Fluoride Treatments & Silver Diamine Fluoride

Why Choose Citrus Smiles Dental Studio?

Citrus Smiles Dental Studio is your trusted destination for fluoride treatments in Murphy, Wylie, Heath, Lucas, and Irving. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Skilled Dental Team: Led by Dr. Mahima Gupta, Dr. Gur Simran Aurora, Dr. Neil Patel, Dr. Kaushal Shah, and Dr. Jyoti Gajera, our dentists bring extensive training in preventive care, ensuring exceptional results.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: We use advanced tools like digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to assess your oral health and deliver precise treatments.
• Welcoming Environment: Our family-friendly offices create a warm, stress-free atmosphere, ideal for patients of all ages, including those with dental anxiety.
• Affordable Care Options: We accept most PPO, Medicare, and Medicaid plans and offer flexible payment plans through partners like CareCredit and Sunbit.

What Are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments involve applying concentrated topical fluoride solutions to teeth during a dental office visit to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that occurs naturally in many water sources and helps prevent tooth decay by enhancing the tooth’s resistance to acid attacks from harmful oral bacteria.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes fluoride as safe and effective for preventing dental caries when used appropriately. This quick, painless procedure is a cornerstone of preventive dental care at Citrus Smiles Dental Studio.

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver diamine fluoride combines the antimicrobial power of silver with the strength of fluoride. This treatment is also very beneficial for children or senior adults who have active carious lesions or are at high risk of dental caries.

How Fluoride Treatments Work

Fluoride treatments are seamlessly integrated into routine dental cleanings at our Murphy, Wylie, Heath, Lucas, and Irving locations. The process is efficient and designed for maximum effectiveness. Here’s what to expect:

• Thorough Cleaning: Our dental hygienists remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles, ensuring fluoride can effectively penetrate the enamel layer and tooth surfaces.
• Fluoride Application: High-potency fluoride varnish, fluoride gel, or foam containing sodium fluoride is applied using specialized brushes or trays. Fluoride varnish is often preferred for its quick-drying properties and superior enamel protection.
• Absorption Time: The topical fluoride remains on teeth for one to four minutes, allowing it to strengthen weak enamel and reverse early decay through remineralization.
• Post-Treatment Instructions: Patients receive guidance on maximizing fluoride benefits, including avoiding eating, drinking, or rinsing for 30 minutes to ensure optimal absorption.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatments and Silver Diamine Fluoride

Fluoride treatments offer numerous advantages for maintaining a healthy smile. Here are the key benefits:

• Strengthen Tooth Enamel: Fluoride remineralizes the enamel layer, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugary foods. This process reverses early decay and prevents the development of tooth decay.
• Prevents Cavities: By inhibiting harmful oral bacteria growth, professional fluoride treatments reduce dental caries risk by up to 40%, as supported by the American Dental Association ADA research.
• Reduces Sensitivity: Fluoride helps shield exposed tooth surfaces and weak enamel, alleviating discomfort from hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
• Safe for All Ages: From young children whose teeth erupt to seniors, fluoride treatments provide customized protection. The use of fluoride is carefully monitored to ensure appropriate fluoride intake for each patient.
• Quick and Painless: The procedure takes just minutes during a routine dental office visit, offering long-lasting benefits with no discomfort.
• Cost-Effective Prevention: Fluoride treatments are an affordable way to avoid costly restorative procedures, supporting overall dental health.
• Supports Dental Restorations: Professional fluoride treatments strengthen natural teeth around dental implants, crowns, bridges, or fillings, extending the longevity of dental work.

Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments are a versatile preventive option for a wide range of patients. Ideal candidates include:

• Children and Teens: Young dental patients benefit significantly from fluoride varnish treatments as their developing teeth and primary teeth are more prone to dental caries. Fluoride protects both primary and permanent teeth during crucial developmental years.
• Adults with High Cavity Risk: Those with frequent cavities, dry mouth, gum recession, poor oral health habits, or high-sugar diets benefit from regular fluoride applications to control dental caries.
• Patients with Orthodontic Appliances: Braces make cleaning difficult, and additional fluoride provides extra protection around brackets and wires, preventing cavities.
• Seniors with Worn Enamel: Aging patients face an increased risk of root caries and tooth sensitivity. Fluoride treatments help maintain tooth strength and comfort.
• Individuals with Dental Restorations: Topical fluoride protects natural tooth structure around existing dental work, preserving oral health integrity.

Curious if fluoride treatments are right for you? Contact Citrus Smiles Dental Studio at (972) 472-8862 (Murphy), (972) 474-3849 (Wylie), (972) 433-6500 (Heath), (214) 785-8271 (Lucas), or (469) 845-9855 (Irving) to schedule a consultation with our experienced team.

Caring for Your Teeth After Fluoride Treatments

To maximize the benefits of your fluoride treatment at Citrus Smiles Dental Studio, follow these simple guidelines:

• Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after treatment to allow fluoride to fully absorb into your enamel.
• Refrain from brushing or rinsing for four to six hours to ensure the fluoride remains effective.
• Use fluoride toothpaste daily to complement professional treatments and maintain enamel strength.
• Floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles, enhancing the protective effects of fluoride.
• Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks, which can weaken enamel and counteract fluoride’s benefits.

Fluoride Sources and Safety

Fluoridated Water and Systemic Fluorides

Many communities have fluoridated water systems that provide systemic fluorides during tooth development. Your local water supplier can provide information about fluoride levels in tap water.

Fluoride Supplements and Dietary Considerations

Dietary fluoride supplements may be recommended for patients in areas with hardly any fluoride in their drinking water. The dosage level varies based on age and local water fluoride content.

Fluoridated Toothpaste and Home Care

Regular use of fluoridated toothpaste complements professional treatments. Fluoride toothpaste helps maintain the benefits of fluoride between dental office visits.

Mouth Rinses and Additional Protection

Fluoride mouth rinses provide additional fluoride for high-risk patients, offering extra protection against tooth decay.

Cost of Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are an affordable preventive option, typically costing $20-$50 per session, depending on the treatment type and insurance coverage. At Citrus Smiles Dental Studio, we work with most PPO, Medicare, and Medicaid plans to make treatments accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions