Finding the Right Dentist for You

DON’T SKIP THE DENTIST!

When cutting costs on healthcare, many people forget just how important oral health is to overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Regular visits to the dentist are not only important, but necessary to prevent disease that can lead to death.

A few important facts to consider:

• Cavities are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria located in plaque that collects on teeth.
• Although tooth decay is largely preventable, it remains one of the most common chronic diseases.
• Periodontal diseases are mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth.
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene, and heredity can increase the risk for gum disease.
• If not detected and treated early on, the gums can become infected resulting in loss of bone support and teeth.

Our oral health is just as important as any other aspect of our health, and finding the right dentist is just as important as finding the right medical doctor. The American Dental Association reminds us to start with the basics and look for a dentist that works with your lifestyle:

• Is the office convenient to get to from work, home, or school?
• Do they have convenient office hours?
• Are the dentists in-network and covered by insurance?
• Do you feel comfortable in their office and with their team?
• If needed, do they offer translation or interpreter services?

For many people, going to the dentist can evoke anxiety and fear. Some of this can be alleviated by asking the right questions and finding just the right dentist. Don’t hesitate to call or visit the dentists on your list before making an appointment. A few questions you might want to ask include:

• Do you provide dental health instruction at appointments?
• How do you handle emergencies outside of office hours?
• Will cost be explained up front, before service is provided?
• Do you offer financial options for treatment costs?
• Will your medical and dental history be recorded and placed in a permanent file?

Bluestem Health’s team of dentists in Lincoln, Nebraska work to provide you with high-quality, preventive procedures to reduce the risk of individuals getting tooth decay or dental diseases. Patients receive complete dental checkups along with patient education from the dentist to help protect and preserve the health of their teeth and gums as they age.

One of the unique benefits of choosing Bluestem Health’s integrated healthcare services for medical and dental needs is that sometimes our patients are made aware of dental issues by our primary care providers on routine exams and are immediately referred to our dentists for further evaluation. Early diagnosis of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer is important. Bluestem Health’s family medicine providers and dentists are in direct communication about your health.

EXPERIENCED AND COMPASSIONATE PROVIDERS

Our team of dentists at Bluestem Health is dedicated to providing the highest standards in dental care to patients of all ages. Their compassionate care and understanding approach help to establish excellent relationships with their patients.

• Arathi Reddy, DMD, Dentist
• Layusiana Ciobanu, DDS, Dentist
• John Kuvetakis, DDS, Dentist
• Wendy Ohnoutka, RDH, Dental Hygienist
• Cynthia Carlson, RDH, Dental Hygienist

DENTAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY BLUESTEM HEALTH

Brushing stimulates the gums to help prevent gum disease by removing the plaque that causes tooth decay. It’s important to visit a dentist every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning. At Bluestem Health’s dental clinics, you have access to exams, routine cleanings, fillings, and emergency dental care.

• Routine Cleaning

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, we recommend routine cleaning to remove built-up plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and other related health issues.

• Full Dental Examination

Our dentists will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth looking for signs of disease or other problems.

• Fillings

If you need a filling due to a cavity, our dentists can do that in our clinic.

• X-Rays

X-rays are performed on the upper and lower teeth to diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed during an examination, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth.

• Emergency Dental Care

At Bluestem Health, we understand that not all dental work can be conveniently scheduled. Some emergency situations, like a broken tooth or unresolved pain in the teeth or gums, may cause you to be seen by a dentist that same day. Our clinic will work to get you in as quickly as possible.

We understand that oral healthcare may be costly or come at an inconvenient time for many of our patients. Through Bluestem Health’s Sliding Fee Discount Program, we are able to offer general dental services that are affordable and at a cost that is lower than most dental clinics.

CONTACT US
Dental services are available at two of Bluestem Health’s clinics:

• Main, 1021 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE
• Health 360, 2301 ‘O’ Street, Lincoln, NE

For an appointment, call 402-476-1455. For more information about dental services, visit us online at bluestemlincoln.com

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