General dentistry in New York describes a wide range of services that concentrate on preventing and treating common problems like tooth decay or gum disease. General dentistry can include such services as routine dental exams and cleanings, fillings, sealants, and X-rays. It can also include some cosmetic procedures like veneers or crowns.
What is a sealant?
A sealant is a treatment designed to prevent tooth decay. It is a thin plastic coating that the dentist will apply to the chewing surfaces of teeth or to the deep grooves called fissures and pits. Over ¾ of cavities develop in such grooves, and they are notoriously hard to clean.
Sealants are most commonly used on children between six and sixteen years old, for people are generally most susceptible to cavities during those years. The dentist may apply sealants to adults or younger children that have teeth with extremely deep grooves or have a history of getting lots of cavities.
The dentist will thoroughly clean the patient’s teeth and then place cotton around them to keep them dry. They will apply a special solution to the tooth to ensure that the sealant bonds to it. The dentist will paint the sealant solution on the tooth. They may use a curing light to harden the sealant or let it dry naturally. Each tooth takes minutes to treat.
What does a check-up involve?
During a check-up, the dentist will examine the patient’s head, neck, and teeth. They will screen the patient for oral cancer and check for problems like TMJ disorder. They will examine the patient’s teeth and look for cavities and gum disease.
After finishing the exam, the dentist will then thoroughly clean the patient’s teeth by scaling plaque and polishing the teeth. They may apply fluoride to the teeth to strengthen them and make them more resistant to decay. The dentist will also provide advice on how the patient can take better care of their teeth.
Contact us learn more about general dentistry in New York or visit the website.
