At Fanelli & Row Dental Group, preventative dentistry in Rutherford is a core component of our philosophy. Believing in the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” we focus on preventing dental issues before they arise, thus saving you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. We design our preventative dentistry services to maintain optimal oral health and catch potential problems early on. One of the critical elements in our preventative dentistry practice is fluoride treatment.
It is important for us to recognize and understand that each individual patient will have different risks to dental caries. At Fanelli & Row Dental Group, Dr. Row and Dr. Fanelli will determine your risk based on your health and conditions to determine whether or not fluoride treatment may benefit you.
Fluoride treatment is a preventative measure that helps strengthen the teeth and prevent dental caries (cavities). Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been proven to make the enamel more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay. At Fanelli & Row Dental Group, we offer professional fluoride treatments essential for maintaining excellent oral health, particularly for children and individuals at high risk of developing cavities.
Fluoride works by rebuilding (remineralizing) weakened tooth enamel and reversing early signs of decay. When applied to the teeth, fluoride retains into the enamel, making it harder for acids in the decay process to attack it. This not only helps in preventing cavities but can also reverse early dental decay by promoting remineralization.
One of the most significant benefits of fluoride treatment is how it strengthens tooth enamel. Enamel is the tooth's hard outer surface, serving as the first defense against decay. Fluoride integrates with the enamel, making it more resistant to attacks from acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, thus significantly reducing the risk of cavities.
Fluoride treatment helps to remineralize teeth. When teeth begin to decay, the process starts with the loss of minerals in the enamel. Fluoride helps redeposit these lost minerals onto the teeth, reversing early signs of tooth decay and reducing the need for further dental work.
Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for those prone to cavities, such as children and individuals who consume a high amount of sugary foods and beverages. Regular fluoride treatments can reduce the occurrence of cavities and other dental issues, leading to a healthier smile.
Preventing dental problems is generally more cost-effective than treating them. Fluoride treatments are relatively inexpensive compared to the costs associated with dental fillings, crowns, or root canals that might be needed if decay is left untreated.
At Fanelli & Row Dental Group, our fluoride treatments are fast, straightforward, and painless. Here’s what you can expect during a fluoride treatment appointment:
First, our dental professionals will assess your oral health to determine if you can benefit from a fluoride treatment. This may involve a visual examination and possibly some X-rays to check for early signs of decay.
After the fluoride is applied, we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for a short period to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into the enamel. Our dental professionals will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
We apply to the teeth, usually with a brush or a tray that fits over your teeth. The treatment typically takes only a few minutes.
Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents are at higher risk of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments can significantly benefit their developing teeth and help set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Adults at Risk of Decay
Adults who have a history of cavities, experience dry mouth, or consume a high-sugar diet can also benefit from fluoride treatments. Saliva typically helps to neutralize acids in the mouth, but if you suffer from dry mouth, you have less saliva to do this job, increasing your risk of decay.
Individuals with Dental Appliances
Those who wear braces or have other dental appliances may also benefit from fluoride treatments. Braces and other appliances can trap food particles and make it more challenging to maintain good oral hygiene, thus increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Patients with Gum Disease
Fluoride can also benefit people suffering from gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Gum disease can lead to exposed and more vulnerable tooth roots, and fluoride can help protect these areas from decay.
At Fanelli & Row Dental Group, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient. Dr. Fanelli and Dr. Row use the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best preventative care possible. We believe everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile, and we strive to make this a reality through our comprehensive range of preventative services, including fluoride treatments.
If you want to explore fluoride treatments or our other dental services, including root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants in Rutherford, NJ, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule an appointment today!
• Monday • 9 AM–5:30 PM
• Tuesday • 9 AM–7 PM
• Wednesday • 9 AM–5 PM
• Thursday • 9 AM–6 PM
• Friday • 8:30 AM–5 PM
• Saturday • 8 AM–2 PM
• Sunday • Closed
