Ultimate Guide to Dental Sealants

Poor or inconsistent dental hygiene is the primary cause for dental issues such as cavities, tooth loss, and periodontitis (issues impacting your gums). To prevent dental issues and maintain good oral health, proper dental care and hygiene is essential. However, sometimes you may have to go a step further. That’s where dental sealants come in.

Usually, your natural teeth have tiny grooves or fissures, particularly at the back teeth (molars and premolars). When chewing, food particles can get trapped inside those fissures. While it’s common belief that brushing and flossing will always eliminate these particles, it’s not the case.

Tiny food particles can still hide inside the fissures, making the area a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque build-up. This leads to cavities, infections, and gum disease. This is one reason that regular dental cleanings are so important and regularly make your teeth feel “extra clean.” But dental sealants offer a simple and painless solution to these potential problems, in addition to your normal brushing and flossing routine and cleaning schedule.

What are Dental Sealants?

A sealant is a plastic covering that is painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant smooths out the chewing surfaces of these teeth, making it much more difficult for food particles to hide inside the fissures. This also makes it effortless to brush your teeth, reducing the risk of developing infections and cavities.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Sealants are crucial for all. They are most recommended for individuals at higher risk of developing cavities, especially teens and kids. Dentists recommend sealing your child’s teeth as soon as their adult teeth start to come in.

If you’re considering dental sealants for you and your family, visit a dentist for an examination. The dentist will check your teeth for decay and other problems and advise you accordingly. For dental sealants services, contact Raynham Dental Group, the Office of Dr. Michael Scanlon.

Dental Sealants Procedure

The process of placing sealants is simple and quick. Applying sealants on a tooth only takes a few minutes, and it’s completed on a single appointment. It’s also worth noting that dental sealants application doesn’t require a numbing injection. Also, no tooth shaping or trimming is required, so you can expect not to feel pain at all.

However, if you’re still anxious or worried about the procedures, please notify your dentist before the procedure. If you’re wondering what it’s like to have sealants applied to your teeth, this section should help you understand what to expect.

• The dentist begins by cleaning and drying the tooth that is to be sealed.
• Cotton is placed around the tooth to keep it dry.
• The dentist applies a roughening solution on the tooth to allow the sealant to stick effectively.
• The tooth is cleaned and dried again
• The dentist then applies the sealant on the tooth and hardens it with a special dental light.
• The sealant is polished, and you’ll be ready to go home.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

By applying dental sealants, you get to enjoy numerous benefits. Sealants:

• Protect your teeth from cavities and bacteria
• Make brushing and flossing easier
• Promote your oral hygiene and health
• Blend well with the natural teeth color
• Are safe, quick, and painless. No numbing injection or teeth trimming is required.
• Provide long-lasting protection

How Long Do Sealants Last?

The sealant material is made of strong and durable material. If well cared for, they can last for as long as ten years. It’s worth noting that sealants wear off and can get damaged when put under stress. If a sealant gets damaged, food particles can get trapped, leading to cavities and infections.

It’s therefore important to check or have them checked out by a dentist regularly. Your dentist should check them during your regular exam and cleaning sessions.

Caring For Your Dental Sealants

It’s important to note that sealants aren’t substitutes for a good dental care routine. Even with sealants, your teeth can still develop cavities at the roots or sides of the teeth.

Good sealants dental practice and hygiene practices include:

• Brush your teeth, tongue, and gums at least twice a day.
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash
• Floss regularly
• Eat healthier, whole foods and hydrate well
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks
• Avoid chewing hard and sticky foods
• Have regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning
• Avoid damaging habits such as smoking, opening cans with your teeth, and picking at your teeth.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Ready to protect your family’s teeth from cavities? Contact Raynham Dental Group, the Office of Dr. Michael Scanlon, to get dental sealants treatment.