Sealants are protective coverings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They shield these areas from bacteria, plaque and deep staining.
While good oral hygiene is essential to dental health, brushing and flossing don’t always reach the hard-to-reach spots. These nooks and crannies are prime areas for cavities, especially in children and teenagers.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Sealants are protective coatings that your dentist paints onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars) to shield these grooves from food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Sealants are typically made of resin or glass ionomer, both of which are safe and effective materials.
Dental sealants are typically recommended for children and teens, as the grooves in their molars and premolars can easily develop tooth decay. However, adults can also benefit from this preventive treatment to help reduce their risk of cavities and the need for more invasive dental treatments.
While concerns have been raised over BPA (Bisphenol A) in dental sealants thompson’s station tn, studies have shown that the exposure from this material is minimal and significantly lower than the amount of BPA a person might encounter in everyday items such as plastic water bottles.
Prevents Stains
Dental sealants are clear plastic coatings that our dentist paints onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). They are typically applied to children’s and teenagers’ teeth because they have deep grooves and pits on these teeth that can be difficult for brushing to clean. However, adults can also receive sealants to protect their teeth from stains.
Before applying a tooth sealant, our dentist will first clean and dry the surface of your teeth. They may apply an etching solution to the teeth for roughening, which allows the sealant material to bond more effectively with the enamel. Then they paint the sealant into the grooves and pits of your teeth and shine a curing light to harden it.
Dental sealants prevent dietary and bacterial stains on occlusal surfaces, making teeth brighter and more aesthetically pleasing. They also slow the progression of fluorosis staining in children’s teeth.
Prevents Bacteria from Accumulating
Sealants are thin, protective coatings made of a plastic resin material that cover the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). The grooves and pits on these back teeth can trap food particles and plaque, which leads to tooth decay. Brushing these teeth can be difficult, so sealing them eliminates the trapped debris and reduces the risk of cavities.
Before applying the sealant, your dentist will clean and dry the tooth surface. It will then be etched to roughen the enamel, which creates a stronger bond for the liquid sealant. After the tooth is cleaned and dried, your dentist will paint on the sealant and fill the grooves and pits. A curing light will then harden the sealant, forming a sturdy shield over the tooth.
Prevents Cracking
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that your dentist paints on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars). The dentist will first clean the tooth, dry it, and then apply an acid solution to roughen up the surface. This will help the sealant bond with the tooth more effectively.
Your dentist will then wash off the acid, dry the tooth, and then paint on the sealant. Then a curing light will be used to harden the sealant. The procedure is quick and painless.
The sealant protects the deep grooves and pits of molars and premolars from bacteria and food particles that cause tooth decay. The process is easy, affordable, and effective, making it a valuable preventive dentistry tool for children and teens.
Prevents Chipping
Dental sealants thompson’s station tn are thin protective coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). They act as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck in these pits and grooves, reducing tooth decay and bruxism. To place a sealant, the tooth is first isolated by cleaning it and placing cotton around it to prevent saliva from interfering with the bonding process. The tooth is then smeared with an etching solution, which prepares it for the runny sealant material. After the tooth is clean, the dentist fills in the grooves and pits with the sealant material, which he then “cures” by shining a special light on it.
It is generally recommended that children receive sealants on their permanent molars and pre-molars as soon as they erupt, typically between the ages of 6 and 14. However, adults may also benefit from this simple preventive procedure.
