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Cleanings, Fluoride Treatment, & Dental Sealants |
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Cleanings |
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Routine cleanings, also called "prophylaxis", are designed to preserve dental health
by removing harmful bacteria from below the gum line, which prevents the spread
of gum disease before bone loss occurs. To have oral health, it is not enough to
brush and floss daily, professional cleanings are imperative. In most cases, our
patients visit the hygienist every six months.
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An ultrasonic instrument is used, which it has been proven to be the most effective
and comfortable way to remove bacteria and treat inflammation. We also provide home
care instructions, so that our patients can maintain healthy gums between their
regular cleanings, as well as an assessment of risk factors for cavities and gum
disease, and perform nutritional analysis. Our hygienist also specializes in maintaining
oral health during pregnancy, menopause, and with diseases such as diabetes and
rheumatoid arthritis.
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Cleanings for Children
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We are proud to be a fun place for children, a place that our young patients actually
enjoy visiting. We recommend a first visit at around 2 ½ to 3 years of age. This
is old enough for them to become accustomed to the office and is a good age for
detection of any early problems.
We work hard to make your child as comfortable as possible, performing only those
procedures that he/she is at-ease with. Over the next few cleanings and exams, as
children become more relaxed and start to enjoy the office, so we are able to obtain
X-rays and accomplish thorough cleaning and fluoride treatments.
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Some parents might prefer to be present with the child during treatment, especially
for the first few visits. In our office, this is completely acceptable.
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Fluoride Varnish
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Numerous studies have found that regular professional fluoride applications prevent
dental decay for adults and children. Fluoride varnishes have been found to be more
effective in preventing decay, because they release more fluoride into the teeth's
enamel than traditional fluoride trays.
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Standard fluoride treatment (left) compared with our advanced Omnii Vanish™ white
fluoride treatment (right).
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Advantages of fluoride varnish:
- There is less fluoride ingestion than with conventional treatments because the fluoride
adheres to the tooth for longer.
- Children and adults can eat and drink immediately after application.
- There are no trays, which prevents gagging.
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Dental Sealants
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Sealants protect the chewing surface of permanent molars and premolars from decay.
Normal pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth trap food and bacteria
that cannot be removed by brushing.
A sealant is a tough, tooth-colored plastic material designed to bond to tooth enamel
and fill in the pits and grooves so that bacteria does not cause decay. The material
is painted onto the tooth surface comfortably and without the need for numbing.
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Sealants do not prevent decay in between the teeth, so regular brushing, flossing
and dental cleanings and exams are important.
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