Cavities - Dental decay
Dental
decay or cavities are areas of the tooth that are dissolving away.
Regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of developing
"cavities."
At Dr. Stickney's office we know that the most decay-prone areas
of teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of
the back teeth, which require further preventive care. A new devise
called a Diagnodent dental laser can detect hidden cavities in the
chewing surfaces. If found they can be treated early with very
conservative composite fillings.
To prevent decay, a plastic-like
coating called a sealant can be painted on the chewing surfaces of
all the back teeth. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce
tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100% in the Seattle area and nation
wide.
The American Dental Association recommends, and Dr. Stickney agrees,
that sealants be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come
in at age 6 or 7. Sealants can continue to be used as each
adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back teeth that
need to be sealed are present by age 13. Sealant application
is simple, fast, and painless. The sealants do wear out so they need
to be monitored and replaced as needed.
Please call Dr. Stickney's office with any questions you may have
about the benefits using a sealant in preventing dental decay.
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