The most common questions from dental patients are:
- “How safe is chlorhexidine, the active ingredient in this Prevora antibacterial coating?”
- “Why is it applied weekly in the first month, then every 6 months or so?”
- “How long does this coating stay on my teeth?”
- “Does the coating stain my teeth?”
- “How long does it take to apply?”
- “How effective is this coating — will I still get tooth decay?”
- “How long do I have to get this coating? Forever?”
- “Will the coating interfere with my daily activities?”
- “Why doesn’t my dental plan pay for Prevora if it’s approved by Health Canada?”
Patient: “How safe is chlorhexidine, the active ingredient in this Prevora antibacterial coating?”
Answer: In thousands of applications, the only adverse reactions observed were a short, minor tingling of the gums or tongue if the coating comes in contact with these tissues. There have been no serious side effects. Chlorhexidine is a broad spectrum antimicrobial compound used in medicine for many years.
Patient: “Why is it applied weekly in the first month, then every 6 months or so?”
Answer: Just like when you double up the initial doses of an antibiotic to fight an infection in your body, you take an extra-strong dose of Prevora at the outset of treatment, to reduce the bacterial infections on your teeth.
Patient: “How long does this coating stay on my teeth?”
Answer: You will feel the coating for a few hours but the active ingredient stays on your teeth for days. While on your teeth, this ingredient kills or inhibits the bacteria causing tooth decay.
Patient: “Does the coating stain my teeth?”
Answer: No.
Patient: “How long does it take to apply?”
Answer: Approximately 20 minutes.
Patient: “How effective is this coating — will I still get tooth decay?”
Answer: Prevora is more effective than fluoride for tooth decay at the gum line, but as with any medical treatment, there can’t be any guarantees. In one controlled study, the coating reduced gum line decay by 41% over one year in adults at very high risk of tooth decay. The coating’s effect is also partly up to you. You need to continue to brush regularly with a fluoridated tooth paste and also regularly floss to prevent this chronic disease. It is also important to avoid beverages with lots of sugar or which are high in acid as these can strip the coating off your teeth.
Patient: “How long do I have to get this coating? Forever?”
Answer: It depends on how well we are able to get this condition under control. As you have gum recession, we must be ever watchful of cavities at the gum line.
Patient: “Will the coating interfere with my daily activities?”
Answer: No, but there are a few simple steps to take to let this coating work to its maximum effect. First, do not eat hard foods such as a crusty bun or a steak sandwich, within 4 hours after treatment. This will allow the coating to bond to your tooth surface. Secondly, do not chew gum or brush your teeth for 24 hours after treatment, and thirdly, do not floss for 48 hours. It is also important to avoid drinking beverages which have a lot of sugar or which have a high acid content. Drinks such as colas and sports drinks can damage this coating.
Patient: “Why doesn’t my dental plan pay for Prevora if it’s approved by Health Canada?”
Answer: Prevora is a new treatment and it can take time and requests by plan members to get new procedures covered. We suggest you request that your HR manager include Prevora in your group plan for next year.
Approved by Health Canada - Drug Identification Number 02046245
