Cleanings & Exams in Coral Gables, FL

Comprehensive Oral Examinations

Even if you maintain good oral hygiene in your daily routine, regular in-office exams are essential for preventing disease and mitigating problems early on. During your oral exam, one of our dental hygienists will remove any plaque or tartar missed during regular brushing. The cleaning will take approximately 30 minutes, after which with your dentist in Coral Gables, FL will examine your mouth to make sure your teeth and gums are in optimal condition. Comprehensive oral examines can help prevent problems before they become emergencies.

Fluoride Treatment

In addition to hygiene treatment and maintenance during your regular oral examinations, Dr. Velazquez offers fluoride treatment at his Coral Gables, FL dental office to help inhibit tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in water and many foods. Fluoride helps the tooth’s outer surface, the enamel, stay strong and fight against the acids that cause cavities and tooth decay. It can also reverse the effect of early tooth decay. Dr. Velazquez can prescribe fluoride supplements, or apply it directly to the teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. Fluoride treatment may be necessary for people who suffer from chronic dry mouth, the early stages of gum disease, or a history of frequent cavities.

The AAPD encourages fluoride treatments for children and states that professional fluoride treatments are beneficial and best utilized as part of a comprehensive preventive program developed by your dentist in Coral Gables, FL.

Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventive, non-invasive dental procedure that helps prevent cavities! The sealant is a tough plastic material that is designed to bond with the tooth’s enamel and forms a shield against decay. Sealants are tooth-colored or white so they are barely visible.

When children are around 6 years old, they will start to get their first adult molars in the back of their mouth. This makes it difficult to keep the adult teeth clean. Liquid dental sealants are painted on the teeth to fill in all of the hard-to-reach crevices so food particles can't get in and start a cavity. Sealants can protect teeth from cavity-causing bacteria for many years!

Sealants are typically long lasting, but need to be evaluated by your dentist in Coral Gables, FL. The sealant can remain on the tooth for many years if proper care is taken. Some hard foods, such as hard candy, chewing ice, or sticky foods, may dislodge a sealant and should be avoided. If the sealant becomes dislodged,