Dental sealants are a great preventative treatment for kids. It protects their molars from decay and saves them dollars and drills in the long run.
They are easy to apply and work by covering the tooth’s grooves and fissures. The dentist or hygienist first cleans the teeth and then puts cotton or another absorbent material around each tooth. They then paint the sealant onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth and shine a curing light.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Dental sealants are clear, white or slightly tinted dental resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premol 韓国ホワイトニング ars). When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.
The chewing surfaces of molars have small pits and grooves that trap food and allow germs to grow and cause cavities. Sealants prevent the grooves from getting filled with food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of tooth decay. Although most people get sealants on children’s teeth to prevent tooth decay, adults can also benefit from this simple, painless and affordable dental treatment.
Those at higher risk for tooth decay, such as adults with dry mouth or a history of tooth decay, should also consider sealants for their teeth. Sealants are typically placed on permanent molars after the eruption of baby teeth, but they can be used on adult teeth if the tooth is at high risk for decay.
Prevents Cavities
Dental sealants are protective coatings that shield the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars 韓国ホワイトニング and pre-molars). They are primarily used on children’s teeth to prevent tooth decay, but adults can also get them. The process is quick, painless and affordable. The main reason for sealing children’s teeth is that the grooves on their molars are deep and hard to clean with toothbrush bristles, so germs easily hide in them, causing cavities. Having their teeth sealed as soon as these permanent teeth come in can stop this from happening, thus eliminating the need for future fillings.
To apply a sealant, the dentist will first thoroughly clean and dry the tooth. An acidic gel is then applied to the tooth’s surface to roughen it up, so that the sealant can adhere to it. The tooth is rinsed and dried again, and then the sealant is painted on in a liquid form and cured with a special curing light. There are two types of sealants: glass ionomer and resin-based. Both work well, but the American Dental Association recommends resin-based sealants because they last longer.
Prevents Bacteria from Sticking to Teeth
Dental sealants create a physical barrier to protect the chewing surfaces of children’s back teeth from bacteria, germs and food. Normally, the grooves on the chewing surfaces of these teeth, called premolars and molars, are deep, narrow and hard to clean with a toothbrush. The plaque that collects in these grooves produces acids that attack the enamel and cause tooth decay. Sealants fill in the grooves, creating a smooth surface that is easy to brush and floss.
Getting sealants is typically a quick, painless and inexpensive procedure. First, the dentist thoroughly cleans and dries the tooth that will receive the sealant. A solution is then applied that will slightly roughen the tooth’s surface, which helps the sealant bond. The tooth is rinsed, dried and then painted with the sealant. A curing light is then used to harden the tooth’s new coating.
Although sealants provide excellent protection against tooth decay, it is important to continue with good oral hygiene practices. This includes daily brushing and flossing. During regular dental checkups, the dentist will examine the condition of the sealants and repair or replace them as needed.
Prevents Gum Disease
Dental sealants prevent gum disease by keeping food and bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves of back teeth. These small nooks and crannies are hard to clean, even for patients with great oral hygiene. Sealants create a smooth surface, making it easier to brush and floss, which prevents the buildup of plaque and bacteria that causes gum disease.
Children who get sealants as soon as their molars come in can reduce the risk of tooth decay by up to 80%. However, adults can also benefit from this treatment, especially if they have deep grooves or pits on their chewing surfaces.
The procedure is quick and painless. The tooth is cleaned and dried, and then a solution that roughens the surface is applied. The liquid sealant is painted onto the teeth, which then sets and hardens with a special light. The result is a smooth, tooth-colored coating that protects the tooth from food and plaque for years to come. Our dentists will check the condition of your sealants during recall appointments and reapply them as needed.
Cost
Dental sealants are an affordable preventative dental treatment, and they are typically covered by dental insurance. Children should get their molars and premolars sealed as soon as they come in, which is usually around age six. The sealants last for a long time, and they are an excellent way to protect teeth from decay.
The procedure to apply sealants is quick and painless. First, the tooth is cleaned and dried. Then, an acidic solution is applied to the surface of the tooth to roughen it up and help the sealant bond. After the tooth is rinsed and dried again, it is painted with the sealant. The teeth are then cured with an ultraviolet light.
Glass ionomer sealants contain fluoride and are durable and cost-effective, protecting teeth for up to 10 years. Composite resin sealants are a more natural-looking material that blends in with the color of the tooth and is more resistant to chipping and wear. They can be used for up to five years, and the sealant can be reapplied. Both types of sealants have a low rate of rejection and are safe for most patients.