Protecting Your Teeth From The Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for children. As adult teeth emerge, fluoride treatments play a vital role in countering tooth decay through a process known as remineralization. The acids present in plaque and the foods we consume can erode tooth enamel by depleting essential minerals. Fluoride treatment halts and reverses this process, making tooth enamel more robust and less susceptible to decay.
Dental Sealants
The chewing surfaces of molars feature numerous grooves and fissures that can easily trap acidic plaque or food particles, making them challenging to clean. When children develop new molars, dental sealants can be applied to block the accumulation of debris, safeguard their natural teeth, and prevent decay. Dental sealants act as a protective barrier for these susceptible areas.
Why Choose Sealants and Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association endorses the judicious and personalized application of sealants for both primary and permanent teeth, determined through a dentist’s risk assessment and diagnosis. As per the CDA, sealants constitute a crucial element of a comprehensive preventive regimen, encompassing nutritional guidance, optimal fluoride intake, proper oral hygiene, and routine dental check-ups.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are typically included as an annual addition to your child’s regular teeth cleaning and examination. Sealants, on the other hand, are administered as necessary, often after the emergence of a new molar or if the dentist identifies an issue on the chewing surface of a tooth.
Fluoride Treatment
Our fluoride treatment is more potent than over-the-counter options because it is administered by healthcare experts within our facility. The primary form of our fluoride treatment involves applying foam or gel in upper and lower trays. This process is quick and typically takes just a few minutes after your teeth cleaning. We kindly request that patients refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes following the treatment to maximize its benefits.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is a straightforward and entirely painless procedure. It does not involve any drilling or the need for anesthesia. The dentist will begin by meticulously cleaning and drying the tooth. To create a robust bond, a mild acidic gel will be gently applied to the tooth’s surface. After a brief application, the dentist will rinse off the gel, dry the tooth once more, and then carefully place and distribute the sealant into the tooth’s grooves. A specialized blue light is used to solidify the sealant. Once the process is complete, 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
Your dentist or hygienist will recommend waiting for 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before consuming any food or beverages. This waiting period allows the fluoride sufficient time to permeate your tooth enamel and work effectively.
Did you know that fluoride is actually a naturally occurring mineral? Small concentrations of fluoride are naturally present in some sources of drinking water. Scientists caught on to the benefits of fluoride when it was noticed that people who lived near fluorinated sources of water had less tooth decay. Since then, fluoride has been added to other sources of drinking water and to routine dental care regimens. Fluoride treatment has been safely preventing dental decay all over the world for generations.
Dental sealant adheres to the chewing surfaces of molars, forming a protective barrier that shields the susceptible grooves and fissures of teeth from decay.
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with routine oral hygiene and regular checkups. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and avoid acidic food and drink, especially before bed. If dental sealants become chipped or worn, a dentist or hygienist can easily repair it.