6317 Fairview Avenue, Suite B Westmont , IL 60559
(630) 852-5353
SEALANTS
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us
FLUORIDE
A SHIELD FOR YOUR TEETH
The main use of fluoride in the past has been to protect teeth during development and eruption, but research has now shown that fluoride helps protect erupted teeth in the battle against tooth decay. Here are just some of the benefits of fluoride for adults also.
- Are you currently taking medications that cause dry mouth? A decrease in saliva can increase the risk for decay. Fluoride treatments can help reduce the risk of decay.
- Have we discussed exposed root surfaces with you? Root surfaces are extremely susceptible to decay and decay can travel quickly through the root. Professional fluoride treatments help make roots stronger and resistant to decay.
- - Have you needed a restoration due to decay in the last year? A professional fluoride treatment 1-2 times a year can greatly reduce your risk of decay.
- Do you currently have any crowns or bridges in your mouth? Fluoride can help protect the margins of these restorations and potentially eliminate decay around the margins.
- Are you currently undergoing or going to receive head and neck radiation? Radiation damages salivary glands, which causes an extreme reduction in salivary flow. Saliva is an important component in the fight against tooth decay.
- Are you experiencing sensitivity? Fluoride can help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by exposed root surfaces.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you could greatly benefit from a professionally applied fluoride treatment. Ask Beki, Holly, Kate or Bobbi and they will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have!!
Sealants are liquid coatings that harden on to the chewing surfaces of teeth and are showing a great deal of effectiveness in preventing cavities-even on teeth where decay has begun.
The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses these intricate structures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
The sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces and are designed to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other debris into the deep crevices on the tops of teeth.
Sealants actually were developed about 50 years ago, but didn't become commonly used until the 1970s. Today, sealants are becoming widely popular and effective; young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants (especially on molars) because in many cases, decay has not set in. Even on teeth where decay is present, sealants have been shown to fight additional damage.
Application
Sealants are applied by first cleaning the tooth surface. The procedure is followed by "etching" the tooth with a chemical substance, which allows the sealant to better adhere. After the sealant is applied, a warm light source is directed to the site to promote faster drying. Sealants usually need re-application every five to 10 years.