“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
Dental hygiene and a commitment to recare is the least painful, least time consuming, and least uncomfortable way to protect and improve your dental health.
Our talented hygienist will work with you to monitor your periodontal status (gum health), improve your hygiene at home, and maintain your restoration and teeth. We use digital radiographs (x-rays) which provide sharp images and expose the patient to levels of radiation much lower than traditional x-rays.
Routine 3 to 6 month cleanings allow Dr. Spina and his team to identify problems earlier and allow a more conservative treatment. It is truly a magic bullet for your dental health.
What is fluoride? Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally occurring in drinking water in many areas. In these areas, a drastic reduction in dental disease was noted. That is how fluoride, as a treatment modality, was born.
Adult fluoride is also called topical fluoride. Topical fluoride (fluoride that is applied directly to your teeth) works directly on the tooth surfaces most at risk of decay. Adults with gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and existing dental restorations can greatly benefit from this treatment.
Areas on the tooth where the gums have receded is soft, susceptible to decay and can be sensitive. Fluoride incorporates into the outer layer of the tooth and helps to insulate and strengthen the tooth, making it more resistant to decay and much less sensitive. The junction of the tooth and a filling is another area where fluoride incorporates. This junction is the weakest part of the restoration and the place most susceptible to fracture and more decay. Fluoride helps to reinforce those areas and helps prevent decay from sneaking under the filling. This reduces the need for larger fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Adult fluoride is applied as a thin varnish. It is best placed after the teeth have been professionally cleaned. It is NOT like the large trays used during childhood. As an adjunct, a fluoride rinse after brushing at home is also helpful. Fluoride is the easiest and most cost effective preventive measure we have in dentistry and provides many benefits for adults.
There is a lot of great information available about the benefits of fluoride.
Resources
Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control Dental Caries in the United States
