All Information You Ever Want about Dental Sealants

All Information You Ever Want about Dental Sealants

Mar 01, 2020

Is it possible to maintain your dental health in prime condition simply by brushing and flossing? This would have been the case if this was a perfect world. In the present day, many dental treatment options are available to restore your teeth and to prevent further complications. Dental sealants are one of the many options that are available.

What Are Dental Sealants?

The difficult to reach areas of our mouth have always been neglected by everyone. It is well known that even brushing and flossing cannot remove all the bacteria and food particles trapped within the teeth. The food particles and bacteria that accumulate in the grooves and pits of the teeth cause tooth decay. Dental sealants are a plastic coating applied to the molars and bicuspids. They can protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth from plaque and acid. You can have the dental sealants applied on the teeth of your children or your teeth by visiting the Markham dentist for the application.

What Types of Sealants Are Available for Everyone?

There are two types of tooth sealants that are offered to children and adults. The first is filled sealants which are made from a combination of chemicals, resins, and fillers and can, therefore, be called resin-based sealants.

Glass ionomer sealants are also available and can be used because it is the latest alternative to the resin-based sealants that were being applied until this moment.

Why You Should Be Having Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants must be applied on the back teeth of children after the molars have erupted. The earlier the molars are protected with dental sealants the lower your risk of developing dental caries and other issues. However, adults and also opt for this procedure at any time by contacting their regular dentist for the application.

When Should Dental Sealants Be Used?

The effects of dental sealants are similar to fluoride treatments as they both protect the surface of the tooth. Dental sealants specifically target the grooved areas of the back teeth. Therefore it is best to use the sealants has early as possible because it works as a preventive measure against tooth decay. If you or your children haven’t been exposed to dental sealants talking to the dentist near you about them should get you in-depth information about how they can protect your teeth.

The Procedure for Applying Dental Sealants

Patients will be happy to understand the procedure for applying dental savings is virtually pain-free and is not require any numbing medications or drilling.

The Markham dentist from 14th Avenue Dentistry applying the dental sealants will get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist to remove any food particles and plaque from the pit and fissure surfaces. After the teeth have been cleaned and polished the dental hygienist will take care to isolate and dry the teeth. Before the dental sealants are applied the dental hygienist must etch the surface of the teeth before rinsing and drying it again thoroughly. The drying of the tooth ensures the sealants adhere properly to the tooth.

The sealant will be applied using a brush to the surface of the teeth. A self-curing light will also be used to cement the sealant to the surface of the tooth.

Finally, the dental hygienist along with the dentist will evaluate the application together.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental Sealants are designed to last for around a decade. You must also be visiting your dentist regularly to ensure the sealants are not chipped or worn down. A new sealant can be applied to the same tooth if any damages are noticed by the dentist.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants?

Pros
  • Having dental sealants in your mouth can help to reduce cavities.
  • Dental anxiety should not bother you with the dental sealant process because it is pretty straightforward and painless.
  • Dental sealants can last you for nearly a decade.
Cons
  • Your teeth will not be suitable for dental sealants if you have tooth decay or fillings.
  • Dental sealants will not benefit everyone.
  • Some patients are concerned about the BPA in dental sealants.

What Happens If You Ignore Dental Sealants?

Your Molars and teeth are prone to decay especially when bacteria get trapped in the pits of your teeth and become extremely difficult to remove with brushing and flossing. The bacteria can lead to tooth decay and cavities. The cavities can, in turn, lead to larger issues such as root canal treatment and tooth loss. Dental sealants can prevent any of the problems mentioned above by acting as a protective barrier on your teeth against tooth decay and cavities.

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