Protecting Your Teeth from the Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children. As their adult teeth emerge, fluoride helps fight tooth decay through a process known as remineralization. Plaque acids and food can erode tooth enamel by depleting essential minerals. Fluoride treatment helps reverse this damage, strengthening enamel and making it more resistant to decay.
Dental Sealants
Molar surfaces often trap plaque and food particles, making them hard to clean. Dental sealants create a protective barrier on new molars, preventing decay and safeguarding teeth from damage.
Why opt for sealants and fluoride?
The American Dental Association recommends sealants for both primary and permanent teeth, based on a dentist’s risk assessment and diagnosis. The CDA highlights sealants as a key part of a preventive dental plan, which also includes proper nutrition, fluoride use, good oral hygiene, and regular check-ups.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth enamel is the outer layer, protecting the underlying dentin, pulp, and nerve. When enamel wears down, dentin becomes exposed, leading to sensitivity to hot, cold, and acidic foods. Fluoride and sealants help maintain strong enamel, shielding sensitive dentin from discomfort.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
As enamel wears down, decay can worsen and eventually form cavities. Exposed dentin not only heightens sensitivity but also increases the risk of infection, potentially leading to a root canal. Fluoride treatments help rebuild enamel and seal vulnerable areas, preventing further decay while strengthening teeth for long-term protection.
Save Money in the Long Run
Prevention is always more cost-effective than treatment. Fluoride and sealants are affordable options that can save you from more expensive procedures later on, should tooth decay worsen over time.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are often performed during your child’s yearly cleaning and exam. Sealants are applied when necessary, typically after the eruption of new molars or if the dentist spots potential issues on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride treatment we offer is stronger than over-the-counter options because it’s applied by dental professionals in our office. Our most common treatment is a foam or gel placed in upper and lower trays. The application only takes a few minutes at the end of your cleaning. For optimal results, we recommend avoiding eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the treatment.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is quick, easy, and completely painless. No drilling or freezing is necessary. First, the dentist will clean and dry the tooth, then apply a mild acidic gel to roughen the surface for a strong bond. After rinsing off the gel, the dentist will dry the tooth again and apply the sealant into the grooves. A special blue light is used to cure 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 a fluoride treatment, your dentist or hygienist will recommend waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your tooth enamel and provide maximum benefits.
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in some water sources, and its benefits for preventing tooth decay have been well-established. It’s been safely used in dental care and water fluoridation worldwide for generations.
Dental sealant is applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, creating a protective shield over the grooves and fissures to guard against decay.
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper oral care and regular checkups. Be sure to brush, floss, and avoid acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed. If sealants chip or wear down, a dentist or hygienist can easily repair them.
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