Strengthen your teeth & prevent cavities with dental sealants & fluoride treatments.
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems in the world. People of all ages can suffer from tooth decay or cavities, including toddlers. If left untreated, cavities or tooth decay can lead to severe tooth pain, bacterial infection, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.
At Brilliant Smiles, we believe that prevention is better than cure, so we offer many preventive treatments to help protect and maintain your bright and healthy smile. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments can protect the teeth from tooth decay and cavities. Though they are mostly recommended to children, they can also be helpful for adults.
Cavities or tooth decay is the destruction of the enamel which is the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It is a problem faced by children, teens, and adults. Cavities start as small holes on the surface of the teeth, but if they are not treated at the earliest possible time they will grow larger, putting the dentin, the pulp of the teeth, and even the roots of the teeth at risk of severe damage. In extreme cases, the affected tooth may even have to be removed.
That is why it’s best to prevent tooth decay from occurring and cavities from forming. The best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay is by brushing and flossing regularly, but sometimes even that does not stop the occurrence of tooth decay and cavities. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and cavities by protecting the teeth.
Dental sealants are thin preventive coatings applied on the chewing surface of the teeth to prevent tooth decay. They are most often used to protect molars and premolars from bacteria and plaque. Dental sealants quickly bond over the grooves of the teeth and form a protective shield over the surfaces of the teeth.
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in the soil, water, and even foods. It is also one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride makes the tooth more resistant to the acids formed by the plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay on the biting surfaces of chewing teeth.
Applying dental sealant is a simple painless procedure that does not require any anesthesia and can be completed in a single appointment. The application of dental sealant has the following steps:
Dr. Sonal Deshpande of Brilliant Smiles will thoroughly clean and dry the teeth.
An acidic solution or gel is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth and then rinsed off after a few minutes. This roughens the surfaces of the teeth and makes it easier for the dental sealant to adhere to the surfaces of the teeth.
In the final step, Dr. Sonal Deshpande places the dental sealant, a tooth-colored acrylic coating on the teeth.
A dental sealant effectively “seals” the deep grooves where decay is most likely to begin and provides an extra layer of protection. This technique is usually done on permanent molars as soon as they have come in enough to be sealed. Sometimes primary molars have grooves deep enough to require sealing, as well. Both children and adults have deep grooves on the biting surfaces of their teeth that are more vulnerable to plaque buildup, and so both children and adults can benefit greatly from dental sealants.
Dental sealants significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities. They can last up to 10 years and can easily be replaced by the dentist after they have become worn out or chipped. But it is important to regularly visit the dentist to check the conditions of the dental sealants and in order to catch any deterioration before it grows into a problem.
Fluoride treatment is one of the most popular preventive treatments and has been recommended by dental professionals for many years. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of the teeth and protects the teeth from tooth decay. Especially in the case of children, fluoride treatments can strengthen their teeth for the future.
Fluoride works in two ways:
Topical Fluoride: Topical fluoride refers to the use of fluoride-containing dental products such as fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, fluoride varnish, and gels. Topical fluoride works by seeping into the outer surface of the enamel after the teeth have already erupted. This helps strengthen the teeth against tooth decay. Dental professionals generally recommend that children have an application of fluoride twice a year during dental check-ups.
Systemic Fluoride: We gain systemic fluoride from most foods and water supplies. Systemic fluoride is also available in supplement form as drops, gels, and tablets that can be prescribed by the dentist. Generally, fluoride drops are used for infants while tablets are recommended for children and teens. Systemic fluoride is crucial as a preventive measure as it strengthens the teeth that have already erupted and the teeth that are still developing under the gums.
While it is very important for children to consume fluoride as they grow, their fluoride ingestion must be carefully monitored. They may develop a dental condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) if they consume too much fluoride.
Dentists have been using fluoride treatments and dental sealants for years to help their patients maintain their oral health. They have many benefits, including:
Protecting the teeth from tooth decay and cavities
Long-lasting results
Effective for children and adults
Easy, safe, and affordable
At less than half the cost of conventional fillings and without any anesthetics or drilling, dental sealants and fluoride treatments are two of the most important preventive tools Brilliant Smiles of North Plainfield offers.
Dental sealants are considered to be preventive care for children, so most dental insurance policies cover the cost when the treatment is to be done for children. However, dental insurance may not always cover the cost of dental sealants for adults. Fluoride treatments are considered to be essential care for both children and adults, so most dental insurance policies cover the cost of the treatment.
At Brilliant Smiles, we do our best to plan your dental treatments so that they are affordable, and we offer a number of financing options.
Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. She practices comfortable, caring dentistry focused on establishing optimal oral health, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to her technical proficiency, Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a careful listener and will explain beforehand which treatment is best for your individual needs.
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If you are looking for dentists in North Plainfield, NJ, look no further than Brilliant Smiles of North Plainfield for all of your dentistry needs. Whether you want a simple dental cleaning or you have a dental emergency, we are here to help. Contact us now.
Request AppointmentCall usMonday : 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday : 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday : 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday : 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday : 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Saturday : 8:00 am – 1:00 pm