What are dental sealants

Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment designed to protect the chewing surfaces of your teeth from decay. They are a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto the grooves and pits of your teeth, forming a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and acids that can cause cavities. Sealants are most commonly used on the molars and premolars, which are the teeth at the back of the mouth that are used for chewing. By providing an extra layer of protection, dental sealants can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future. If you’re looking to maintain good oral health and prevent cavities, dental sealants may be a smart choice for you.

What are the benefits of dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a highly effective preventative measure that offer several benefits to individuals of all ages:

• Dental sealants provide a protective barrier against tooth decay.
• Sealants are applied quickly and painlessly by a dentist or dental hygienist.
• They can reduce the risk of cavities in the permanent molars by up to 80%.
• Sealants can be especially beneficial for children and teenagers, as well as adults with a history of cavities.
• When applied and maintained properly, sealants can provide protection against decay for up to 10 years.
• Sealants are a cost-effective preventative measure, as they can save money on future dental treatment costs.
• They can help prevent the need for more invasive and expensive dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.
• Sealants can be used in conjunction with other preventative measures, such as regular dental cleanings and checkups, to maintain good oral health.
• Dental sealants are a safe and non-invasive treatment option that can benefit individuals of all ages.
• They can improve overall oral health and prevent future dental problems.

Schedule an appointment at Blackstone Dental and see what dental sealants can do for your dental health.

What are the statistics on dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a highly effective preventative measure that can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and other types of tooth damage. Here are some statistics that highlight the impact of dental sealants:

• Reduced risk of decay: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in the permanent molars by up to 80%. In children aged 6-11 years old, sealants can reduce the risk of decay in these teeth by almost 40%.
• Cost-effective: The CDC estimates that for every dollar spent on dental sealants, between $8 and $38 can be saved in future dental treatment costs. This is because sealants can prevent the need for more invasive and expensive treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.
• Long-lasting protection: When applied and maintained properly, dental sealants can provide protection against decay for up to 10 years. This means that a single application of sealants in childhood can help prevent decay and other types of tooth damage well into adulthood.
• Wide-reaching impact: Dental sealants are a simple and safe preventative measure that can benefit individuals of all ages. According to the American Dental Association, sealants can reduce the incidence of cavities by up to 80% in both children and adults.

The dental exam: What to expect

A clinical exam is more commonly referred to as a routine check up. A new patient exam lets our dentist essentially take inventory of the overall health of your mouth and teeth and diagnose any potential problems you may have.

A. The first thing we will check during the exam is your face and neck. Checking visually, we will look for any abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps or swelling.

B. Checking inside your mouth is next on the agenda. During this part of the check up our dentist will be looking for any abnormalities in the soft tissue, such as discolorations or ulcers on your lips, gums, tongue, palate and cheeks. We will also perform an oral cancer screening and will check your bite and your jaw joint for any problems.

C. Next we’ll will check your gums and jawbone, as they are the foundation for your teeth. We will check them for any signs of gingivitis, gum disease and bone disease.

D. Checking your teeth comes next. We will be checking them for cavities and other problems. Finally, we will be sure to look specifically at any areas where you may have symptoms or concerns.

What is preventative dentistry for children?

Preventative dentistry in children is the practice of taking proactive measures to prevent oral health problems before they occur. Your dentist will educate you and your child on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. They can also monitor your child’s dental development and recommend orthodontic treatment if necessary.

During regular dental check-ups, your dentist can provide preventive treatments such as the application of fluoride and sealants to help prevent tooth decay. They can also identify any potential dental issues early on and provide appropriate treatment before they become more serious.

At our dental office we can also provide advice on sports safety and the use of mouthguards to prevent dental injuries. They may also offer dietary recommendations to help your child maintain good oral health.

By emphasizing preventative dentistry for children, your dentist can help ensure that your child develops healthy oral habits, prevent future dental problems, and maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.

Practice preventative dentistry at home

Preventative dentistry is an essential aspect of oral healthcare, and it is especially important for children. It involves taking proactive measures to prevent oral diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease. By teaching children good oral hygiene habits and providing them with the necessary tools, parents can help their children maintain good oral health throughout their lives. Here are some of the ways parents can practice preventative dentistry for their children:

Brushing, flossing, and oral habits:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and teaching children to brush properly 
• Flossing once a day to remove plaque and food particles
• Encouraging children to rinse their mouth with water after meals
• Limiting sugary foods and drinks to prevent cavities
• Avoiding hard foods, such as popcorn and ice, that can crack or chip teeth.

