Step 5 – Protection and strengthening
Fluoride treatment
As part of professional tooth cleaning, fluoride treatment makes a significant contribution to providing protection against caries. In addition, it can also halt the progression of existing initial lesions. Fluoride treatment should be integrated in the prophylaxis treatment especially on patients who are susceptible to caries. This group of high-risk patients includes e.g. pregnant women, patients a with previous history of caries, patients with permanent, fixed orthodontic appliances or dentures, as well as older patients.
Fluoride treatment measures
The choice of the correct product depends on the Indication. For example, for general fluoride treatment measures after professional teeth cleaning it is recommended that a gel-based product is used. This makes it possible to work with relative drying and short application times. A fluoride product on a lacquer basis is used particularly if individual areas need to be selectively strengthened and protected with a correspondingly high dose of fluoride, for example in the treatment of hypersensitivities.
Fissure sealing
Due to their special anatomy, the chewing surfaces of premolar teeth are at particular risk of caries. Here, many small lateral fissures emanate from a curved longitudinal fissure. Although this layout and structure is highly functional for chewing, particularly on young patients it can cause problems in terms of oral hygiene, as the fissures cannot be cleaned properly even when perfect cleaning techniques are employed. Fissure sealing effectively seals off these access points for bacteria. To prevent potential complications, such as partial loss of the sealing material, regular checks of the sealing are recommended every six months.