Call us for an appointment!
(845) 496-6622

32 South Street
(Route 208)
Washingtonville, NY
10992

Office Hours:
Mon. - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tues. - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wed. - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thurs. - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri. - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
   

Preventive Care
Sealants, Teeth Cleaning, Fluoride Treatments, and Space Maintainers

Sealants:
Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.

 
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.

Teeth Cleaning:
Dental cleanings usually include the following 3 steps:
- Scaling, or plaque and tartar removal from all tooth surfaces
- Root planing, or plaque removal from periodontal pockets
(see periodontal disease)
- Polishing

Plaque: Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only culprits. Starches, such as bread, crackers, and cereal, also cause acids to form. If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks all day long. After many acid attacks, your teeth may decay.

Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender or bleed easily. After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form and fill with more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. In fact, gum disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults.

Fluoride Treatments:
Professional fluoride treatments can reduce the risk of developing caries and periodontal disease.

In locations where adequate community water fluoridation is not available, the risk of caries can be reduced by providing alternate sources of fluoride. These sources include fluoride mouth rinse and professional fluoride treatment. Virtually all toothpastes sold in the US contain fluoride, which has been shown to reduce the incidence of decay by about 20-40%.
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Space Maintainers:
If your child loses a baby tooth early through decay or injury, the child's other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child's permanent teeth emerge, there's not enough room for them. The result is crooked or crowded teeth and difficulties with chewing or speaking.

To prevent that, Dr. Nukk inserts a space maintainer to hold the spot left by the lost tooth until the permanent tooth emerges. Later, as the permanent tooth emerges, Dr. Nukk will remove the device.
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The advice provided here is intended to aid you in understanding some of the treatment options available. Please note that without the benefit of a full dental examination, including a review of medical history, dental x-rays, and diagnostic aids, no attempt can be made to provide specific diagnosis or recommended courses of treatment.

Copyright © 2003 Alan J. Nukk Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. All rights reserved.