Dental Services

Is Fluoride Right for Me?


To ward off tooth decay, the American Dental Association (ADA) finds positive benefits associated with the use of topical fluoride treatments. You will receive this proactive tooth treatment every 3-6 months during your general cleaning appointment. The application of fluoride leads to stronger and harder teeth, cavity prevention, and some much-appreciated relief from tooth sensitivity to cold if that is something you regularly suffer from. It only takes a couple of minutes to apply a fluoride treatment in the office, but the benefits of this easy-to-do application are long-lasting.

When you come in for a general preventative dental examination, we will see if it is time for your fluoride application. You may not require this treatment every time you see us so we will reference when your last fluoride application was and take it from there. If it is time once again for a fluoride application, the process will take place after your cleaning and exam, in most cases. The teeth will be prepped, the fluoride solution will be applied, you will wait a few minutes, and then the treatment is complete. The entire process is completely painless, only takes a few moments, and some people even find it to be refreshing. After we’re done with the fluoride application, you will receive instructions as far as when you can next drink and eat, etc. For best results, please follow Dr. Bateson’s orders. It’s nothing major but can make a difference in the effectiveness of fluoride treatment and how well it protects your teeth in the long run.

You may not be familiar with fluoride applications or how they can protect your teeth. If you have any concerns or questions prior to application, please let us know and we will give you all the details you require. While the process is simple on our end, we understand that you may have some inquiries before we go ahead with the application. So go on, ask away and we will ease your concerns. Once you’re ready for the fluoride, we can easily apply it and make your smile stronger.

fluoride

Good for all patients: Most fluoride varnishes last up to 2 weeks. Ivoclar Cervitec F varnish is different than other brands of fluoride because it contains an antibacterial agent and fluoride that last for up to three months killing the bacteria that caused tooth decay and providing a harder surface less penetrable to the acids and sugars in drinks and diet. Cervitec can be brushed onto the teeth after each dental cleaning to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Geriatric: Cervitec F varnish applied to teeth kills bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities. This extended coverage fluoride provides up to 3 months of fluoride protection for older adults with dry mouth to prevent tooth and root decay helping to preserve teeth for years longer.