Placing dental sealants over the surface of the back teeth is a preventative measure that can keep bacteria from entering small crevices in the molars, thereby helping to protect against the formation of decay in these areas. This can serve as an effective defense against cavities for all patients—especially children. Made of a durable, plastic material, sealants can strengthen the enamel on the molar surfaces and other crevices of the teeth that are susceptible to bacteria buildup.
Dental sealants play a crucial role in preventive dental care, serving as a protective barrier against cavities and tooth decay. For professionals at Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, offering sealant applications is part of a comprehensive approach to oral health. Sealants are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars—where decay occurs most frequently. These areas are prone to trapping food particles and are harder to clean, making them vulnerable to decay.
The process of applying dental sealants is straightforward, painless, and can be completed within a single visit to Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn. Initially, the tooth is cleaned thoroughly, dried, and then coated with an acid solution to roughen up the enamel. This preparation allows the sealant to bond effectively with the tooth surface. Afterward, the tooth is rinsed and dried again before the sealant material is applied. It is then cured with a special light to harden it into a protective shield.
Sealants offer numerous benefits, especially for children and teenagers who are at higher risk for cavities, though adults can also benefit from them. By filling in the crevices on the tooth's surface, sealants prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped and causing decay. This preventative measure can save patients from more complex and expensive dental treatments in the future. Sealants are also nearly invisible once applied, maintaining the natural appearance of the teeth.
With proper care, dental sealants can protect the teeth for up to 10 years. Patients at Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn are advised on how to maintain their sealants through regular dental hygiene practices, including brushing twice daily, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. During these visits, the integrity of the sealants can be monitored, and any necessary touch-ups can be made to ensure continued protection against decay.
Sealants represent a simple, effective, and preventive approach to dental care. At Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, the use of sealants is a testament to their commitment to protecting patients' oral health. By choosing to apply sealants, they provide an additional layer of defense against cavities, ensuring healthier smiles for years to come. This preventive measure complements a holistic approach to dental care, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and regular maintenance for lasting oral health.
Dr. Mendia is a Dentist Anesthesiologist and the founder of the Advanced Dental Anesthesia Services Group. A New Jersey native, he attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Directly following Dental School, Dr. Mendia completed a rigorous postdoctoral residency program in Dental Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Dr. Mendia’s anesthesia training involved hospital rotations through various specialties providing general anesthesia in the areas of dentistry, general surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), pediatrics and obstetrics. Lastly, he received specialized training for office-based anesthesia.
Today, Dr. Mendia has found his niche in ambulatory anesthesia with pediatric and special needs patients. He is also a local, national and international guest lecturer who provides continuing education courses on sedation and medical emergencies in the dental office.
Dr. Mendia is a Diplomate of the National Board of Dental Anesthesiology and a Fellow of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. In addition, he is also a part of the following: American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists,
New Jersey Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He holds certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and is a Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider, training local dental offices for certification.
Get to Know Dr. Mendia:
Dr. Mendia resides in northern New Jersey with his wife and three children, all of which keep him very busy! A fun fact about Dr. Mendia, is that he loves following the weather and when he was younger, he wanted to be a meteorologist! His personal interests vary; he enjoys taking the kids to the zoo and Central Park; in the Fall you’ll find him at sporting events. He enjoys traveling to Long Beach Island and to warmer climates in the Winter.
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