Regular checkups include a thorough cleaning and an oral
exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, the doctor checks
the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue.
At each visit, the doctor also checks old fillings and restorations
because constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching
can cause them to wear away, chip or crack. Regular checkup appointments typically take 50 to 60 minutes.
Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort
to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the
same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please
notify us immediately.
Your first visit to the doctor typically includes x-rays
that allow the doctor to view the structure of the jaw,
the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted, malformed
roots and tooth decay.
The initial visit also involves getting your medical history.
When you share your medical history with the doctor, be sure
to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health.
Inform your dentist if you have experienced recent hospitalization
or surgery, or if you have recently been ill. Also tell the
doctor the names, doses and frequency of any medications
you are taking — whether prescription or over-the-counter
products — and the name of your physician. Inform the
doctor of any changes in your health or medications. This
information will help the doctor to select the safest
and most effective method of treatment to help you.
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied
to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and
molars). This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and
grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back
teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from
plaque and acids. Sealants are most effective on primary
teeth because these teeth will be replaced by age eleven.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles
and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush
bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and
grooves to extract food and plaque, so sealants are used
to protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque
and food.
Sealants work well for all ages. Because the likelihood
of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life,
children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But, adults
can benefit from sealants, as well.
Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply. It takes only
a few minutes to seal each tooth. First, the tooth is cleaned.
Next, the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution
to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. Then the sealant
is "painted" onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds
directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing
light is used to help the sealant harden.
As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface
will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under
the force of normal chewing and usually last several years
before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental
visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants
and reapply them when necessary.
Ask your dentist about whether sealants can put extra power
behind your prevention program.
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