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Dental sealants

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment that consists of applying a thin protective coating on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have grooves and pits that can trap food particles and bacteria, causing decay. Sealants act as a barrier, sealing these vulnerable areas and preventing the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. The application process is quick, painless and non-invasive. Dental sealants are especially beneficial for children and adolescents who are prone to cavities, but they can also be used on adults. They are an effective way to protect teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. Regular dental checkups are still necessary to ensure that sealants are intact and provide adequate protection.

The Key to Cavities: Dental Sealants

Dental sealants provide multiple benefits in preventing caries and maintaining oral health. With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, sealants can last for years, effectively reducing the risk of caries, especially during childhood and adolescence. Investing in sealants is a cost-effective preventive measure that can avoid costly and invasive dental treatments, such as nerve treatment or tooth loss. Although often used in children, sealants are also beneficial for adults with deep grooves and increased susceptibility to caries.

Overall, dental sealants offer valuable protection against decay in hard-to-reach areas, promoting optimal oral health and potentially avoiding the need for extensive dental procedures.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us. We are here to take care of your oral health!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental sealant?

A dental sealant is a thin liquid layer of resin that is painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Dental sealants are usually applied to the molars and premolars. After the sealant is applied, Dr. Sara Vargas will cure the sealant to harden and create a shield over the back teeth to protect them from decay.

Are dental sealants necessary?

These preventive measures are especially important for children whose permanent teeth may or may not have fully erupted yet. When sealants are placed, they protect the chewing surfaces of your child's back molars from decay, which can lead to cavities. Without them, bacteria can attack these vulnerable areas and cause decay.Do dental sealants protect teeth from decay?

Does the placement of dental sealants hurt?

The placement of dental sealants is not painful or uncomfortable for the child. In fact, the process is quick, simple and painless. The dentist will simply clean the tooth to make sure it is free of plaque and debris, and then paint the sealant over the tooth enamel. The sealant will be clear or white in color, so it will not be noticeable to others once it is in place. The placement doesn't take long, usually about a minute per tooth. And the benefits last a lifetime.

Do dental sealants protect teeth from cavities?

Yes, dental sealants protect against cavities because they create a barrier on the tooth that makes it harder for bacteria to penetrate and decay to develop. While brushing and flossing remain important parts of your oral health routine, dental sealants make other preventive measures against cavities possible.

How long do dental sealants last?

If properly cared for, dental sealants can last for years. They usually need to be replaced during regular dental visits, but it is possible for the sealant to last up to a decade if it is regularly checked and cleaned.

Can you get dental sealants as an adult?

Although generally associated more with children and adolescents due to the likelihood of developing caries within the depressions and grooves of premolars and molars, adults can also benefit from sealants.

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