1. How long does dental varnishing take?
  2. Dental varnishing in children
  3. Dental varnishing – is it worth it?
  4. Recommendations after dental varnishing
  5. How much does dental varnishing cost?
  6. How long do you have to avoid eating after dental varnishing?

 

Dental varnishing is one method of fluoride treatment. It involves applying a varnish rich in fluoride to the enamel, which helps strengthen it and protect against caries. The procedure is fast and safe. It may be used for caries prevention in adults as well as in children.

 

1. How long does dental varnishing take?

Dental varnishing is a simple and fast procedure. It does not involve any tearing of the tissues, so it causes no pain, and anaesthesia is not necessary. The process of varnishing, or applying a fluorine-rich substance to the teeth, takes less than 15 minutes, depending on the number of teeth to be varnished.

Before varnishing, dentists also often perform scaling and sandblasting. These treatments eliminate plaque, tartar and discolouration. Before the fluoride treatment, the teeth must be cleaned. This will help the product reach the enamel for better results . Additional procedures make the visit last a bit longer, but the overall effect is worth the time spent.

A good way to save time is to combine scaling, sandblasting and varnishing with dental check-ups. Specialists recommend that patients see their dentist at least twice a year.

2. Dental varnishing in children

Tooth decay is a very serious health problem among children. This applies to both deciduous and permanent teeth. Fluoridation and dental varnishing are basic treatments for cavity prevention, in addition to a proper diet and oral hygiene.

Fluoride varnishes are a great way to protect the tooth enamel in children, who are often unable to properly care for their teeth on their own. Unlike special toothpastes or mouthwash, they do not have age restrictions. They can be performed even on children under 6 years of age. The treatment is very safe. If the dentist uses the right amount of varnish, the enamel will be protected without the risk of poisoning. In contact with saliva, the product hardens, covering the tooth with an invisible coating. It stays on the enamel for up to 7 days. There is no risk of the child swallowing the varnish, unlike gels, toothpastes or mouthwash.

Routine is important when it comes to dental care in children. Depending on the risk of cavities developing, dental varnishing should be repeated twice (low risk) or 4 times (high risk) a year.

3. Dental varnishing – is it worth it?

Tooth decay epidemic affects not only children but also adults. Varnishing permanent teeth is a great way to strengthen the enamel and prevents the development of cavities.

Unhealthy diet, improper oral hygiene, and not taking preventive measures are the main reasons for tooth decay. The resulting cavities force the patient to undergo treatment - initially conservative, but over time this may lead to endodontic treatment or even tooth extraction. By following preventive measures, such as fluoridation and dental varnishing, patients can keep their teeth healthy.

Dental varnishing is the most effective way to stop tooth decay, compared to gels, toothpastes or mouthwash.

In addition, permanent tooth varnishing is especially recommended for patients who are struggling with the following problems:

  • tooth sensitivity;
  • xerostomia (dry mouth syndrome);
  • orthodontic treatment;
  • inability to maintain proper oral hygiene (e.g. in patients with mental illness).

4. Recommendations after dental varnishing

After the fluoride varnishing treatment, the patient should refrain from eating food. Brushing or flossing are not recommended for the rest of the day. This allows the product to stay on the enamel for as long as possible.

Specialists also recommend discontinuing fluoride supplements for a few days, if the patient was using them before the varnishing treatment.

5. How much does dental varnishing cost?

The cost of dental varnishing differs depending on the city and the types of teeth to be treated (deciduous or permanent). Permanent teeth varnishing will cost between PLN 100 and 150, while deciduous teeth between PLN 60 and 88.

6. How long do you have to avoid eating after dental varnishing?

In order for the varnish to stay on the teeth for as long as possible after the procedure, the patient should avoid eating for at least 45 minutes. However, best results are achieved with a 4-6 hour fast. Over the next few days, avoid hard, sticky and acidic foods.

 

Varnishing is a great way to protect teeth against tooth decay. The procedure only takes several minutes, and undergoing it regularly 2-4 times a year ensures a healthy smile. The products are safe enough to be used on children under 6 years of age.

 

References

  • Kiedy należy wykonywać lakierowanie zębów u dzieci? Jaki jest cel tego zabiegu? Czy istnieją przeciwwskazania do jego wykonywania? [online]. Medycyna praktyczna dla lekarzy, 2016 [Retrieved: 31-07-2019]. Available online at https://www.mp.pl/pytania/pediatria/chapter/B25.QA.34.3.1
  • Olczak-Kowalczyk D. i in., Stanowisko polskich Ekspertów dotyczące indywidualnej profilaktyki fluorkowej choroby próchnicowej u dzieci i młodzieży, [in:] Nowa Stomatologia 1/2016, pp. 47-73