Sealants: What are they and how do they help?
July 17th, 2018
Molars are made up of canyons, caves, pits, and seemingly endless caverns that are a breeding ground for decay. The protective solution is a sealant. When done correctly, a sealant from Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson of High Point Dental Group can be most effective in preventing cavities.
A sealant is made up of composite (a plastic-like) material that contains bonding agents to seal to the edge of the tooth. Sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth block food from being trapped. The process in which a sealant is placed is quite precise and painless.
First the tooth is cleaned with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) spray. Then an acid etch is applied to “roughen up” the surface. No saliva is to touch the tooth. This will re-mineralize the area, then a repeat etching is needed. An alcohol-based liquid then dries out the area and it must remain completely dry. The sealant is placed and guided through all the caverns, pits, fissures, and grooves. It is then cured with a special light, which makes it a hard, plastic-like material.
Sealants can last for several years. It is wise to have them examined on a semi-annual basis. If there is a break in the sealant, a high risk for decay is common. If a sealant is damaged, repair is simple, painless, and quick to complete.
Who can benefit from sealants? Anyone! Children often receive sealants as routine preventive care. Adults with deep canyons with stained grooves on their teeth can also benefit from a sealant. The process is quick, painless, and does not require any anesthesia. It is an effective way to lower dental restorative costs.
An investment in dental sealants can reap great benefits as properly cared for teeth will remain cavity free. Our Romeoville, IL location is available to answer your questions so give us a call today!
What are the benefits of visiting a dentist regularly?
July 10th, 2018
Your regularly scheduled dental checkups with Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson are not just meant to make your smile prettier and healthier. Your mouth’s health has an important impact on your overall physical health as well!
While you may brush your teeth twice a day and even floss, we would like to remind you that dental checkups with Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson every six months aren’t just about addressing problems and reacting, they are about cavity and gum disease prevention.
In addition to a twice yearly thorough teeth cleaning and polishing at High Point Dental Group, these regular visits help us detect and prevent the onset of tooth decay and gum disease. During your visit, we’ll check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. We’ll also check old fillings and restorations, as these can wear away over time from constant chewing, grinding, or clenching.
It’s important to know that the majority of dental problems do not become visible or painful until they are highly advanced. And, unfortunately, serious oral issues are painful and expensive to treat.
While Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson and our team always strive to provide unmatched dental care for you and your family, we are also committed to your overall wellness as well! A deep cleaning twice a year is the best way to prevent any problems that may have gone unseen. If you are overdue for your next cleaning, please give us a call to schedule an appointment at our Romeoville, IL office!
Tell us about your summer!
July 3rd, 2018
The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson and our team to ask our patients about their summer!
Whether you visited our nation’s capital, went on a camping trip, or just stayed in Romeoville, IL and relaxed, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as summer rolls on!
Ask Us about These Dental Treatments
June 26th, 2018
There are a few dental treatments that Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson and our team recommend for all patients to get if they wish to protect their oral health. Sometimes it’s hard for patients to decide which treatment plan would be best for their teeth. Learn about these three must-have treatments and how they can help protect your teeth in various ways.
Professional Cleanings
First, get a professional dental cleaning every six months. Regular cleanings can protect you from potential gum disease because they enable us to catch it early.
Cleanings also will get rid of plaque and tartar that have collected on your teeth over time. Oral health has been linked to your body’s overall health. We recommend scheduling your appointments in advance: Feel free to contact our practice’s Romeoville, IL location if you forget when you scheduled your next visit. Our staff will be happy to assist you.
Periodontal Exams
We also recommend that all our patients at High Point Dental Group receive a complete periodontal exam each year. You can ask about this during your regular, scheduled cleanings.
It’s a quick and painless procedure in which our hygienist probes each tooth to make sure the bone and soft tissue are healthy. If there’s a sign of infection, we will be able to treat it effectively before painful symptoms kick in.
Many adult patients are unaware that they have periodontal disease, and they may suffer the loss of a tooth if it goes untreated. Make sure you schedule a periodontal exam each year and save yourself a lot of time and pain.
Sealants
We also recommend dental sealants, particularly to protect your molars. Many people assume this treatment is just for kids to prevent cavities, but it can be used for adults too!
Sealants provide a protective barrier on your teeth that can help block against the buildup of plaque in those hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth. If you received sealants as a child, chances are they’ve worn off over time.
So if you want to save dental costs over the long haul, we recommend getting sealants again for cavity protection.
Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson and our team hope you take our advice when it comes to your oral hygiene and schedule regular appointments for your dental cleanings. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!