Dental Blog Topics for Patients in Omaha

4 Signs of Gum Disease to Be on the Lookout For

When you go to the dentist for a cleaning or other services, they also likely perform a thorough check of your gums. They are looking for signs of periodontal disease, also called gum disease, which is an infection of the gums and possibly even the bone structures supporting your gums and teeth. Known as gingivitis in its early stages, more advanced periodontal disease can cause your gums to recede, bone loss, loose and lost teeth, and even other more serious health complications. So, in this dental health blog, we’re diving into four signs of gum disease to be on the lookout for. What Are the Signs of Gum Disease? According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, these signs may indicate you have gum disease: Receding gum line: This happens when the soft tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, showing more of the tooth or its root. Swollen gums: This happens when your gums become irritated and puff up, including tenderness and redness. Bleeding gums: This mostly happens when brushing, flossing, or rinsing your mouth and usually means gum disease. Bad breath: Chronic or extreme bad breath, known as halitosis, can often mean you have a build-up of bacteria related to gum disease. When Should You See a Dentist About Gum Disease? Ideally, you should be visiting your dentist 1-2 times per year for regular maintenance or cleanings for the best gum disease prevention. However, this isn’t always possible. It’s essential to take quick action and see a dentist as soon as possible when you notice any signs of gum disease. A dentist can thoroughly clean your gums and provide a plan of action for keeping gum disease at bay. Gum Disease May Be Linked to Other Serious Health Issues and Diseases Although more research still needs to be done in larger populations, some research indicates that gum disease may be a risk factor for developing other diseases. For example, in a study published in Diabetologia, research showed that periodontal disease might be a complication of diabetes and make it harder for diabetic people to keep their blood pressure under control. It’s also been speculated that gum disease may be linked to heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. Alzheimer’s and Gum Disease While it may be hard to believe, gum disease can even potentially impact your cognitive function. A study published in Neurobiol Aging linked the presence of periodontal disease with more build-up of a protein known to be associated with Alzheimer’s. Genetic Predisposition to Periodontal Diseases For some people, no matter how well they take care of their teeth and gums, they might still end up with gum disease. That’s because chronic types of periodontal disease may be genetic. A genetic predisposition, especially when coupled with certain environmental factors, may increase a person’s chance of struggling with gum disease. How Do You Prevent Gum Disease? As gum disease is caused by an increased build-up of the sticky bacteria known as plaque, the best way to prevent gum disease is always to have excellent oral care such as brushing, flossing, and mouthwash every day. Regular appointments with your dentist can help keep your gums healthy and treat any potential gum disease signs. The Dentists at Legacy Dental Can Help You Fight Gum Disease If you have noticed any signs of gum disease or are concerned that you may be at risk for gum disease, Legacy Dental can help. Schedule an appointment today and keep your gums and whole body healthy. Plus, for more dental health insights, stay tuned to our blog.

How to Choose the Best Toothpaste for Your Teeth

With so many different kinds of toothpaste available, you may wonder if they are all the same. Unfortunately, not all toothpaste is created equal, so it’s essential to know which toothpaste is right for you. No matter which aspects of oral hygiene you pay the most attention to, there is likely a specific toothpaste for it. Here’s what you need to know about how to pick the right toothpaste if you’ve ever found yourself dazing out in the toothpaste aisle. Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Toothpaste When you have the right toothpaste, especially when combined with the right kind of toothbrush, you will be more effectively able to remove bits of food and other harmful bacteria. Not only that, but if you have a toothpaste you actually enjoy using, you’re more likely to stay on your oral care routine. The right toothpaste can prevent cavities, keep gums healthy, and potentially lower the chances of getting a major dental issue later down the line. What Should Every Person Look for in Toothpaste? Most dentists agree that the top thing to look for when looking for the right toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities by helping to remineralize weak tooth enamel. Fluoride is also known to slow down the loss of tooth enamel, prevent harmful bacteria, and even reverse tooth decay. Once you know your toothpaste is fluoridated, the next most important thing to look for when choosing the right toothpaste is the seal of approval from the American Dental Association. The seal means it’s proven to be safe and effective by the ADA. Looking for the ADA seal can also help you identify toothpaste with fluoride as it must have this important ingredient in order to get the seal. What About Choosing Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth? For people with sensitive teeth, choosing the best toothpaste is essential to lessen the symptoms and avoid any pain while brushing. Here’s what to look for when selecting the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Potassium Nitrate: This toothpaste ingredient can provide pain relief by soothing nerves deep inside your teeth, so they are less impacted by signals of pain like those from a hot or cold beverage. Stannous Fluoride: This ingredient is known to create a shield-type barrier that can protect the soft inner part of the tooth known as dentin from pain signals. Avoid whitening toothpaste: These often contain ingredients like baking soda and peroxide, increasing tooth sensitivity and exacerbating pain. How Do I Pick the Best Whitening Toothpaste? If your goal is to brighten and whiten your pearly whites, there are some things to consider when choosing the right whitening toothpaste. Here are some of the best ingredients to look for when choosing a whitening toothpaste: Hydrogen/carbamide peroxide: The same ingredients used in professional whitening treatments can break away stains./li> Silica or Dicalcium Phosphate: These are mild physical abrasives that gently buff away plaque and stains. Avoid charcoal: The ADA has not approved charcoal because it is highly abrasive and can actually cause permanent enamel damage. How Do I Pick the Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease? If you’re looking for the right toothpaste to help prevent gum disease, the top ingredient to look out for is stannous fluoride. This is a chemical compound that not only helps reduce sensitivity but also helps fight and kill bacteria. Controlling bacteria helps by preventing plaque, one of the leading causes of gum disease. If you’re suffering from tartar, which is hardened plaque that only your dentist can remove, look for chemical compounds like zinc citrate or even triclosan, an antibiotic that can kill mouth bacteria. The Dentists at Legacy Dental Can Help You Choose the Right Toothpaste If you still aren’t sure how to find the right toothpaste for you, the dentists at Legacy Dental are here to help. No matter what your specific needs are, Legacy Dental can be your partner in oral care. Call us today at (402) 397-6453 to schedule your next dental visit.

