I am filled with enthusiasm as I share the next chapter of our dental care journey. It's a moment of change, growth, and continued dedication to excellence in dental health.
Our New Partnership I'm excited to announce a significant milestone in our commitment to providing you with the highest quality dental care. We have partnered with Northwest Dental of Corvallis, led by the esteemed Dr. Jonathan Smart. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of dental excellence and our dedication to your health and well-being.
Why Northwest Dental?
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Shared Values: Dr. Smart and the Northwest Dental team embody our commitment to providing outstanding dental care.
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Enhanced Services: Together, we will offer a broader range of dental services, utilizing the latest advancements in dental technology.
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Convenience: Our collaboration means more flexible scheduling options, making it easier for you to get the care you need when you need it.
A Seamless Transition This partnership also marks the beginning of a new chapter for me as I move towards retirement. Rest assured, this decision was made with your best interests in mind. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and to continue offering the exceptional level of care you have come to expect.
Visit Us To learn more about what this partnership means for you and to explore the expanded services and benefits available, please visit our new website.
Sometimes, the best way to maintain the cosmetics of your smile is to prevent potential problems. At Gary R. Templeman, DDS, we offer dental sealants to protect teeth from decay, which in turn, preserves the aesthetics of your smile.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a plastic shield that is typically placed on the occlusal (biting) surface of permanent teeth in the posterior region of the mouth. These teeth, the molars and premolars, possess deep grooves and fissures that are difficult to clean. In fact, some of these grooves are so narrow they cannot be penetrated by the bristles of a toothbrush.
A dental sealant provides extra protection for these grooves by smoothing out the occlusal surface, making it much easier to clean. It also seals out the harmful bacteria that result in tooth decay. These bacteria are found in plaque, which can build up relatively fast in these deep areas, especially without proper brushing and flossing. Sealants prevent the acids produced by bacteria from attacking the enamel.
Who Qualifies for Dental Sealants?
The molars and premolars are particularly difficult to clean for children and teenagers. Patients in this age range are normally at a greater risk for developing tooth decay. This makes children and teenagers the ideal candidates for dental sealants.
We typically recommend sealants as soon as their molars and premolars erupt above the gumline. In this way, dental sealants can safeguard your child’s oral health, and establish a strong foundation that will follow them into adulthood. However, it is important to note that dental sealants are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices.
Proper brushing and flossing techniques are the best way to reduce your child’s risk of developing tooth decay. Be sure they are brushing their teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals and before bed. Flossing once a day is also a crucial part of your child’s oral health.
While children are the prime candidates for dental sealants, adults can also benefit, especially those at a greater risk for developing tooth decay. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, genetics, diet, and certain medications. As long as you do not have existing decay or restorations, you could qualify for dental sealants.
The Application of Dental Sealants
During the application of dental sealants, we first thoroughly clean and wash the tooth with a special paste and rotating brush. Next, we rinse the tooth with water. Once the tooth is completely dry, we use an acidic solution on the grooved areas to create a rough exterior. A rough surface allows the sealant to better adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then placed over the occlusal surface in liquid form. Next, we use an ultraviolet curing light to harden the material in place. After the sealant is hard, it transforms into a plastic varnish coating that can withstand the pressures of your bite.
Once a sealant is in place, it can protect a tooth from decay for upwards of ten years. We may ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment so we can monitor the sealant. We may suggest a replacement sealant due to standard wear and tear.
Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to learn more about the dental sealant process, call (541) 757-7708, and schedule an appointment!
Gary R. Templeman DDS, 2342 NW Professional Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330 | (541) 757-7708 | mycorvallisdentist.com | 3/27/2024 | Page Terms:family dentistry Corvallis OR |
Sometimes, the best way to maintain the cosmetics of your smile is to prevent potential problems. At Gary R. Templeman, DDS, we offer dental sealants to protect teeth from decay, which in turn, preserves the aesthetics of your smile.