Protecting Your Teeth from the Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for children. As adult teeth emerge, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by remineralizing enamel. It strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to decay by reversing the damage caused by acids from plaque and food.
Dental Sealants
The grooves and fissures on molars can trap food and plaque, making them harder to clean. Dental sealants applied to new molars create a protective barrier, keeping harmful particles out and preventing decay.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) supports the selective use of sealants for both primary and permanent teeth, based on a dentist’s diagnosis and risk assessment. Sealants are a key part of a comprehensive preventive program, which includes proper nutrition, fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, and regular dental exams.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth enamel protects the sensitive inner layers, such as dentin, pulp, and nerve. When enamel becomes thin, teeth become more sensitive to hot, cold, and acidic foods. Fluoride and sealants maintain enamel integrity, protecting the sensitive dentin underneath.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Worn enamel can lead to cavities and tooth sensitivity. If not addressed, exposed dentin increases the risk of infection, which can lead to painful procedures like root canals. Fluoride and sealants help rebuild enamel, prevent further decay, and strengthen teeth.
Save Money in the Long Run
Fluoride treatments and sealants are cost-effective preventive measures that help avoid more expensive dental treatments down the road. Preventing decay now can save you from the higher costs of restorative procedures later.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are typically added to your child’s routine teeth cleaning and exam once a year. Sealants are applied as needed, usually after a new molar erupts or if the dentist identifies a vulnerable area on a tooth’s biting surface.
Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride treatment we use is stronger than over-the-counter options and is professionally applied in our office. Most fluoride treatments come in the form of foam or gel, applied in upper and lower trays. The process takes just a few minutes after the cleaning, and we recommend that the patient avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward to maximize the treatment’s effectiveness.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is quick, easy, and completely pain-free. No drilling or freezing is needed. The dentist will first clean and dry the tooth, then apply a mild acidic gel to roughen the surface for a stronger bond. After rinsing off the gel, the sealant is pressed into the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a special blue light. The result is a natural, comfortable bite that provides lasting protection.
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, you should wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This gives the fluoride time to absorb into your tooth enamel, ensuring it provides maximum protection.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some drinking water sources. Studies have shown that areas with fluoridated water have lower rates of tooth decay. Fluoride treatment has been safely used worldwide for generations to prevent dental decay.
Dental sealant is applied to the biting surfaces of molars to protect the grooves and fissures from decay. It acts as a shield, keeping harmful particles and acids away from the teeth.
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper oral hygiene and regular checkups. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with avoiding acidic foods and drinks, will help maintain the sealants. If sealants become chipped or worn, they can be easily repaired by your dentist or hygienist.
While dental sealants provide excellent protection, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene. Sealants protect the grooves of molars, but cavities can still form on other surfaces if proper care is not taken.
No, fluoride treatments are beneficial for both children and adults. They help strengthen tooth enamel, prevent decay, and are especially helpful for those with a history of cavities or sensitivity.
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