Dental sealants are coated over the chewing surface of a child’s new molars, a quick treatment that helps prevent tooth decay. Adults who are cavity prone may also request this procedure from the Impressions Dental team in Chandler, AZ, to see if it is a worthwhile option for protecting their smile from tooth decay.
How the Dental Sealants Process Works
Getting dental sealants is a speedy and non-invasive treatment that is designed to ward off tooth decay before it has a chance to settle in. Here is how the application process works:
- Prep: The tooth is isolated and dried and the surface is roughened so the sealant can adhere completely to the enamel.
- Application: The sealant is made of a plastic, thin, non-toxic, liquid resin and is painted over the chewing surface of the tooth. Usually clear or white, the sealant is thin and virtually invisible on the tooth.
- Bonding: A special light is used to harden the sealant and create a protective barrier over the tooth that serves as an unnoticeable varnish.
Application of the dental sealants is painless and speedy and the effort of applying this preventive treatment prevents tooth decay, tooth pain, and any need for tooth-colored fillings, porcelain crowns, root canals, and other dental restorations.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are usually reserved for children and their newly erupted molars. With the help of sealants, tooth decay is held at bay and there is no need to undergo a tooth-colored filling.
Some of the many benefits of dental sealants for kids and adults include:
- Reduced likelihood of developing cavities
- Smooths out grooves and ridges on the enamel
- Easy application in just one dental visit
- Prevents costly, advanced restorative dentistry
- Minimizes the likelihood of toothaches
- Works for any age
If you continually suffer from cavities, even though you brush and floss diligently and see your dentist regularly, discuss your situation with your Chandler dentist. Adults may need protection from cavities too and sealants turn grooved or pitted teeth into smooth surfaces that ward off decay and infection.
How Dental Sealants Ward Off Tooth Decay
Dental sealants are designed to ward off tooth decay as well as acids and plaque but it’s important to understand why the application of this clear resin on newly erupted molars is so essential:
- They protect hard-to-reach teeth: Tooth decay can show up in any tooth but most commonly appears in the back molars, the hardest teeth to clean.
- They are long-lasting: With a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your Chandler dentist for cleanings and exams, sealants can last for over a decade, protecting a child’s teeth well into young adulthood or warding off decay in a cavity prone adult.
- They offer full protection: Sealants, once hardened in place, fully protect the tooth enamel they cover. Sealants can even be used on a decayed tooth after the tooth has received a filling.
Sealants do wear away over time but can be replaced as needed. Ideally, once a young patient reaches their late teens, they have excellent brushing and flossing techniques and a strong understanding of the importance of oral health, so they do not need the support of sealants. Just remember, sealants do not take the place of oral hygiene or regular dental visits.
Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Sealants
Children are prone to cavities and are often the best candidates for dental sealants. Some adults are prone to decay too because of worn or thin enamel. Find out whether you are a good candidate for sealants from Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ, contact our office today for your initial consultation.
