Dental Sealants Add Another Layer
Keep your jaws, gums, and teeth healthy with regular oral health habits. On the positive side, brush and floss every day after eating foods high in nutrients and low in sugars. On the harmful side, avoid smoking and vaping. These habits are known to irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and throat, causing gum disease and more serious issues. Finally, regular visits to the dentist help you avoid emergency visits later.
Even patients with excellent oral hygiene habits at times face challenges due to imperfections in their teeth, especially the molars and premolars. These teeth handle most of the chewing force, and they tend to collect food particles in the deep grooves of their crown. That can lead to tooth decay, tooth pain, and then cavities or root canal procedures.
Dental sealants offer an added layer of protection. A sealant consists of a thin, durable coating placed over the chewing surfaces of teeth to block bacteria and reduce the risk of cavities. Dentists frequently recommend sealants for children and teenagers, though adults with cavity-prone molars benefit from them as well.
How Dental Sealants Are Applied
The application of dental sealants is one of the fastest preventive procedures available today. There is no drilling or numbness required during application. The whole process for a single tooth typically takes less than five minutes.
First, the dentist or hygienist cleans the tooth to remove any plaque and debris. After cleaning, the tooth remains dry while a conditioning solution is applied to the surface of the enamel. The purpose of the conditioning solution is to prepare the surface of the enamel so the sealant adheres to the tooth properly.
Once prepared, a flowing liquid sealant fills the crevices of the tooth. A special curing light is then used to harden the sealant in about ten seconds, leaving a smooth protective surface on the tooth. The dentist then verifies that the sealant has been applied correctly and that the sealant does not interfere with the way your teeth fit together. No recovery period is necessary for dental sealants, so you can eat and drink as usual immediately after application.
Do Sealants Hide Cavities?
Many people wonder if sealants will leave decay trapped underneath. This happens very infrequently. Before applying sealants, the dentist inspects the teeth thoroughly to ensure there are no signs of existing decay. Sealants bond best to clean, healthy enamel; thus, an inspection before sealing is crucial to the success of the sealant. During your routine dental visits, your dentist checks your sealed teeth to verify that the sealant continues to serve as a protective barrier.
Signs Your Sealant May Need Attention
Dental sealants are designed to last a long time, however, they eventually wear down. Your local dentist will let you know when it is best to replace a sealant, but in between routine appointments there are several things to look out for. Some examples include:
- A rough or uneven feeling on the chewing surface of the sealed tooth
- Small chips or visible cracks in the sealed tooth
- Food frequently gets caught in the grooves of the sealed tooth
- New sensitivity to cold or sweets
If you experience any of these symptoms, a replacement of the sealant restores protection to your tooth quickly and comfortably.
Protection for Years to Come
Dental sealants are a great example of how simple preventative care lowers the risk of developing future dental problems. By combining dental sealants with your regular cleanings and exams, you can avoid the potential costs and discomfort associated with restorative care. Paramount Dental provides comprehensive dental services, including prevention, restoration, cosmetic, and emergency care. If you are interested in adding dental sealants as extra protection for your teeth, or if you have a sudden case of tooth pain, Paramount Dental is here to provide you with the care and attention your smile deserves. Contact us today.