Dentist Spotlight: Introducing Dr. Maggie Larsen

If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet Dr. Maggie Larsen, DDS, we highly suggest that you swing by soon! The entire team at Legacy Dental is ecstatic to have Dr. Larsen join us as of June. We’re equally excited for our patients to meet Dr. Larsen too. Raised in North Platte, Nebraska, Dr. Larsen attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She moved on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Creighton University, graduating magna cum laude. Before becoming a dentist, Dr. Larsen took the opportunity to help with dental assistance in the Dominican Republic. This experience is what truly solidified her desire to pursue dentistry as a profession. Did You Know? Dr. Larsen certainly has a lot of achievements under her belt, besides academically. Growing up in a rural part of the country, Dr. Larsen experienced horseback riding and harvesting her own honey—how many of you can say that? Her childhood may also be the reason why Dr. Larsen loves hiking and camping. Dr. Larsen also makes sure her best fur friend, Benny, gets to experience some adventure too. Dr. Larsen married Ryan Larsen in July 2018. As lifelong Nebraskans, they love their Husker football (that’s the University of Nebraska–Lincoln football team for any transplants that might be reading this). So you might catch them at a few—or all—home games at Memorial Stadium. Other Fun Facts Awards and Achievements From: The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Nebraska Society of Pediatric Dentistry The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Any other hobbies that you’re good at? “I played soccer in college as a center forward. I happen to be scuba certified—and I plan to become an advanced diver someday! I’m also really good at swing dancing! But no photos to prove it.” What’s your favorite food? “My all-time favorite food is mashed potatoes, although I do love to cook and make new recipes, and I love any kind of Italian food! In fact, my papa Bianco was an Italian chef with two restaurants.” What job would you have if you weren’t doing dentistry? “I would love to do home interior decorating and renovations!” Say Hello to Dr. Larsen at Legacy Dental Dr. Larsen fell in love with dentistry and grew her passion from her keen eye for details and the artistic side of dentistry. Dr. Larsen takes a holistic approach to care for her patients, ensuring that she can make a difference in someone’s life. Whether you’re into scuba diving or want to have a friendly football debate, be sure to stop by and say hi to Dr. Larsen the next time you visit and get to know why we love working with her and the rest of the team at Legacy Dental.

Happy family of five with beautiful smiles sitting outside

Get Affordable Dental Care Without Insurance in Omaha

Are you a resident of Omaha, Elkhorn, or Gretna who is concerned that you can’t find the dental care you need because you don’t have insurance? Now you can find quality health care at an affordable price, even without dental insurance. What is a Dental Membership Plan? A dental membership plan is a great way to bring down the cost of your dental care if you don’t have dental insurance or if your dental insurance doesn’t have very good coverage. These are plans created directly by dental practices that allow you to pay a monthly or annual fee and receive discounts on certain services. Plans can provide benefits for a variety of visits in the dental office, such as: Cleanings Check-up exams Fluoride treatments X-rays Fillings Crowns Implants Emergency exams Many other procedures Legacy Dental in Omaha offers a flexible and affordable choice of plans which vary according to your individual or family’s needs. For example, there are plans for children, adults, and people with periodontal disease. Benefits of Legacy Dental Care Plans You and your family have several benefits when you sign up for a dental care plan with Legacy Dental. An alternative for people without insurance, including retirees, small business owners, independent contractors, and those without jobs. Nowadays, even if you have a full-time job, it may not provide dental insurance. It makes preventative care easy. A key to good oral health is getting regular checkups and cleanings. With a dental plan, these services are covered so that you can visit the dentist regularly. Transparent pricing. When you sign up for a plan, you know exactly what you’re getting. If you make an appointment to have your teeth cleaned or get an exam, you know you’re covered. You also know you’re getting a discount on restorative and cosmetic services. No Surprises No deductibles No annual maximums No predetermination or preauthorization is necessary Legacy Dental Plans and Pricing When researching dental plans, you have to consider your needs. A single person doesn’t have the same insurance needs as someone with a family. Dental practices often have multiple plans to suit different types of patients. The Legacy Dental Membership Plan offers several options. All plans have a $99 activation fee. Adult Membership – Includes two professional cleanings, exams, fluoride, x-rays and offers a 20% discount on most dental treatment, including restorative and cosmetic services. Adult memberships are $33 per month, with an average savings of $324/year. Child Membership – For children 12 and under. Includes two professional cleanings, exams, fluoride, and x-rays. There’s also a 20% discount on most dental treatment. Child memberships are $23 per month, with an average savings of $275/year. Perio Membership – For patients with periodontal disease (gum disease), membership includes four periodontal maintenance cleanings per year, exams, and a 20% discount on most dental treatment. Perio memberships are $63 per month, with an average savings of $348/year. Sign Up For Affordable Dental Care Consistent check-ups and preventative dentistry play a large role in your oral and overall health. When you get regular cleanings and exams, you prevent many problems from occurring. When issues such as cavities do happen, your dentist can take care of them promptly before they get more serious. A dental plan makes it simpler to get the care you need. In a world where healthcare is often confusing and expensive, you now have an alternative. With a Legacy Dental membership, you and your family can receive the best quality dental care at an affordable price. You can be reassured knowing exactly what services you’ll be getting and how much you’re paying. Legacy Dental offers comprehensive dental care in Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna. Our services include general, cosmetic, and surgical dentistry. To learn more about our services and membership plans, contact us.

