Sealants

We offer a variety of prosthetics to repair dental damage at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists, but when it comes to healthy teeth, a sealant can be most useful. Children are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, so we often talk to their parents about getting sealants during regular dental check-ups.

The crevices in our molars and premolars can easily get caked in food debris. The shape of these teeth is necessary for them to grind up food, but they are hard to keep clean and food debris stuck in them may remain in place for several hours. Sealants are plastic shields for the teeth that smooth over crevices. They are thin enough to allow the chewing teeth to continue to function, but add a layer of protection against acid and make brushing easier.

Placing a sealant doesn’t require any preparation from the patient. After cleaning a tooth, we’ll apply an etching acid to increase its surface area. This will allow it to more easily bond with the liquid sealant. We will then use a blue light to harden the plastic, and the patient should be able to soon resume eating normally.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Back-to-School Check-Ups

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists are not only specialists in prosthodontics. We also provide general dental care to people of all ages. Everybody should get their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. For children, check-ups are especially important because they allow us to monitor their development and plan interventions. If they’ve missed an appointment, the beginning of the school year is a great time to make up for it.

Children get dental infections more often than adults. While baby teeth are not permanent, pain can still be severely detrimental to a child’s well-being, and it is good for them to learn good oral hygiene habits early. Gingivitis or toothaches in a child may also be an indicator of another issue, such as diabetes or sinus infections, so children’s complaints should always be taken seriously. A check-up provides us with a chance to administer a fluoride sealant, which will provide additional protection against tooth decay.

Our office is particularly well-equipped to carry out dental extractions. During a child’s appointment, we’ll use x-rays to determine whether their adult teeth are coming in correctly, or if the wisdom teeth or others need to be removed. If necessary, we can also refer children for orthodontic work to ensure a healthy, attractive smile.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists take pride in serving the families from our community, and we offer sealants for young patients to start protecting teeth early.  We want to see your whole family set up for a lifetime of great oral health!

Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.  In children and teenagers, most tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars where the pits and grooves can trap food and bacteria.  Dental sealants are applied to the surface of these back teeth much like paint.  When the plastic resin is brushed on, it fills any pits and grooves on the surface and then hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, and bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years.

To learn more about sealants and all the services we provide, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Sealants at Oyster Bay Family Dentists

Sometimes wish you could wear a shield around your teeth to protect them from cavities? The experienced team here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists can offer dental sealants to place on the teeth of children, teens, and some adults in the Oyster Bay, NY area.
Dental sealants are made of a plastic material and are painted onto the surface of molars. This protects the depressions and grooves of molars which can sometimes be hard to reach. Sealants work best for children and teens between the ages of six and fourteen; however adults who have not had decay or fillings may also benefit.
To place the sealants, first an acid will be placed onto the surface of the tooth. This acid roughens up the surface of the tooth to allow a stronger bond with the sealant. The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then the sealant is painted onto the tooth and a curing light may be used to harden the sealant. There will then be a shield in place, blocking out food, drinks, and other debris for several years. Of course, a regular oral hygiene routine is still needed.
If you are interested in having sealants placed, schedule a consultation with us at our Oyster Bay, NY dental office. Call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit the Oyster Bay Family Dentists website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.