Oral Hygiene Services – Omaha, NE

Routine oral hygiene checkups are key when it comes to taking care of your teeth and gums. Regular dental care is vital in good oral hygiene and ultimately your overall health. Paul Krause Dental in Omaha offers preventative examinations and our dental hygienists are able to diagnose issues, like gum disease, before they become too severe. When you come in for your routine check-up, one of our dental professional teammates will check for developing issues and provide all information necessary to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Your oral health can affect your overall health and wellbeing. It’s important to avoid gum disease early and take an active role in good oral health with everyday care of brushing and flossing.

Dental Exam

Proper oral hygiene checkups should take place every six months. These dental checkups remove dental plaque while checking for gum disease and cavities. These visits give us the opportunity to take care of any occurring issues such as cavities or gum disease. Your oral health can lead to other general health issues. It is imperative that you stay up to date on your 6 month cleanings to prevent tooth decay and other oral health issues.

During your appointment you can expect:

  • Evaluation of your oral health
  • X-rays
  • Remove stains and dental plaque
  • Polish tooth enamel
  • Full dental floss

We are here to provide you with additional education to improve your at-home oral care as well!

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. During a regular checkup exam, your dentist and dental hygienist will check for oral health problems through the following services:

  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays: essential for detection of decay, cysts, and bone loss
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Gum disease evaluation: check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease
  • Examination of tooth decay: all tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments
  • Examination of existing restorations: check current fillings, crowns, implants, partials, and dentures

Scheduled Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings are performed by our trained and licensed dental hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a full dental cleaning followed by a dental exam. The following services will be performed during your cleaning:

  • Remove Tartar: tartar, or calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now attached to the tooth surface. Tartar forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments. Removing tartar can help to prevent gum disease and oral infections.
  • Remove Plaque: plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth. Plaque is formed by living or harmful bacteria and food debris. These oral bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums, and cause cavities and gum disease. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease and gum diseases.
  • Teeth Polishing: polishing removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
  • Fluoride Treatment is available for children and teens. Sticky candies and sugary drinks should be avoided for 24 hours after application.  

 

Home Care

A beautiful smile with healthy teeth and gums that last a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating our Omaha patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in your oral health and dental hygiene. Proper diet and personal hygiene help control the plaque and bacteria that can cause dental disease and tooth loss. A good oral hygiene routine at home should include:  

  • Tooth brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled brush, at least twice a day, especially at night is recommended by the American Dental Association. Brush your teeth. 
  • Flossing daily is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but it also removes plaque build-up, preventing damage to the teeth and gums as well as bone. Flossing is also important in preventing cardiovascular disease or heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Poor oral hygiene increases your risks of these diseases. 
  • Mouth Rinse is also important to do after brushing and can be done after meals to remove food particles, if you are unable to brush.

We also offer a prescription toothpaste with a high concentration of fluoride to help prevent recurrent cavities around existing fillings and crowns. Sample oral hygiene products are given after each cleaning. Brushing and flossing daily are your best weapons against cavities and gum disease. There are many personal options that can help your teeth last longer and shine their brightest and we’re always available for consultation.

 

Digital X-Rays

Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Our highly trained staff at Paul Krause Dental use the information to accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and other oral health problems while they complete an accurate exam and treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas my go undetected.

Dental X-rays may reveal:
  • Abscesses or cysts
  • Bone loss
  • Decay between teeth or any loose teeth
  • Scope of Existing Oral Diseases

Tooth Decay Prevention

Tooth decay and poor oral health is more common than we think. Many people don’t realize they even have a problem until their dentist tells them they have a cavity or infection. When decay is left alone, it can result in toothaches, gum swelling, and even discoloration on teeth. To help fight tooth decay, it’s very important to keep up with regular checkups and remember to practice good oral hygiene at home. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss daily to keep your gums healthy and your teeth healthy!

If you're in need of a routine deep cleaning and exam, call Paul Krause Dental in Omaha today!