Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth – usually the premolars and molars – to prevent cavities.
The sealant quickly fills and covers the fissures of the teeth and is hardened by an intense curing light.
The outcome is a bonded shield over the tooth enamel.
Although brushing and flossing thoroughly can remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of teeth, they can’t always get into the corners of the back teeth to remove the food particles and plaque.
Dental sealants protect these areas from tooth decay by sealing out plaque and food.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Cost-efficient
The cost of treating a cavity can be expensive.
Considering the fact that most adults have more than three damaged teeth, the long-term treatment costs can really accumulate.
In most cases, applying dental sealants early will cost less than having corrective treatment later.
Timesaving
Anyone who has had a cavity filled knows that it requires you to adjust your schedule and spend more time in a waiting room and dentist’s chair.
Even worse, you feel slightly unwell for the rest of the day.
Luckily since dental sealants reduce your risk of getting cavities significantly, you spend a lot less time dealing with oral health issues if you receive them.
Healthier
Tooth decay can rapidly lead to more severe problems.
The health and strength of a tooth is compromised even if you have a cavity filled. It’s better to avoid cavities rather than treat them.
Overall, the long-term health of your teeth and gums is enhanced by getting dental sealants.
Simple and Effective
Dental sealants can be applied quickly, cause no pain or discomfort during or after the application, and last for a long time.
This is a simple solution to one of the most common and consequential oral health problems, and it really works.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Because of the chance of developing decay in the depressions and fissures of the premolars and molars, children and young adults are potential candidates for dental sealants.
However, adults without tooth decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from dental sealants.
Typically, children should get dental sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in, so the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14 are protected.
In some cases, dental sealants may be appropriate for temporary teeth, such as when a child’s baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves.
Because temporary teeth hold the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it is important to keep them healthy, so they don’t fall out too early.
The Dental Sealant Procedure
Applying dental sealants is an easy and pain-free process. It takes only a few minutes for your Cheltenham dentist to apply the sealant to seal each tooth.
- The teeth are cleaned thoroughly to prepare them for sealing.
- Each tooth is dried, and an absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry.
- An acid solution is applied on the surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up. This helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
- Then, the teeth are rinsed and dried.
- The sealant is applied onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. A special intense curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants protect the teeth from cavities for up to 10 years or more, but they need to be monitored for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups.
Your dentist can replace sealants as necessary.
Dental Sealants in Cheltenham
Captivate Dental delivers quality dental sealants to patients residing in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas.
Visit your Cheltenham dentist today!
Dental Sealants in Cheltenham
For more information, call us on (03) 9553 1249. Visit us on the web, or use our convenient online booking page.
We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.