Electric Handpieces in Silver Spring, Md.
We’ve all been there: sitting in the dentist’s chair having a cleaning and wishing the whole thing would go just a little faster so that you can get on with your day. Dr. Allen Gotora and the team at Stellar Dental know that you want to get your teeth cleaned and examined and then get back to your day. That’s why they use electric handpieces for fast teeth cleanings.
What is an electric handpiece?
A handpiece is the tool that the dental hygienist uses to remove decay from teeth. The old way of cleaning teeth meant using air-driven tools. Electric handpieces contain a motor. This makes removing tooth decay take less time, and electric handpieces also make it easy for the hygienist to do a very thorough job.
What happens if tooth decay isn’t cleaned off teeth?
Tooth decay can cause serious problems if it isn’t removed from teeth. Decay begins with plaque, the film that builds up on your teeth when you haven’t brushed them for awhile. Plaque not only builds up on teeth, but also below the gum line.
Bacteria in the plaque make acid, which causes tooth decay. If the plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar contains even more bacteria and can be removed at your dentist’s office. If tartar isn’t removed, it builds up even more and the bacterium multiply. This leads to gum disease. This is not only very painful, but also it can eventually lead to the teeth becoming loose and falling out.
This is why dental cleanings are so important, and why the team at Stellar Dental uses electric handpieces.
How can I avoid tooth decay?
The most important thing you can do to prevent tooth decay is to brush and floss at home every day. It is also important to visit Stellar Dental at least twice a year for exams and cleanings, so that tartar and plaque are removed from teeth, and any tooth decay is treated as early as possible.
There are other things you can do to make sure your teeth are healthy:
- Drink lots of water, which washes food and debris off of teeth
- Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco, which can damage teeth
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables, which stimulate saliva and help to rinse teeth clean
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When you do eat a sugary snack and don’t have the chance to brush your teeth, gargle with some water to get the sugar off your teeth.
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You know that sugary foods are bad for teeth, but did you know that starchy foods are just as bad? Starchy foods like crackers and potato chips break down into sugars and damage teeth.
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If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, you may have an increased risk for tooth decay. Talk to your dentist about how you can protect your teeth.
Some people are especially prone to tooth decay. If you always seem to have cavities, Dr. Gotora may recommend that you get a fluoride treatment or sealants.
Fluoride treatments
Fluoride keeps teeth strong by building up tooth enamel. It makes teeth resistant to decay-causing bacteria. Fluoride can be found in many foods, in water, and in mouthwash and toothpaste. However, some people still don’t get enough fluoride and can benefit from a fluoride treatment.
A fluoride treatment is simple and painless. It can be done in the dentist’s office with a special gel or foam applied to teeth. Dr. Gotora may prescribe a fluoride liquid or tablet for you to use at home.
Sealants
Sealants are another simple and painless way to add an extra layer of protection to teeth. A sealant is a plastic coating that is brushed onto teeth. This hardens into a protective coating that covers the pits and grooves that are in teeth. This coating also makes teeth smooth and easy to clean.
Dr. Gotora and the staff at Stellar Dental have many tools to help patients have healthy and clean teeth. And thanks to tools, such as electric handpieces, getting teeth cleaned takes no time at all!
If you are due for a cleaning and exam, give Stellar Dental a call! There are two locations to serve you — one in Silver Spring, (301) 754-1900 and one in Hyattsville, (301) 853-1567. Make an appointment today at either office.