Monitoring the child’s dental development

• Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

Parent involvement and proper diet

• Encouraging children to eat a healthy and balanced diet can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease
• Providing children with healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, instead of sugary snacks
• Teaching children good oral hygiene habits and supervising them until they can do it on their own.
• Leading by example and practicing good oral hygiene habits yourself

Sports safety:

• Mouthguards can help prevent dental injuries during sports activities

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that works by remineralizing areas of the tooth enamel that may have been weakened by acid produced by bacteria in the mouth. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen teeth and making them more resistant to decay,

During a chairside fluoride treatment, the dentist will first thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any plaque or debris. The fluoride gel or varnish is then applied to the teeth using a brush, swab, or tray and left on the teeth for a few minutes to allow for absorption. Some dentists may use a special light to help activate the fluoride and improve its effectiveness.

After the treatment, the patient is advised not to eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into the teeth.

Chairside fluoride treatments are a quick and painless procedure that can provide significant benefits for maintaining good oral health.

Dental cleanings Central Falls

Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. The procedure involves the removal of dental plaque and tartar from the teeth, which are both detrimental to dental health. Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth due to bacteria build-up. If left untreated, it can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Tartar or calculus is a hardened form of dental plaque that forms when the plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing.

Regular dental cleanings help prevent the development of gum disease and tooth loss. In severe cases, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, which can be a severe blow to one’s confidence and quality of life.

After the larger pieces of tartar have been removed, hand tools called scalers and curettes are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. These tools are curved and shaped to match the curves of the teeth, allowing for precise cleaning.

Once all the tartar and plaque have been removed, the teeth are polished using a slow speed hand piece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. A special gritty toothpaste-like material called prophylaxis paste is applied to the teeth to make them shiny and smooth. This process also removes any surface stains, resulting in a brighter smile.

During the dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will also use a piece of dental floss to clean between the teeth, removing any debris that may have been trapped.

Fluoride treatment may also be administered to help strengthen the tooth enamel. The fluoride may come in the form of gel, foam or varnish. This treatment can help prevent tooth decay by making the teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.

Your dental health is important to us at Blackstone Dental. Call us to schedule your appointment today.

What periodontal therapy or deep dental cleaning?

Periodontal therapy, also known as a deep cleaning or scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have advanced periodontitis or those who have not responded well to routine dental cleanings.

During a deep cleaning, your dental hygienist or dentist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This process is usually performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

The first step of the procedure is scaling, where the hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots. Next, they will use hand instruments called curettes to carefully clean any remaining debris from the tooth surfaces and roots.

The second step is root planing, where the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed to remove any rough spots or bacterial deposits. This helps to prevent further buildup of bacteria and plaque, and promotes healthy gum tissue growth.

Periodontal therapy is an effective way to treat gum disease and prevent tooth loss. Our dentist or hygienist may recommend additional follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure the success of the treatment.

If you are experiencing signs of advanced periodontitis, schedule a consultation today at our Central Falls dental office to determine the right course of treatment.

What is prophylaxis paste?

The paste that a dental hygienist uses to clean teeth during a dental cleaning is called prophylaxis paste. It is a special type of gritty toothpaste-like material that is designed to clean and polish the teeth.

Prophylaxis paste contains a fine abrasive material, such as silica, that helps to remove surface stains and plaque from the teeth. It also contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

During a dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will apply the prophylaxis paste to a small, soft rubber cup that is attached to a slow-speed handpiece. The rubber cup spins on the end of the handpiece and gently scrubs the paste onto the surface of the teeth.

The dental hygienist will use the prophylaxis paste to polish all surfaces of the teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. The polishing process helps to remove any remaining plaque and stains from the teeth, leaving them shiny and smooth.

After the teeth have been polished with the prophylaxis paste, the dental hygienist may apply a fluoride treatment to the teeth. The fluoride treatment helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and protect against cavities.