How Often Should One Visit the Dentist to Replace Dental Sealants?
Jan 01, 2023
Cavities are the biggest threat to excellent dental health in kids and adults. They lead to painful symptoms which interfere with your quality of life. They also necessitate invasive and costly dental treatments. Fortunately, you can effectively prevent cavities using dental sealants. Continue reading to learn why you should get
dental sealants in Markham, ON.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Most people observe proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Some attend regular dental cleanings and use the right brushing technique. However, they still get cavities. You may notice that most caries affect their back or chewing teeth. Why does this happen?
Teeth molars are designed for chewing food. They are rough and uneven and contain tiny grooves known as pits and fissures. The surfaces help in breaking down food. However, they trap and harbor food particles and bacteria. These combine to form plaque which contains acids that destroy the tooth enamel leading to cavities.
Cleaning these tiny grooves and the crevices between teeth is impossible. Attending dental cleaning by the
dentist in Markham will help. However, plaque may form before your next appointment resulting in tooth decay. This is where dental sealants are necessary.
Dental sealants are thin coatings made of resin or glass ionomer applied on the chewing surfaces of teeth. They form a protective cover, keeping out food particles, acids, and bacteria. Sealants also create a smooth surface over the teeth, making them easier to clean. In addition, you can get sensitive teeth sealant to prevent tooth sensitivity.
These clear protective coatings are suitable for kids, adolescents, and adults. Kids need the dental sealant procedure immediately after their permanent teeth erupt. The protective barrier will preserve their teeth for years. Adults, too, can benefit from dental sealants. Dentists recommend them for adults with dexterity issues, tooth sensitivity, and a high risk of cavities.
How Often Should Sealants Be Replaced?
Sealants are durable and can prevent cavities for a decade. However, they lose their efficacy over time. They are highly effective in the first two years after application. This happens because the sealant material chips or becomes damaged.
Bacteria and plaque will enter the tooth through the damaged parts of the sealant. As a result, your teeth will decay and get cavities. Therefore, having a dentist inspect your sealed teeth regularly is prudent. They will examine your teeth to determine if you need sealant reapplication or replacement.
People have different oral habits, which affect the effectiveness of their sealants. For example, some bite their nails or plastic objects, which damage the sealant. Others grind their teeth or clench their jaws, chipping the protective coatings. In addition, others suffer dental trauma damaging the sealants.
Therefore, each person will have their sealants replaced or repaired at different times. How often you go to the dentist to replace dental sealants will depend on you. If you take proper care of your sealants, you will not need frequent replacements. Your dentist will guide you on how often you should visit them to replace your teeth sealants.
The Dental Sealant Repair Procedure
When a dentist recommends repairing or replacing your dental sealants, do not worry. The procedure is painless, straightforward, and similar to getting new coatings. Your dentist will begin by preparing your teeth. Then, they will abrade the surface of the sealed teeth to remove the remaining sealant, food debris, and plaque.
Next, they will isolate the teeth to be sealed and remove all moisture. After, they will etch the tooth surface and clean off the etching material. Then, the dentist will dry the tooth carefully to ensure sealant retention. The next step involves applying the liquid sealant on each tooth’s surface using a small brush.
You must remain still during this step because if any bubbles form on the resin, it will result in sealant failure. Staying still also helps the dentist apply the sealant carefully, covering all the areas. Once the dentist ensures that the sealant is applied well, they will use a curing light to harden it.
Are you considering getting dental sealants for you or your child? Then contact us at 14th Avenue Dentistry. You can also visit us for sealant repair or application. Our dental experts will ensure your sealed teeth are protected against cavities at all times.