If you have the start of decay or even a microscopic crack starting to appear, a sealant is often the first treatment we recommend.
Why we recommend sealants
Fissure sealants are thin, often plastic coatings that fill fissures and protect teeth from dental plaque and acids. This treatment can be almost painless and is non-invasive.
What are fissures?
Fissures are the pits and grooves that naturally occur on the chewing surfaces of teeth. If the fissures are very deep and narrow, even regular brushing can allow food particles and bacteria to remain behind.
Many studies have shown that fissure sealants are effective in reducing the occurrence of tooth decay and if detected very early, tooth decay can sometimes be treated with a fissure sealant instead of fillings.
Scaling and root planning – If decay is not treated in the early stages, it can lead to advanced gum disease…
Advanced gum disease requires the dentist or hygienist to clean below the gum line to remove hardened deposits called tartar or calculus. This is done to prevent further damage and restore and stabilise the tooth.
The process…
For some patients, a local anaesthetic is given to the affected area. A small scaling instrument and/or ultrasonic cleaning device is then used to remove the deposits. After cleaning, the root may need to be smoothed, or planed, to restore it as much as possible to its original shape. Planing also allows your gum tissue to better attach itself and heal properly.
Today, the modern dental laser can also achieve this almost painlessly. If you would like to know more about sealants, scaling and root planing, please contact us now for a consultation.
