We may be known throughout northern California for our dental restoration work, but we firmly believe that prevention is preferable to any dental procedure, no matter how expertly performed.
Cavities occur most often in the narrow grooves and pits of the back teeth. Most often these pits and fissures are so narrow they cannot be accessed by toothbrush bristles to clean them out.
One of the most effective ways to prevent cavities is to fill the pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, with a plastic resin coating called a dental sealant. Sealants act as a barrier protecting the tooth from the plaque and acids that create cavities. Left untreated, a tooth extraction might be the only option to prevent further damage. This is why sealants are among the most powerful tools we have against tooth decay other than regular brushing and flossing. They are easy to apply and provide the biting surfaces of your back teeth with a highly effective defense from cavities and decay.
They are painted on to the tooth enamel and hold up well for several years under normal chewing forces, before they may need to be reapplied. As long as the sealant is intact, the tooth surface will be protected. Sealants cannot be applied between the teeth and are not durable enough hold up on the smooth, flat surfaces of the teeth. This means you still need to floss and brush those areas.
Dental sealants are best placed shortly after a tooth erupts in the mouth before a cavity can start. Children and teenagers are the obvious candidates to receive sealants, but adults can benefit from sealants as well, especially if they have a medical condition or are taking medication that reduces saliva flow.
I was appreciative that my recent back surgery was taken into account as far as getting comfortable on the chair. Also my hygentist hand scraped as the water pick made my teeth hurt for quite some time last time. All in all a very nice experience - starting with Angel and ending with Dr. Frey.