Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are often placed on the chewing surface of the back teeth. Sealants are commonly used to prevent tooth decay. Sealants work well on the molars and premolars. Getting sealants is a positive step toward protecting your teeth. Read on to find out how dental sealants are applied.
Brushing and flossing every day is immensely important. These can remove plaque as well as food particles from the teeth’s smooth surfaces. But they usually do not get into all the nooks and crannies of the teeth, especially the back teeth. This means they will not be able to remove all the food and plaque. Dental sealants can protect these vulnerable areas by sealing out food and plaque.
Sealants can help both children and adults. Placing them involves a simple process that only takes a couple of minutes. The sealant is often applied by the dentist or hygienist. The procedure itself is often painless. Drilling or the use of numbing medications is not necessary. But it helps to know what to expect when getting dental sealants.
The dental provider will first polish the surface of the tooth. This will help to remove food debris and plaque from the pit and fissure surfaces. This is vital because any plaque or food in the tooth will prevent the dental sealant from adhering properly. The tooth will then be isolated and dried. Next, the provider will etch the tooth’s surface and then rinse off the etching material. The tooth will be dried again.
The dental sealant material will be applied to the surface of the tooth. This will be done using a brush. A light will be used for a few seconds to bond the dental sealant to the surface of the tooth. The light usually helps to speed up the reaction that hardens it.
The dental provider will evaluate the dental sealant and check the bite (occlusion). The thickness of the sealant should not interfere with the way teeth usually close together. Once the sealant hardens, it will become a hard, plastic coating. The patient will then be able to chew on the tooth again.
Once dental sealants have been applied, they can last for many years. But this depends on how a person takes care of them. Sealants often slowly wear away over time, allowing a patient to receive new ones as needed. After sealants have been applied, the dentist will check on them occasionally during regular dental visits. The dentist can reapply them if the sealants seem to be wearing faster than usual. But sealants are not a substitute for regular oral care.
Dental sealants offer a great way to prevent cavities. The process is painless and quick. If you are not sure if dental sealants are the right choice for you, ask your dentist about them during the next dental checkup. If you are the right type of candidate, dental sealants are a good solution for preventing cavities and keeping your smile healthy.
Are you considering dental sealants in the Mableton area? Get more information at https://www.providencefamilydentistry.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Thinking about getting dental sealant treatment? Dental sealants are a vital tool for preventing cavities or tooth decay. Tooth decay is a prevalent condition among children and teenagers, and when unchecked, it can lead to other serious oral issues such as premature tooth loss and gum disease. In combination with other preventive care measures such…
If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start…
Composite dental fillings are one of the popular ways to deal with tooth decay nowadays. These restorations do not last forever, but they can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene. Composites can be color-matched with your teeth so that any repairs made with them blend in with the rest of your teeth.…
A family dentist may have suggested getting dental sealants during your last appointment. With tooth decay being the most common oral issue in children between the ages of six and 19, according to the CDC, dental sealants provide extra protection for the teeth to prevent its occurrence and resulting dental problems. This article explains why…
Thinking about getting dental sealant treatment? Dental sealants are a vital tool for preventing cavities or tooth decay. Tooth decay is a prevalent condition among children and teenagers, and when unchecked, it can lead to other serious oral issues such as premature tooth loss and gum disease. In combination with other preventive care measures such…
If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start…