Children in particular benefit from fluoride treatment. As adult teeth come in, fluoride treatments help combat tooth decay through a process called remineralization. Acids from plaque and from the food we eat can wear down tooth enamel by sapping teeth of certain essential minerals. Fluoride treatment stops and reverses this process making tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
The biting surfaces of molars have plenty of grooves and fissures that can easily trap acidic plaque or food particles which may be difficult to clean. When children get new molars, dental sealant can be used to keep gunk out, protect their natural teeth and prevent decay. Dental sealants provide a protective shield for those vulnerable areas.
Fluoride treatments are usually added on 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 recognizes a problem area on the biting surface of a tooth.
The fluoride treatment we use is stronger than store-bought because it is administered by medical professionals in our office. Our most common fluoride treatment comes in the form of foam or gel in an upper and lower tray. Fluoride only takes a few minutes to apply at the end of your teeth cleaning. We will ask that the patient avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after treatment for maximum benefits.
Dental sealants are very easy to apply and completely painless. There is no drilling required and you won’t need freezing. The dentist will carefully clean and dry the tooth. A mild acidic gel will be applied to the tooth to make the surface a little rough for the strongest bond. The dentist will rinse the gel off after a few seconds, dry the tooth again and then press and apply sealant into the grooves of the tooth. A special blue light is used to cure the sealant. Your bite should still feel natural and comfortable when it’s done.
The American Dental Association supports the appropriate and selective use of sealants for both primary and permanent teeth based on a risk assessment and diagnosis by a dentist. According to the CDA, sealants are an important component of a comprehensive preventive program, which includes nutritional counseling, optimal fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, and regular dental examinations.
The enamel is just the outermost layer of a tooth. Underneath the enamel, a tooth is made up of dentin, pulp, and nerve. Dentin helps support the structure of your tooth but it can’t protect the nerve of the tooth from hot and cold or acid and sticky foods. If the enamel becomes thin and worn, teeth will become sensitive. Fluoride and sealants keep the enamel in tip-top condition so that it can continue to protect your sensitive dentin from the elements.
Worn enamel can continue to decay until a cavity forms. In addition to causing tooth sensitivity, exposed dentin comes with the added risk of infection which can be extremely painful and may require a root canal to save the tooth. Rebuilding enamel with fluoride treatment and shielding problem areas from plaque build-up helps to prevent decay and even strengthens teeth.
An ounce of prevention now is worth a pound of cure tomorrow. Fluoride and sealants are a relatively inexpensive treatment and will prevent the need for more costly procedures that would be required if tooth decay is allowed to progress.
I had a great experience at Smile Breeze Dentistry. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the office was clean and well-maintained. Dr. Kelkar was knowledgeable and experienced, and she took the time to explain my treatment options. I was satisfied with the treatment I received, and the cost was reasonable. I would definitely recommend Smile Breeze Dentistry to others.
I got my veneers done at this office after my orthodontist referred me. Everyone at the office is very friendly and Dr. Kelkar is knowledgeable, kind and patient. I got good treatment and result and would recommend anyone to visit this office!
Entire dental and office staff are excellent! Dr Kelkar has helped with my problematic gums with compassion and professionalism and my teeth and gums are now in much better condition. Thanks to Smile Breeze Dentistry!
Dr. Kelkar is an amazing doctor who takes it upon herself to ensure best experience for your entire duration of the treatment from the time you walk into her office and follows through your recovery. It is great to have such a wonderful care and support.
Loved this place. Dr Kelkar explained the issues well and gave different options with their respective consequences. She did not pressure me to choose the most expensive option and I appreciated that. The music was soothing. Overall I totally recommend this place. Thank you Dr. Kelkar
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