Maintaining exceptional oral health is an important element of overall wellness. While regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential habits, other preventative actions can help to protect your teeth. Dental sealants near you can add an extra layer of defense against cavities and tooth decay.
In this thorough guide, we will cover all you need to know about dental sealants, from what they are and how they function to their advantages, application method, and any potential disadvantages.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are placed to the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. Natural grooves and cracks in the back teeth collect food particles and germs, rendering them susceptible to decay. Sealants in Kissimmee operate as a barrier, keeping germs and acids from directly contacting the enamel and thereby lowering the possibility of cavities.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Here is the process of how dental sealants work:
Tooth preparation
The dentist will carefully and thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any plaque, debris, or bacteria from the chewing surface. Cleaning is essential for ensuring that sealants adhere securely and effectively to the tooth enamel.
Etching
The dentist applies a mild acidic solution or gel to the chewing surface after cleaning and drying the tooth. The etching procedure roughens the surface of the enamel, allowing sealants to adhere more firmly to the tooth surface.
Rinsing and Drying
After applying the etching solution and allowing it to settle for a short period of time, the tooth is rinsed to remove the etching gel. The sealant compound is then completely dried to ensure proper bonding.
Sealant Application
The dental sealant substance is applied by the dentist to the prepared chewing surface of the tooth. The sealant is often a liquid resin that seeps into the tooth’s grooves and cracks. It is carefully applied to any pits and cracks where cavities are likely to develop.
Curing
Once the sealant material is in place, it is quickly hardened using a specific curing light. This light causes the sealant material to solidify and create a protective covering on the tooth by creating a chemical reaction.
Final Evaluation
Your dentist near you will inspect the sealant for correct placement and bonding once it has cured. They will ensure that the sealant has no rough surfaces, edges, or gaps, and that it offers comprehensive covering and protection.
The outcome is a smooth, resilient, transparent or tooth-colored protective covering on the chewing surface of the tooth. This layer functions as a physical barrier, keeping food particles, plaque, and germs from being stuck in the grooves and forming cavities. Dental sealants are especially advantageous for children and teenagers who are still developing optimal dental habits and may struggle to clean their back teeth thoroughly.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Cavity Prevention
Sealants are quite efficient at preventing cavities, particularly in children and teenagers. The risk of cavities in treated teeth can be decreased by up to 80% with sealants, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Cost Effective
While applying sealants can seem to be an investment at first, it is significantly more cost-effective than having to treat cavities and the possible difficulties that might arise due to them.
Pain-Free Process
The application of sealants is painless and non-invasive. It entails washing the teeth, using an acidic gel to generate a rough surface for the sealant to adhere to, rinsing, drying, and lastly applying the sealant material. No drilling or anesthetic is required.
Long-Lasting Protection
With appropriate care, dental sealants can endure for several years. Regular dental check-ups will entail checking the sealants’ condition and reapplying them as needed.
Ideal for Everyone
Children and teens are frequently in the process of acquiring basic oral hygiene treatments. During this learning phase, sealants provide an extra layer of protection.
Preserve Your Oral Health with Us!
You can ensure long-term preservation of your oral health with Smile 101’s professional dental sealant treatments. Advanced dental sealants are applied by our expert dentist in Kissimmee to protect your molars and premolars from cavities, creating a protective coating against decay-causing substances. With our quick and easy solution, you may experience the benefits of reduced cavity risk and improved dental health.
Arrange your appointment with us to preserve your radiant smile and maintain optimal oral hygiene.