Achieve Long-Term Oral Health with Quality Preventive Dentistry in Lincoln, NE
Our Smile Specialties team emphasizes the power of preventive care during your regular appointments. By undergoing checkups and cleanings and practicing diligent hygiene routines at home, patients can better maintain excellent oral health and avoid the need for extensive restorative care further down the road. Contact our Lincoln, NE office to learn more about our preventive services, or if you’re ready to schedule your first consultation with Dr. Jennifer Reed.
Checkups & Cleanings
Our team’s goal is to diagnose potential dental concerns and damage in their earliest stages, and there’s no better method for doing so than through routine examinations. Dr. Reed recommends that you visit our practice every six months, or twice a year, so that we can review each individual tooth, your periodontal health, the function of your TMJ (jaw joints), your overall bite, any existing restorative work, and other important components of overall oral health. Additionally, an in-depth cleaning with one of our talented hygienists will remove decay-causing plaque and tartar from the mouth, reducing the risk of dangerous infection.
Dental Sealants
When teeth are particularly susceptible to the bacteria that cause decay, professional protective measures may become necessary. Dental sealants are simple and effective in guarding the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars, which have deep pits and grooves that are likely magnets for accumulations of food and bacteria. The application process only takes a single appointment, and sealants can stay in place for multiple years with proper maintenance.
Nightguards for Bruxism
Bruxism (the habitual grinding/clenching of teeth) is a common condition among adults, and one that often goes undiagnosed because of its tendency to occur during sleep. At Smile Specialties, Dr. Reed is very familiar with the tell-tale indications and symptoms of bruxism, and she may recommend a custom nightguard that cushions the jaw and teeth and minimizes aggravating contact. If bruxism has developed into the more debilitating TMJ disorder, our practice is capable of providing valuable diagnostic attention and treatment for this condition as well.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Our team strives to prevent the development of oral cancer whenever possible for the continued safety of our patients, which is why we’ve introduced screenings as a vital part of every checkup. During your appointment, our team will carefully and thoroughly review oral tissue for indications of cancerous cells, including red or white spots, slowly healing sores, lumps, and other irregularities. While oral cancer currently ends the lives of one person every hour on average, recovery rates greatly increase when the disease is diagnosed at an early stage.
Learn More About Oral Cancer Screenings
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a beneficial mineral for smiles of all ages; studies have shown that drinking fluoridated water on a routine basis can lead to stronger, less cavity-prone teeth overall. During routine evaluations, our team members may recommend professional fluoride applications to patients who could benefit from additional fluoride exposure. Our goal is to give your smile the ongoing support it needs to thrive for many years to come.
Sleep Apnea Therapy
Sleep apnea is a dangerous health condition that can disrupt your rest, your productivity, your enthusiasm, and your overall quality of life. If you’ve been diagnosed with the condition by your general physician or a sleep specialist, there may be an alternative to traditional, cumbersome CPAP treatment. At Smile Specialties, patients can pursue oral appliance therapy with Dr. Reed’s experienced guidance. Our team offers both the Silent Nite and Therasnore devices, which fit comfortably in the mouth and help prevent the collapse of the patient’s airway, greatly reducing chronic snoring and instances of apnea.
