Preventative Dentistry

The foundation for any great dental care is routine cleanings and maintenance. Dr. Dutton offers customized cleanings on the basis of your periodontal (gums and bone) health. We utilize prescription mouth rinses along with medicated gels for problem areas if necessary. Advanced equipment is sometimes used to make the procedure more comfortable and effective as well.

Dental Sealants

Protecting your smile from decay is our goal with preventative dentistry. Sealants should be used as part of total preventive dental care. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings which are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs in these surfaces. Dental sealants prevent decay by covering the chewing surfaces, serving as a “screen cover” for your smile. Applying sealants is a very quick and painless procedure that requires no drilling or removing tooth structure.

How are Sealants Applied?

Applying sealants is a three-step process:

1. We clean the tooth with a special toothpaste.
2. A special cleansing liquid on a tiny piece of cotton is rubbed gently on the tooth and is washed off.
3. Finally, the sealant is placed on the tooth.

It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective layer. One dental sealant application can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Your dental sealants should be checked regularly and reapplied if they are no longer in place.

Fluoride

Adults and children at risk of dental decay can benefit from using fluoride products, including dietary supplements (for children who do not have adequate levels of fluoride in their drinking water), mouth rinses, and professionally applied varnishes and gels. Talk with Dr. Dutton at your next dental exam and ask if you would benefit from adding fluoride treatment to your preventative dental care.