When it comes to dentistry, preventative measures can save you and your children a lot of pain, time, and money down the road. One preventative measure that we often recommend, mainly for children and teenagers, are dental sealants.
What is a dental sealant?
Dental sealants are a great way to stop cavities from developing. Sealants are a clear acrylic coating that we paint onto the surface of the teeth. They are mainly used on the back molars, because their ridges make them susceptible to cavities. The sealants block the tooth off, stopping bacteria and food from getting into deep dental ridges that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. This prevents cavities, decay, and other dental problems from developing down the line.
How are dental sealants applied?
One of the best parts about sealants is how easy they are to apply. The process is painless and only takes a few minutes from start to finish. First, we will clean and dry your teeth. Next, we will place a gel on the surface of your tooth, which will help prepare it to receive the sealant. We will then remove the gel and dry your tooth and paint the sealant into the grooves of your teeth. A blue light will be used to help harden the sealant material. Sealants can last for several years before they need to be reapplied.
Who can benefit from dental sealants?
While this procedure is usually recommended for children and teens, adults can benefit from sealants as well. If you are extremely susceptible to cavities, especially in your back teeth, we may recommend a dental sealant treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants for you or your child, give us a call today. Sealants are a smart, preventative measure that can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity free.