Dental sealants are made of thin plastic material which is fixed on the grinding surfaces of molars. Sealants ensure teeth are protected from bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay. Learn more about dental sealants below, and contact us today.

Why Dental Sealants?

The main purpose of getting dental sealants is to prevent tooth decay. Regular brushing and flossing get rid of food particles and plaque from the smooth teeth surfaces. However, toothbrushes can’t clean depressions and grooves to remove food particles and plaque completely. The dentist may recommend protecting tooth holes and fissures with dental sealants as they are difficult to keep clean. Fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water help prevent tooth decay and protects the teeth smooth surfaces. The importance of getting dental sealants is to add extra protection on back teeth. Sealants protect back teeth chewing surfaces and keep away food and germs. Dental sealants help avoid time wastage and save money in the future by evading fillings, crowns o caps used to treat tooth decay. Recent research indicates that dental sealants also stop tooth decay in its initial developing stages.

Dental Sealant Procedure

The process of putting on sealants is simple, quick and painless. Dental sealants are applied by dentist or dental hygienist by following the steps below;

Tooth Preparation

The surface of the tooth is polished to get rid of food particles and plaque from the hole and fissure surfaces. The dentist then segregates and dries the tooth. Then the dentist scrapes the tooth surfaces, wash off the scraped material and dry the tooth.

Dental Sealant Application

The dentist uses a brush to put on the sealant materials on the tooth surface. To bond the dental sealant to the surface of the tooth a special curing light is used for around 30 seconds to harden the sealant.

Evaluation

Lastly, the dentist assesses the dental sealants and confirms it’s sealed. The patient can continue chewing with the tooth all over again once the dental sealant has been hardened to a hard plastic coating.

Dental sealants have been used by the dentist for some decades to protect tooth decay since they are safe and effective. Children and young people are dental sealants candidates. Since the probability of tooth decay developing on the chewing tooth surface starts early in life. Children ought to get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars immediately after they come out to prevent teeth decay attacks. The dentist also seals children’s teeth with pits and grooves to prevent decay. Adults who are prone to tooth decay can also benefit from dental sealants.

Regular dental visits are important to ensure sealants are checked and if they are chipped or worn out. Damaged sealants can be repaired by adding more sealant material. Dental sealants can even last up to ten years. To keep teeth clean and healthy it is important to have regular brushing even after getting dental sealants.

Learn More

Contact us to learn more about improving your oral health. We offer an array of dental treatments. Call (703) 962-4218 or book an appointment online.