patient showing her smile after dental treatment

Help Us Give the Gift of a Brand New Smile

We love bringing smiles to our patient’s faces. That’s why the team at Legacy Dental is excited to donate a beautiful smile to a deserving person in our Smile Makeover Giveaway! Nominate someone who you believe deserves to win comprehensive dental work from Legacy Dental–or nominate yourself! Simply go to https://www.legacydentalomaha.com/smile-makeover-giveaway/ and fill out the form for a person you would like to nominate! The Details: Eligibility: The Contest is open to individuals 19 years or older at the time of entry and is only open to legal residents of Omaha, NE and neighboring communities within 15 miles of Legacy Dental. Employees of Legacy Dental and their immediate family members are not eligible. How to Apply: Applications can be completed online at legacydentalomaha.com. Applications must be filled out completely and must include a picture of the candidate’s smile as well as a description of why the candidate deserves to win this Smile Makeover gift. We would love to hear your story. Entry: Applications will be accepted from February 14, 2021, to March 28, 2021. You may submit an application for yourself or on behalf of someone that you would like to nominate. If you nominate another person, please let them know that you are doing so. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook for updates – LegacyDentalOmaha. Winner Notification and Acceptance: Finalists will be notified by phone, email, and/or text. Each finalist will be required to complete a complimentary screening visit at Legacy Dental, to determine eligibility and suitability for treatment. The initial screening appointment must be completed within one week upon notification as a finalist. If a finalist does not respond to the notification within four (4) days, the finalist will be disqualified. The winner will be announced by May 1, 2021.

How SureSmile Creates a Better Smile, Faster

The latest advancements in orthodontic technology have made it easier than ever before to get a wonderful smile and improve oral health. dentists and patients alike have a variety of treatment options from which to choose from, including braces and aligners. An option that you may want to consider that is rapidly growing in popularity is SureSmile’s clear aligners. Benefits of SureSmile There are several wonderful benefits that SureSmile offers to patients. These include: Faster results. SureSmile’s clear aligners can be as effective as standard braces, and don’t take as long to yield results as other aligner brands do. Fewer trips to the dentist. Since SureSmile aligners are highly customized to your mouth and bite, you won’t have to visit your dentist’s office as frequently. In fact, your dentist will create a fully customized treatment plan for you using SureSmile software. Enhanced comfort. SureSmile’s clear aligners are extremely comfortable, as they fit closely to the contours of your teeth and mouth. Increased durability. SureSmile’s clear aligners are constructed to last. Unlike other aligners that are brittle and can easily break, SureSmile’s clear aligners are strong plastic molds that will last a long time if cared for properly. They are also especially designed to make anatomically correct movements that guarantee lasting results. Better aesthetics. SureSmile’s clear aligners are an attractive alternative to braces that allow you to avoid the self-consciousness of traditional braces and present a clear, winning smile throughout the duration of your treatment. Treatment Options SureSmile also allows for a broad range of treatment options to match the specific issues that you are facing with your teeth, so that you can obtain that perfect smile no matter what. For example, common issues with teeth include: Crowded teeth Crossbite Gap teeth Misaligned teeth Open bite Overbite Underbite No matter what the case may be, SureSmile’s innovative products can handle the issue. If you haven’t had previous dental work, such as a dental bridge or implants, then SureSmile’s clear aligners will likely be a good fit for you. SureSmile is a significant cost-savings compared to competitors. If you want to enjoy the benefits that SureSmile offers, then reach out to our office today for more information. Our team of dental experts would be happy to answer any questions you may have!