What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of the molars from tooth decay. The sealant’s protective shield acts as a barrier against food and germs and averts dental decay.
Our front teeth help in biting and tearing down food which our molars or back teeth can then grind down and chew on. The molars are more prone to cavities because of their position in the mouth and the deeper grooves that they have.
The molars and premolars that perform most of the chewing are more susceptible to cavities and decay. These are the teeth that most need the protection provided by a dental sealant.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
There are around 500 to 1,000 types of oral bacteria in the human mouth. And 100 to 200 of them present at any given time. When the bacteria that lives in all our mouths encounter the remnants of food particles, they generate acid that erodes your tooth enamel and causes cavities.
Dental sealants seal off these cavities and grooves on the surface of your dentures while bonding to them. The sealant helps in keeping the food leftovers out and stops acidic accumulation on your teeth. This prevents further erosion of your tooth enamel by plaque and other acids.
Benefits from Early Application of Dental Sealants in Children
Children gain their permanent teeth between the age of six to twelve. The permanent premolars replace the primary premolars. Ideally, sealing these teeth immediately after they come out helps to keep them free of cavities from the outset, and saves time and money eventually.
Although sealants are beneficial for all age groups, you must get them as early as possible to keep yourself protected from cavities. Consult your dentist to understand how you and your family can benefit from sealants.
As per the CDC, the incidence of cavities in school-going children without sealants is almost three times more than children with sealants.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
A dentist or a qualified dental professional can apply dental sealants subject to the law and regulations of the state that you are a resident of. A dental office is most appropriate for the procedure but it can also be carried out in community settings using portable equipment.
Dental sealing is quick and painless. The dentist ensures that your teeth are clean and dry before applying an acidic gel on them. This gel quickly prepares the tooth surface for the sealant by making it coarse. Your dentist will then rinse the gel off, ensures that the surface is dry again, and applies the sealant. They then use a blue light to harden the sealant.
How Long Does the Dental Sealant Last?
According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants provide protection against fifty percent of the cavities for up to four years. With proper care and attention, your dental sealant can even last up to ten years. Your dentist can assess the sealant’s condition on your regular dental visits and recommend a repeat procedure as and when needed.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Your Family
A simple and painless procedure of applying dental sealants can go a long way in the fight against cavities and tooth decay for you and your family. We can look after your family’s needs for high quality dental care near Roswell, Georgia. Call today at 770-998-8116 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with us at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry.