Did you know that your teeth shift on a daily basis? What’s more, the biofilm that leads to tooth decay is forming on your teeth and gums 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Attending regular checkups with your dentist is essential to ensure a lifetime of healthy, attractive smiles.
At Decatur Woods Dental in southwest Indianapolis, we perform regular checkups, cleanings, X-ray exams, sealants, and fluoride treatments to preserve patients’ oral health. Preventive dentistry also involves educating patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Attending regular checkups and following a comprehensive dental regimen at home can help you avoid tooth decay and costly restorative procedures.
Creating a lifetime of beautiful smiles doesn’t happen by chance. That’s why Decatur Woods Dental offers prophylaxis and teeth cleaning for Indianapolis patients. Dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining your oral health. Even if you brush twice a day and floss before you go to bed each night, you should still attend regular checkups with your dentist.
During your checkup, Dr. Keller and the Decatur Woods Dental staff will perform a comprehensive examination, remove plaque and tartar, as well as polish your teeth to make them easier to brush and keep free of plaque. If it’s been a while since you’ve last been in the dentist’s chair, contact Decatur Woods Dental for an appointment. We look forward to seeing your smile!
Dental sealants have proven to be effective in preventing cavities when applied to the biting surfaces of teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants placed on the back molars have shown to prevent upwards of 80% of dental cavities, making sealants one of the best preventive treatments available.
Decatur Woods Dental performs dental sealant placements at our Indianapolis dental office. Call us today to schedule a checkup!
Dental sealants are typically applied to the back molars, particularly molars with deep grooves (pits and fissures). The goal of applying dental sealants is to seal off these deep grooves and create a smooth surface that is easier to clean. Sealants are frequently applied to the back molars since children are often reluctant to brush in these areas.
Dental sealants are often associated with pediatric dentistry, but many adults can benefit from dental sealants. Here are a few common reasons patients elect to have sealants placed:
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental sealants, although fewer providers cover the cost of sealants when the treatment is for an adult. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with your provider before having dental sealants placed.
Are you or a member of your family considered high risk for developing cavities? A professional fluoride treatment can be beneficial in preventing dental caries, including cavities. Decatur Woods Dental offers fluoride treatments for Indianapolis children and adults. Read on to learn more about the science behind fluoride treatments and why you might choose this treatment during your next checkup.
Topical fluoride creates a protective barrier. When fluoride encounters calcium, it forms a tough, crystalline compound known as fluorite. Here’s a fun fact for you… since fluorine ions float freely throughout the oceans, many marine life species (sharks, saltwater crocodiles, orcas, etc.) have some of the toughest teeth on the planet, capable of exerting thousands of pounds of force per tooth. So, if your child is unenthused at the thought of getting a fluoride varnish, just mention that it will make their teeth a little closer to that of a shark’s.
It’s backed by real results. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of fluoride varnishes in preventing cavities — especially when applied to the approximal surfaces (those tough-to-reach areas between the teeth).
Prevention is better than fillings. No matter how advanced the science of dental fillings becomes, nothing can replace natural tooth enamel and dentin. Therefore, preventing cavities is always preferable to filling cavities.
If you have a history of dental cavities, ask us about fluoride treatments during your next dental checkup.
Call Decatur Woods Dental and put your oral health on the right track!
