Dental Sealants

Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities?

Dental sealants may be recommended by a dentist to help keep teeth healthy. Everyone is at risk for cavities regardless of how someone takes care of the teeth. But particular people are more prone to dental caries due to the structure and shape of their teeth and not because they do not brush occasionally. Getting dental sealants is ideal for preventing cavities. Read on to find out how dental sealants can benefit you or your child.

Dental sealants and cavity prevention

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are bonded to the back teeth’s chewing surfaces. Sealants work very well on the back teeth, the premolars, and molars. Sealants help to seal the teeth and prevent decay-causing acids from burrowing into them and eventually causing cavities. Sealants are a good solution for preventing tooth decay.

Effectiveness

Dental sealants basically act as a physical barrier. Sealants applied to back teeth can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. As long as the sealants stay intact, they are very effective at preventing cavities. Sealants can even stop cavities when applied on top of a slightly decayed tooth.

This helps to seal off nutrients to the bacteria that usually causes the cavity. Sealants can help stop decay in its early stages before it turns into a full-blown cavity. Sealants are often clear so the dentist can monitor the tooth. The dentist can make sure that the sealant is doing its job. The sealant does not work when either part or the entire bond between it and the tooth is broken. And it is still vital for people to brush and floss regularly even after getting them.

Candidates for dental sealants

Adults can benefit immensely from getting sealants. But sealants are more helpful for kids because their newly erupted, permanent teeth are more at risk for cavities. School-age children without sealants usually have more cavities than kids with sealants. Many dentists often recommend using sealants as part of a kid’s total preventive dental care.

Procedure

The dentist or hygienist will first clean the surface of the tooth thoroughly. This will be done with a rotating brush and paste. The tooth will then be washed and dried. Next, an acidic solution will be put on the chewing surface of the tooth. It will be rinsed off after a few seconds.

This will create small microscopic areas and a rougher surface and will help the sealant to attach to the tooth. The tooth will then be dried again before the liquid dental sealant is placed on it and hardened. Dental sealants are often hardened using a light. Once it has hardened, it will become a hard, plastic coating and a person will be able to chew on the tooth again.

Bottom line

Sealants have proven to be effective in preventing cavities. Dental sealants usually last for many years. Sealants are a good investment because they will help save time and money in the long run. You should ask your dentist if dental sealants are ideal for you or your family.

Are you considering dental sealants in the Saratoga Springs area? Get more information at https://www.mysaratogadentist.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How To Prepare For A Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is a series of treatments that can improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your self-confidence. Whether you want to correct discoloration, misalignment, or gaps between your teeth, working closely with a trusted general dentist can help you prepare and achieve your treatment goals. However, it is important to understand what…

Talk To Your Dentist About Starting Your Smile Makeover

Your dentist may suggest a smile makeover after a good assessment. The procedure will consist of at least one treatment. The main goal is to rejuvenate your smile. Your final look will also help improve your oral health. Here are some questions to consider when you talk to your dentist about your upcoming smile makeover.A…

How A Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Smile

Dentists provide smile makeovers to help people enhance the overall look of their smiles. Treatment can involve various procedures depending on the cosmetic issues that need addressing. If you are considering improving your smile, here is how a smile makeover can help.A smile makeover is a dental treatment plan typically involving two or more procedures.…

The Smile Makeover Explained

A smile makeover aims to improve the overall look of your smile. Therefore, it may involve one or a series of treatments to address multiple aspects of your smile's appearance. If there are a number of things you would like to change about how your smile looks, consider a smile makeover. Here is a closer…

Dr. Ryan Osinski

Share
Published by
Dr. Ryan Osinski

Recent Posts

How to Prepare for a Smile Makeover

Preparing for a smile makeover involves careful planning, research, and open communication with an experienced…

4 hours ago

Talk to Your Dentist About Starting Your Smile Makeover

Your dentist may suggest a smile makeover after a good assessment. The procedure will consist…

3 days ago

How a Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Smile

Dentists provide smile makeovers to help people enhance the overall look of their smiles. Treatment…

6 days ago

The Smile Makeover Explained

A smile makeover aims to improve the overall look of your smile. Therefore, it may…

1 week ago

Popular Smile Makeover Procedures

If you are unhappy with how your smile looks, there is something you can do…

2 weeks ago

Gum Disease Treatment Options from a Family Dentist

In the early stages, gum disease treatment will typically involve non-surgical methods that aim to…

2 weeks ago