Wouldn’t it be nice if daily brushing and flossing were the only maintenance required to keep your teeth healthy? Well in a perfect world this would be the case.
Today, there are a variety of dental treatment options available to restore your teeth and prevent future complications. Dental sealants are one of these options.
What Are Dental Sealants?
At some point, we have all neglected those hard-to-reach areas at the back of our mouths. Even with regular brushing and flossing not all bacteria and food particles are removed. When food particles accumulate in the grooves and pits of your teeth it causes tooth decay.
Dental sealants are a plastic coating that is applied to your bicuspids and molars. They protect the chewing surfaces of these teeth from plaque and acid. You can have dental sealants applied at your local dental clinic in Brandon.
What are The Different Types of Dental Sealants?
The two types of dental sealants available are:
- Filled sealants: A filled sealant is made from a combination of chemicals, resins, and fillers.
- Unfilled sealants: An unfilled sealant is made from resins and filler, ut contains mostly resins.
Who Needs to Have Dental Sealants?
Typically, dental sealants are applied during childhood once the molars are fully grown in. The sooner your molars are protected using dental sealants, the lower your risk of developing cavities and dental issues. However, adults of any age can have dental sealants applied later on in life by their Brandon dentist.
When Should You Use Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants provide similar effects to fluoride, they both protect tooth surfaces. Dental sealants specifically protect the grooved areas of your back teeth. It is best to use dental sealants early on, as it is a preventative measure against tooth decay. If you have never used dental sealants before, your dentist in Brandon can explain the process to you in more depth.
How Are Your Dental Sealants Applied?
I am sure you’ll be thrilled to hear that the dental sealant procedure is pain-free. Also, it does not necessitate any drilling or numbing medications.
- Tooth preparation: First, your dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove plaque and food particles from the pit and fissure surfaces. After your teeth have been polished, your dental hygienist will isolate and dry the teeth. Before your dental hygienist can apply the sealant they must etch the surface of your teeth, and rinse and dry them.
- Sealant application: Using a brush, your dental hygienist will apply the dental sealant material to the surface of your teeth. A self-curing light will then be used to bond the sealant to your teeth’s surfaces.
- Evaluation: Lastly, your dental hygienist and dentist will evaluate the dental sealant together.
How Long Do Your Dental Sealants Last?
Your dental sealants are designed to last up to a decade. It is important to visit your dentist to ensure they are not chipped or worn down. If your dental sealant is damaged, a new sealant can be placed on top of the same tooth.
How Do You Take Care of Dental Sealants?
After your dental sealants are applied, your oral hygiene routine will remain the same. Always be sure to brush twice each day and floss regularly. In addition, visit your dentist biannually for a cleaning and check-up.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Have Dental Sealants?
Your teeth are prone to decay, especially your molar teeth. When bacteria are trapped in the pits of your teeth it is extremely difficult to remove with brushing and flossing. This causes the teeth to decay rapidly, resulting in cavities.
When your cavities are left untreated it can lead to larger dental issues down the road, including tooth loss and the need for a root canal.
Should My Child Have Dental Sealants? When Should They Get Them?
Dental sealants should be applied to your child’s teeth when your dentist advises you to do so. Six is a standard age for dental sealants as most children will have developed adult teeth at this time.
Your child should receive dental sealants as early as possible before bacteria becomes trapped inside the teeth groves and decay is present.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants?
Pros:
- Having dental sealants reduces cavities.
- The dental sealant process is painless and straightforward.
- Dental sealants are long-lasting.
Cons:
- Dental sealants can’t be applied to your teeth if they have decay or fillings.
- Not everyone can benefit from dental sealants.
- Some patients are concerned with BPA.
