PReventive Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry Services

Early detection and treatment of cavities is called preventive dentistry, it can prevent more costly and painful treatment later. Make sure that you see your dentist every six months for a thorough oral examination. We are committed to preventing dental disease in all its forms. As partners in striving for your optimum dental health, we will educate you about the latest products, techniques, and information to help you prevent dental disease. Talk to a caring and professional team member about the health advantages of early detection.

Sealants

You may know that sealants are a protective plastic coating placed over deep grooves in teeth as a preventive dentistry method to prevent potential decay, but not all sealants are created equally. Both the type of material and the placement procedure play a big role in sealant success. Before placing a sealant the tooth must be meticulously cleaned of all plaque and debris. Organic material can reside in the deep grooves and prevent a proper bond for the sealant. Moisture, tartar or calculus will also prevent a proper bond.

The grooves of the teeth are cleaned prior to the placement of the sealant via a process known as microairabrasion; this increases the adhesion of the sealant. The enamel on the tooth is then etched with a 33% phosphoric acid etch to further increase the sealant bonding strength. A special bonding agent is brushed deep into the grooves. This bonding material is hardened with a special wavelength curing light. Finally, the sealant is placed. We use a unique formula that not only seals the tooth but will actually release fluoride into the surrounding tooth structure if an acidic attack occurs. Industry experts agree that the normal life span of a sealant is 4-6 years.