What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coating on your teeth designed to protect against tooth decay. They’re typically used on back teeth such as molars and premolars in children.
Brushing your teeth is important for your dental hygiene, but getting into every nook and cranny of your teeth where bacteria live can be difficult. This bacteria gets built up over time, and cavities begin to form. Having sealants protects the fissures in your teeth, keeping the bacteria from building up and preventing cavities from forming.
Who Are Dental Sealants For?
Since you can get cavities at any stage of life, anyone can benefit from dental sealants. Because cavities form in molars and premolars more often than in other places, and tooth decay can start as soon as teeth emerge, children ages 6-14 especially benefit from sealants. The earlier you start protecting your teeth the better.
The CDC says that dental sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in school-aged children. The process is quick, easy, and painless. If you are getting sealants for children under 18, your insurance will often help cover it as well.
How Are They Applied?
First, your dentist cleans and dries the tooth. Then, they apply an acidic gel to slightly roughen up the tooth’s surface to make it easier for the dental sealant to adhere to the tooth. After a few seconds, they rinse the gel off and clean and dry your tooth once more. Finally, your dentist applies the liquid sealant to the tooth and uses a blue light to harden it. The process is quick, easy, and painless!
Dental Sealant Care
It is important to note that sealants are not a substitute for normal dental hygiene or dental care; they are only a supplement. Proper brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings are still just as important, but with dental sealants, you add an extra layer of protection against tooth decay and greatly reduce the risk of cavities.
Schedule Your Appointment | The Landing Dental Spa
Our dentists at The Landing Dental Spa are experienced in providing dental sealants and helping you maintain your sealants.
Are you suffering from poor oral health? Make an appointment at The Landing Dental Spa today. Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, our relaxing environment will calm and soothe you as our caring staff adequately treats you. For a comfortable, relaxing, and spa-like dental appointment, call us at 304-594-2200 or contact us online here.
We look forward to making you smile.
Recent Comments