Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments – Fairfax, VA
To protect your teeth from decay and enamel erosion, it is recommended to use dental sealants and fluoride products.
Located in Fairfax, VA, Fairfax Dentist focuses on preventative care, including professional teeth cleaning, and is committed to helping you maintain healthy teeth for years to come.
Consult the experts
Why do you need dental sealants and fluoride?
Dental sealants and fluoride work to improve your dental health
Protecting your and your child’s teeth from decay is a top oral health priority. While brushing and flossing are important components of good oral hygiene, sometimes they’re not enough. Sugary snacks, sticky foods, and the natural structure of molars can make teeth vulnerable to decay, especially in children.
That’s where dental sealants and fluoride come in—two powerful preventative measures offered at our Fairfax, VA practice to protect your child’s smile.
What is fissure sealing?
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) have natural depressions – fissures
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, especially the molars and premolars.
These surfaces typically have deep pits and cracks (fissures) that are difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush.
As a result, bacteria and food debris can accumulate in these crevices, creating a favorable environment for decay. Sealants fill these crevices, creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that prevents the bacteria and acids that cause decay from penetrating.
The fissure sealing procedure includes the following steps:
1. Tooth preparation:
The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned of plaque and tartar. In some cases, light caries prevention using special pastes may be required.
2. Etching:
A special gel is applied to the tooth surface – a etchant, which slightly roughens the enamel, ensuring better adhesion of the sealant. After this, the gel is washed off, and the tooth is thoroughly dried.
3. Sealant application:
The sealant is applied to the prepared tooth surface. A special applicator or syringe can be used for this. The sealant is selected in accordance with the individual characteristics of the patient and aesthetic requirements. Modern sealants can be of different colors, ensuring the invisibility of the procedure.
4. Cymerization:
The sealant hardens under the influence of a light polymerization lamp. This makes it strong and durable.
The fissure sealing procedure is painless and takes little time. It is recommended for children aged 6-12 years, when permanent molars are erupting, and for teenagers. However, sealing can also be done for adults if they have deep fissures that are difficult to clean.
The effectiveness of sealing is very high: it reduces the risk of caries by 80% or more.
What is the purpose of fluoride treatment?
Fluoride successfully strengthens enamel and prevents caries
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acids produced by bacteria. It can also help restore enamel in the early stages of tooth decay.
Fluoride is available in a variety of forms, including toothpastes, mouth rinses, professional fluoride varnishes, and gels that are applied by your dentist.
What does fluoride treatment do?
Strengthening tooth enamel
Fluoride makes enamel harder and more resistant to acids.
Preventing tooth decay
Fluoride reduces the risk of tooth decay.
Remineralizing enamel
Fluoride helps repair damaged areas of enamel.
Preventing tooth sensitivity
Fluoride can reduce tooth sensitivity to temperature and chemical irritants.
Fluoride is a safe and effective procedure that is recommended for both the prevention and treatment of early tooth decay.
Your dentist will select the best fluoride method based on your individual needs and the condition of your teeth.
Integrated approach: sealing and fluoridation for maximum protection
The combination of dental sealants and fluoride products is a powerful tool in the fight against cavities and maintaining oral health
To achieve maximum effect in caries prevention, it is recommended to combine fissure sealing and fluoride treatment.
Sealing protects fissures from penetration of bacteria and food debris, and fluoridation strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to caries.
This integrated approach provides reliable protection of teeth from caries and helps maintain oral health for many years.
The initial consultation is free, allowing us to evaluate your oral health before creating a treatment plan.
(Please note that x-rays and CT scans may incur additional charges.)
This introductory meeting is a great opportunity to learn more about our dental practice. We look forward to welcoming you!
To schedule an appointment, please fill out the form on our website or call our Fairfax dental practice.
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Why are regular check-ups necessary?
It is important to remember that prevention is always better and more cost-effective than treatment
Remember that regular preventive check-ups with a dentist, thorough oral hygiene and proper nutrition are the key to a healthy and beautiful smile.
Don’t put off taking care of your teeth for later – timely prevention will significantly reduce the risk of developing caries and other dental diseases.
Visit your dentist regularly to get qualified advice and recommendations on maintaining the health of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a fissure sealant last?
Sealants usually last for many years, but your dentist should conduct regular preventive examinations to ensure that the integrity of the filling is not compromised. They can wear out over time, and sometimes the doctor needs to add or replace a little sealant.
Can you fluoridate your teeth without visiting the dentist?
You can saturate your tooth enamel with fluoride and minerals at home. For this, use:
- Fluoride pastes. They smooth out microdefects in the enamel, level out cracks that are invisible to the eye.
- Fluoride rinses. Regular rinsing helps to saturate teeth with fluoride, reducing bacterial activity.
- Fluoride-containing gels. The gel is applied to the teeth using a silicone cap.
Will fluoridation help with caries?
Fluoridation does not treat advanced caries. First, you need to treat your teeth, and then strengthen them.
Are there any side effects from fluoridation?
Some people may experience side effects from fluoridation, such as nausea, vomiting, or irritation of the oral mucosa. However, these symptoms are extremely rare and pass quickly.
What are the contraindications for fluoridation?
Like any medical intervention, fluoridation has contraindications. It is important to know about these restrictions so that the procedure does not harm your health. These include:
- Fluorosis. This is a disease in which an excess amount of fluoride is deposited in the tooth enamel. Fluorosis manifests itself as white spots or stripes on the teeth. In this case, fluoridation can worsen the situation, so it is important to consult a dentist about the advisability of the procedure.
- Allergy to fluoride. It manifests itself as a skin rash, itching, swelling and other symptoms. It is extremely rare. If you have an allergy to fluoride, this procedure is not recommended.
- Kidney disease. The kidneys remove fluoride from the body. Fluoridation leads to its accumulation in the body and causes negative consequences. In this case, you need to consult a nephrologist and dentist about the advisability of the procedure.
- Increased tooth sensitivity. Some people experience discomfort and even pain during the procedure.
- Breastfeeding. Pregnant women should approach any medical procedures with caution. Consult your doctor first to avoid risks to yourself and your baby.
Make an appointment to see our dentist
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our state-of-the-art dental practice, fill out and submit the form or call us at 703-255-3755.
