Protecting Your Teeth from the Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children. As permanent teeth emerge, fluoride strengthens them by promoting remineralization, a natural repair process that counteracts the effects of acid damage. Plaque and certain foods can strip essential minerals from tooth enamel, but fluoride restores these minerals, making enamel stronger and more decay-resistant.
Dental Sealants
Molars have deep grooves and pits that easily collect plaque and food particles, making them tough to clean. When new molars appear, applying dental sealants helps keep debris out, safeguarding teeth and reducing the risk of cavities. Sealants act as a protective barrier for these high-risk areas.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
Sealants are an effective option for protecting teeth and are applied based on a dentist’s evaluation of your oral health needs. According to the CDA, sealants are an important part of preventive care, complementing fluoride treatments, regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and a healthy diet.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel serves as the outermost layer of your teeth, shielding the dentin, pulp, and nerves inside. While dentin provides structural support, it doesn’t block sensations caused by temperature changes or specific foods. As enamel wears down, teeth become more prone to sensitivity. Treatments with fluoride and sealants help strengthen enamel, allowing it to effectively protect the underlying dentin.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Weak enamel can deteriorate further, leading to cavities. In addition to sensitivity, exposed dentin increases the risk of painful infections, potentially requiring root canal treatment. Fluoride strengthens enamel while sealants block plaque from accumulating, effectively reducing the chance of decay and reinforcing teeth.
Save Money Over Time
Preventive care with fluoride and sealants is a cost-effective solution that avoids the need for expensive dental treatments in the future. Investing in these treatments now helps safeguard your oral health and wallet down the road.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
During your child’s annual teeth cleaning and exam, fluoride treatments are typically added. Sealants, however, are applied as necessary, often after the appearance of new molars or when the dentist detects areas at risk for decay on the tooth’s chewing surface.
Fluoride Treatment
Professional fluoride treatments offered in our office are more concentrated than over-the-counter products. The most commonly used method involves placing a foam or gel in upper and lower trays. The application is quick and is completed at the end of a cleaning appointment. Patients are advised not to eat or drink for 30 minutes afterward to allow the fluoride to fully take effect.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is a simple, pain-free procedure that doesn’t involve drilling or anaesthetic. The process starts with the dentist thoroughly cleaning and drying the tooth. A gentle acidic gel is applied briefly to roughen the surface, ensuring a strong bond. After rinsing and drying the tooth again, the dentist places the sealant into the grooves of the tooth. Finally, a special curing light is used to harden the sealant, leaving your bite feeling natural and comfortable.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
After fluoride treatment, your dentist or hygienist will recommend waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This pause allows the fluoride to be absorbed by your tooth enamel, maximizing its effectiveness.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some drinking water sources. Research showed that people living near fluoridated water had lower rates of tooth decay, prompting fluoride’s addition to other water supplies and dental care routines. For generations, fluoride treatments have been safely helping to prevent tooth decay worldwide.
It is applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to form a protective layer that helps guard the grooves and fissures of the teeth against decay.
With proper oral care and regular checkups, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. Maintaining good brushing and flossing habits, especially before bedtime, helps prolong their effectiveness. If sealants become damaged, a dentist or hygienist can easily repair them.
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