Ensuring Your Dental Health from the Very Beginning
Fluoride Therapy
Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for children. As their adult teeth emerge, fluoride treatments aid in the fight against tooth decay through a process known as remineralization. The acids produced by plaque and the foods we consume can erode tooth enamel by depleting essential minerals. Fluoride treatment halts and reverses this process, strengthening tooth enamel and enhancing resistance to decay.
Dental Sealants
The chewing surfaces of molars feature numerous grooves and crevices that can easily trap acidic plaque and food particles, making them challenging to clean. When children develop new molars, dental sealants can be applied to keep unwanted debris at bay, safeguarding their natural teeth and preventing decay. Dental sealants create a protective barrier over these vulnerable areas.
Why Choose Sealants and Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association advocates for the judicious and personalized use of sealants on both primary and permanent teeth, based on a dentist’s risk assessment and diagnosis. According to the CDA, sealants play a vital role in a comprehensive preventive regimen, which includes nutritional guidance, optimal fluoride exposure, excellent oral hygiene practices, and regular dental check-ups.
Alleviate Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of a tooth, while beneath it lies dentin, pulp, and nerves. Dentin provides structural support to your tooth but cannot shield the nerve from temperature variations, acidic substances, or sticky foods. When enamel wears thin, teeth become sensitive. Fluoride and sealants maintain enamel health, ensuring it can continue safeguarding the sensitive dentin from external factors.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Thinning enamel can lead to ongoing decay, eventually resulting in cavities. Apart from causing tooth sensitivity, exposed dentin poses the risk of painful infections, sometimes necessitating a root canal to save the tooth. By reinforcing enamel with fluoride treatment and shielding vulnerable areas from plaque buildup, decay is prevented and teeth are fortified.
Long-Term Cost Savings
A small investment in prevention today can prevent the need for costly procedures in the future. Fluoride and sealants are relatively affordable treatments that avert the necessity for more expensive interventions if tooth decay is allowed to progress.
Saving Money Over Time
Taking preventive measures today can save you from expensive treatments in the future. Just as the saying goes, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Fluoride and sealants are cost-effective treatments that can spare you the expense of more complex procedures that become necessary if tooth decay is left unchecked.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Procedure
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are typically included as part of your child’s regular dental checkup, usually administered once a year. Our office utilizes a stronger fluoride solution than what’s available over-the-counter, administered by trained medical professionals. The most common form of our fluoride treatment involves using foam or gel in upper and lower trays. The application takes just a few minutes at the conclusion of your teeth cleaning. We recommend refraining from eating or drinking for 30 minutes after treatment to maximize its effectiveness.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is a straightforward and painless process. It does not involve drilling or the need for anesthesia.
Here’s how it works:
- The dentist carefully cleans and dries the tooth.
- A mild acidic gel is applied to the tooth’s surface to create a slightly rough texture, ensuring a strong bond.
- After a brief application, the gel is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried once more.
- The dentist then applies and presses the sealant into the tooth’s grooves.
- A specialized blue light is used to harden (cure) the sealant. After the procedure, your bite should still feel 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
Fluoride treatment is a dental procedure that involves applying a fluoride-containing solution to the teeth. It is used in dentistry to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent tooth decay, and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Fluoride treatment is beneficial for individuals of all ages. Children, in particular, can benefit as it helps protect their developing teeth. However, adults can also benefit from fluoride treatment to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride treatment is considered safe when administered by dental professionals in recommended doses. Side effects are rare but can include mild stomach upset or allergic reactions. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions and not ingest the fluoride solution.
The frequency of fluoride treatment can vary based on your oral health needs and risk factors. Dentists typically recommend it once or twice a year during routine dental check-ups. However, the frequency may be adjusted for individuals with higher risks of tooth decay.
Yes, there are alternative methods to obtain fluoride for dental health. These include using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, drinking fluoridated water if available in your area, and consuming foods and beverages prepared with fluoridated water. Your dentist can provide guidance on the most suitable fluoride sources for your specific needs.
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