Brushing and flossing are the most recommended ways to prevent tooth decay and cavity. But these are not always enough to protect your teeth. The hard-to-reach molars at the back of your mouths are prone to cavity no matter how much you brush. One of the ways to protect them is by getting a sealant. This is a protective coating made from plastic or any other dental material. This thin coating adheres to the chewing surface of the teeth and prevents the formation of decay and cavities on the teeth.
How Do Sealants Work?
Sealants act like raincoats for your teeth. Decays and cavities are caused by acids released by the bacteria that feed on leftover food particles on the teeth.
A layer of sealant keeps these bits of food away from the teeth thus preventing bacteria and the acid they release from settling on the teeth and causing harm.
Who Needs Sealants?
Both adults and children can get sealants. However, it is often recommended that one gets it as soon as possible. Children around the age of 6 who are just starting to develop molars can get a sealant. This ensures that their teeth are cavity-free from the onset.
You can speak to Love to Smile Dentist to ask if you’re an ideal candidate for a sealant procedure.
How Are Sealants Applied By A Dentist Near Me?
Sealant application is a simple and painless procedure. Your Love to Smile dentist will clean and dry out your tooth before applying an acidic gel to it. This gel will roughen up the surface of the tooth to make it easier to form a strong bond with the sealant. The gel will be rinsed off after a few seconds and dry your mouth.
A sealant gel is then applied to the grooves of your tooth. A special blue light will be used to harden the sealant.
Can Sealants Be Placed Over Cavities?
Even if your tooth has cavities or decay already, you may still be able to get a sealant. This is typically done at the early stage of the decay to prevent further damage to the affected tooth.
Typically a clear sealant will be applied which makes it possible for your dentist to still keep an eye on the affected tooth.
Benefits of Tooth Sealants
- Provides Preventative Protection against Cavities
- Treatments Are Quick And Painless
- Applications Can Last For Three To Five Years or Longer
- Sealants Are Clear so your teeth look natural
- Teeth Are Easier To Clean & Maintain
- Perfect For damaged or poor tooth enamel
- Ideal For Children As Well As Adults
Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get in between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left alone, these tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
Dental sealants are created from a plastic resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective.
Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure after the permanent teeth have erupted as a way to prevent tooth decay. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal permanent teeth rather than baby teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.
Sealants typically last from three to five years, although it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your sealants come off, call us to schedule a consultation for your teeth to be resealed. Our offices can handle all of your family and general dentistry needs — we have three dental office locations in Lenexa, Overland Park, and Peculiar. Call today to schedule an appointment for your tooth sealing!