for the placement of the artificial tooth/teeth. For a single tooth implant, your dentist will customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown will be based on size, shape, color and fit, and will be designed to blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges will be made to fit your mouth and your implants. For multiple missing teeth, implant-supported dentures or partial dentures can be a very effective option.

If you are interested in dental implants, it’s a good idea to discuss it carefully with your dentist first. If you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. You may be medically evaluated by a physician before any implant surgery is scheduled.

Contact us at 1-402-564-7575 if you have any questions about dental implants or restorations.

Checkups & Cleaning

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth. For the typical patient, this means having an exam and cleaning completed every 6 months. Exams consist of the dentist checking your teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of your mouth, as well as your head and neck. A thorough exam can help maintain your health by identifying any issues at the earliest possible stage.

Digital x-rays of your teeth are needed on a regular basis to make sure that decay is not forming between teeth in areas the dentist cannot see. They also help the dental team see the bone around the teeth to ensure that all the supporting tissues of your teeth are in good shape!

Most patients require cleanings every 6 months. This is often enough to serve as an adjunct for your home oral care! However, some people can benefit from more frequent cleanings. If it has been a number of years since your last dental cleaning, your dentist and hygienist may recommend a deeper cleaning and more frequent maintenance cleanings to get your gums back to a healthy condition.

During your check-up appointments, our office uses an Intra-oral digital camera and an ITero scan, which is a 3D scan of your entire mouth, to help document your specific clinical condition so we can more easily monitor any unhealthy changes that could be occurring. We will also discuss your daily hygiene routine, current medical condition and things in your diet that may put you at a higher risk for getting cavities and gum disease.

If you need a dental cleaning or have any questions, feel free to contact us today at 1-402-564-7575.

Teeth Whitening

 

Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening.

Thinking about teeth whitening? Get the facts first.
Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about the process.

Why Did My Teeth Change Color?

Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a number of reasons:

  • Food and Drink – Coffee, tea and red wine are some major staining culprits. What do they have in common? Intense color pigments called chromogens that attach to the white, outer part of your tooth (enamel).
  • Tobacco Use – Two chemicals found in tobacco create stubborn stains: Tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark. Nicotine is colorless until it’s mixed with oxygen. Then, it turns into a yellowish, surface-staining substance.
  • Age – Below the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel) is a softer area called dentin. Over time, the outer enamel layer gets thinner with brushing and more of the yellowish dentin shows through.
  • Trauma – If you’ve been hit in the mouth, your tooth may change color because it reacts to an injury by laying down more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.
  • Medications – Tooth darkening can be a side effect of certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and high blood pressure medications. Young children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (either in the womb or as a baby) may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life.
  • Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation can also darken teeth.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.

Does Whitening Work on All Teeth?

No, which is why it’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all. Whitening will not work on veneers, crowns, or fillings. It also won’t be effective if your tooth discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury.

What Are My Whitening Options?

Talk to your dentist before starting. If you are a candidate, there are two options to put the shine back in your smile:

  • At-Home Bleaching from Your Dentist

    Your dentist can provide you with a custom-made tray for at-home whitening. In this case, the dentist will give you instructions on how to place the bleaching solution in the tray and for what length of time. This may be a preferred option if you feel more comfortable whitening in your own home at a slower pace, but still with the guidance of a dentist. Out-of-office bleaching can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

  • Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products

    You may see different options online or in your local grocery store, such as toothpastes or strips that whiten by bleaching your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent in these products is lower than what your dentist would use in the office. If you are thinking about using an over-the-counter bleaching kit, discuss options with your dentist and look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That means it has been tested to be safe and effective for teeth whitening.

  • Are There Any Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?

    Some people who use teeth whiteners may experience tooth sensitivity. That happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. You can delay treatment, then try again.

    If you have any questions about teeth whitening, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 1-402-564-7575.

    Extractions

    You don’t have to endure nagging tooth pain. We can have you feeling normal again in no time. If you think you might have a dental emergency, call us right away for a same-day appointment.

    Our team stays up-to-date on the most advanced dental technologies and techniques. We will consider every possibility for repairing and preserving your tooth before removing it. If extraction is necessary, however, you can expect compassionate and caring treatment from the moment you enter our office.

    Call our office today at 1-402-564-7575 to schedule an appointment. We’ll examine your mouth to see if a tooth extraction is required or if restoration is possible.

    Potential Reasons for Removing a Tooth

    Every patient is an individual and every issue is unique, but there are several common reasons to remove teeth, including:

    • Severe tooth decay or tooth infection that cannot be remedied with root canal therapy
    • Advanced periodontal disease that cannot be reversed with gum disease treatment
    • Making room for dentures or other tooth replacement options
    • Improving orthodontic treatment results by removing particular problem teeth
    • Dental emergencies like severe fractures and broken teeth
    • A very loose tooth that cannot be secured
    • Wisdom teeth removal if wisdom teeth become impacted or cause other problems

    Afterward, we will give you simple directions to help speed your healing process. Then, during follow-ups, we can discuss your tooth replacement options. Replacing missing teeth will help prevent your other teeth from drifting out of alignment.

    Post Op Extraction Instructions

    • Immediately following a tooth extraction, keep pressure on dampened gauze until the bleeding stops (approx. 30-40 minutes). Repeat as necessary. If HEAVY BLEEDING continues call Dental Innovations at 1-402-564-7575.
    • Do NOT smoke, rinse vigorously, spit, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities will disturb the healing blood clot and can cause a dry socket.
    • Do NOT disrupt the extraction site or place anything into the site.
    • To reduce the swelling which may occur, place ice packs on the side of your face off and on for 24-48 hours. (20 min on/20 min off). Do NOT place heat at any time.
    • Refrain from strenuous activity for 24 hours. NO lifting or excessive beding over.
    • No popcorn for one month.
    • Drink plenty of fluids and maintain as normal of a diet as possibly-which may be limited to soft foods on the first day. Avoid alcoholic beverages and hot liquids.
    • Brush and floss as usual being careful around the extraction site. On the following day gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. (1/2 tsp in 6-8 oz of water).
    • Depending on your situation, medication may be prescribed to help relieve pain or infection.
    • If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call our office or contact your physician immediately. 800 mg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours as needed for pain.

    Dentures & Partials

    PARTIAL DENTURES

    
Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases. Depending on your needs, your dentist will design a partial denture for you. A partial denture may have a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural looking. In some cases, a removable partial denture is made to attach to your natural teeth with devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than clasps.

    Crowns on your natural teeth are sometimes needed to improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. Partial dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with clasps. Consult with your dentist to find out which type is right for you.

    FULL DENTURES

    Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth—things that people often take for granted.

    When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.

    Types of dentures:

    • Conventional. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.
    • Immediate. This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.
    • Implant Retained. Sometimes implants can be placed to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. This denture fits over a small number of implants with special connectors designed to increase the retention and fit of your denture.

    New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.

    Even if you wear full dentures, you still have to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.

    If you have any questions about dentures or would like to schedule an examination, contact us today at 1-402-564-7575.


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