Protecting Your Teeth Right From the Beginning
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children. As they develop adult teeth, fluoride aids in fighting tooth decay through a process known as remineralization. Acids, originating from plaque and consumed foods, have the potential to erode tooth enamel by depleting essential minerals from the teeth. Fluoride treatments halt and reverse this process, thereby enhancing the strength of tooth enamel and increasing its resistance to decay.
Dental Sealants
The biting surfaces of molars are characterized by numerous grooves and fissures, which can readily trap acidic plaque or food particles and are often challenging to clean. When children develop new molars, dental sealants can be applied to exclude debris, safeguard their natural teeth, and avert decay. Dental sealants act as a protective barrier for these susceptible areas.
Why Choose to Use Sealants and Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association advocates for the judicious and selective application of sealants on both primary and permanent teeth, based on a risk assessment and diagnosis by a dentist. According to the CDA, sealants play a crucial role in a holistic preventive program, encompassing nutritional counselling, optimal fluoride exposure, proper oral hygiene, and routine dental check-ups.
Alleviate tooth sensitivity
Enamel constitutes only the outermost layer of a tooth. Beneath the enamel, a tooth is composed of dentin, pulp, and nerve. While dentin aids in maintaining the tooth’s structure, it cannot shield the tooth’s nerve from extremes of temperature or acidic and sticky foods. If enamel gets thin and worn out, teeth can become sensitive. Fluoride and sealants maintain the enamel in optimal condition, enabling it to continue safeguarding the sensitive dentin from external factors.
Halt and reverse decay
Enamel that has been worn away can continue to deteriorate until a cavity develops. Beyond causing tooth sensitivity, exposed dentin also brings an increased risk of infection, which can be exceedingly painful and might necessitate a root canal to preserve the tooth. Reconstituting enamel through fluoride treatment and protecting susceptible areas from plaque accumulation aids in decay prevention and even fortifies the teeth.
Save money long term
Investing in prevention today pays off with significant dividends in the future. Fluoride and sealants are relatively economical treatments that preclude the necessity for more expensive procedures, which would be inevitable if tooth decay were allowed to advance.
The Fluoridation And Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are typically incorporated into your child’s regular teeth cleaning and examination annually. Sealants are applied as required, generally after the emergence of a new molar or if the dentist identifies a problematic area on the biting surface of a tooth.
Fluoride treatment
The fluoride treatment administered in our office is more potent than those available over the counter, as it is applied by medical professionals. The most prevalent form of fluoride treatment we offer is either a foam or gel, placed in an upper and lower tray. Applying fluoride takes only a few minutes at the end of your teeth cleaning. For maximum benefits, we recommend that patients refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes post-treatment.
Dental Sealant application
Applying dental sealants is a straightforward and entirely pain-free procedure. There is no need for drilling or numbing. The dentist meticulously cleans and dries the tooth before applying a mild acidic gel to slightly roughen the tooth surface, ensuring a robust bond. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed off, the tooth is dried again, and the sealant is pressed into the tooth’s grooves. A special blue light is utilized to cure the sealant. Upon completion, your bite should feel as natural and comfortable as before.
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.
Winner of the Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Asad Hasan is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Dentists in Ajax.
Frequently Asked Questions
With regular oral hygiene and routine check-ups, dental sealants have the potential to last up to 10 years. It’s important to maintain consistent brushing and flossing habits and to limit the intake of acidic foods and beverages, particularly before bedtime. Should the dental sealant experience any chipping or wear, it can be readily repaired by a dentist or hygienist.
Were you aware that fluoride is, in fact, a mineral that occurs naturally? Some drinking water sources naturally contain small amounts of fluoride. The benefits of fluoride came to light when scientists observed that individuals living near fluoridated water sources experienced less tooth decay. Since this discovery, fluoride has been incorporated into various water supplies and routine dental care routines. For generations, fluoride treatments have been effectively and safely preventing dental decay globally.
Dental sealant adheres to the chewing surfaces of molars, serving as a protective barrier for the susceptible grooves and fissures of teeth, guarding against decay.
After administering a fluoride treatment, your dentist or hygienist will recommend that you refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes. This pause allows the fluoride sufficient time to be absorbed into your tooth enamel and work effectively.
