Dental Sealants for Extra Protection

Dental health is important right from the start! It is important to start good dental hygiene in childhood. Here at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, we can place dental sealants on molars so they are further protected from decay.

Dental sealants are literally seals that go over your molars. Since molars commonly have dips and grooves in them, they can be prone to cavities, especially in kids. Bacteria and other debris can be hard to brush away and it can lead to decay.

To apply the sealants, the teeth are first cleaned and dried. An acidic solution is then placed on the teeth to roughen up the surface. This aids a strong bond between the sealant and the tooth. The acidic solution is rinsed off, the teeth are dried, and the sealant is painted onto the surfaces. A light is then used to harden the area. 

Sealants are great for kids to protect their baby teeth and their adult teeth. Sealants are also great for adults who have never had a cavity or a filling in their molars.

A little extra protection could go a long way when it comes to dental health. To schedule an appointment with Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call our office at (903) 455-6701 or visit our website, www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com. 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are a type of restorative dental procedure that helps to protect the tooth from further decay or damage. It is also known as a partial crown, because the process is very similar to a crown. However, it is more conservative than a crown and involves less removal of healthy tooth structure.

 

Here at Greenville Family Dentistry, we perform inlays and onlays to help strengthen a tooth susceptible to breaking, prevent permanent damage that would need an implant or bridge, and restore its shape as well. The inlay is placed inside the tooth, while the onlay is more extensive and goes on the outside of the tooth.

 

Like with dental crowns, inlays and onlays performed in our office take about 2-3 weeks in total. Here is a summary of the procedure:

 

1. The patient visits our office and has a local anesthetic to numb the area of the tooth. This makes it so the patient is comfortable and does not experience any pain during the procedure.

2. A drill is used to remove the damaged portion of the tooth; this is where the inlay or onlay will go.

3. With the tooth prepared, impressions are made for the inlays or onlays and sent to the lab.

4. The patient returns in about two weeks to have the inlay or onlay bonded to their tooth. This is similar to a crown, though it is not covering the entire tooth.

 

For inlays or onlays as a restorative dental procedure, visit us at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX!

Dental Hygiene

At our Greenville, TX office, we love to promote proper oral hygiene to all of our patients! We will provide you with the tools to succeed when it comes to your oral hygiene routine. With a wide array of options available at any drug store, patients need to know what type of toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash or any number of other dental tools will work best for them.

 

Brushing techniques are also very important. The goal of brushing is to avoid cavities and to have a bright, beautiful smile; you should know what the proper technique is so you’re not doing it wrong. You should be brushing at least two minutes, twice a day. You should also be using the correct toothbrush, the best way to find out is to just ask, and we’ll gladly point you in the right direction! When it comes to the brushing process, you should be using short, gentle strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and the hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too! It helps avoid bad breath.

 

Now, most people think that just brushing will keep their teeth healthy and clean. While it’s certainly not a bad thing to do, brushing needs to be combined with flossing in order to optimize your oral health. Through flossing, you’re able to get to those hard-to-reach areas that often go unnoticed. Bacteria will build up in these areas and eventually lead to tooth damage if left untouched.

Regular cleanings should also be part of your dental hygiene routine. By having your teeth professionally cleaned and examined, you’re working to catch troubled areas before they become real problems. Schedule your cleaning today!