Tooth Decay Seattle Washington WA.

Seattle Dentist Richard Stickney DDS Holistic Dentistry

Richard Stickney DDS

2107 Elliott Avenue Suite 210 = Seattle = WA 98121 = 206 728-1330

home		meet the dentist		what we offer		newsletter sign up

map & hours

appointments

ask the dentist

professional referrals

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.

Dental Decay - Cavities
In Seattle Washington and the surrounding
Bellevue - Kirkland - Edmonds - Issaquah WA areas.