Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene prevents unhealthy teeth and the need for costly treatment.
We tailor your routine cleanings based on the health of your gum and bone. If necessary, for areas of decay, we apply medicated gels and administer prescription mouth rinses. To ensure the cleaning is efficient and to make you more comfortable, we sometimes utilize ultrasonic scalers.
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.
Tooth sealants should be used as part of a child’s total preventive dental care. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. Sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas.
Dr. Saghatchi does not need to drill or remove any tooth structure to apply sealants. First, the tooth will be cleaned using a special tooth paste. Next, a cleansing liquid will be applied on the tooth. Lastly, the sealant is painted on the tooth. Generally, the sealant forms a protective shield in about a minute. Sealants can last for several years but need to be checked during regular appointments.
Patients who are at a high risk for developing decay may benefit from utilizing additional fluoride products, including dietary supplements, mouth rinses and professionally applied gels or varnishes.