Dental Sealants

Dental Sealants at Washington Court House Dental

No matter how diligently you and your family brush and floss, certain teeth are more prone to cavities than others. A common problem area is the back of the mouth on the molars. These surfaces aren’t as smooth as other areas of your teeth and are filled with tiny grooves which trap bacteria and food particles, creating the perfect conditions for decay. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem; dental sealants.

Children and adults benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. Due to the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are excellent candidates for sealants. Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars when these teeth erupt. According to the CDC, school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. Adults with a high risk of tooth decay or tooth fissures can also benefit from teeth sealants. Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of tooth decay by nearly 80% in permanent molars.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually, the back teeth, to prevent tooth decay and may even stop early stages of decay from turning into a cavity. This effectively seals the deep surface grooves acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from the acids that cause decay. Think of them as raincoats for your teeth. After the sealant has been applied, it keeps those bits of food out and stops bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth – just like a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a storm.

How are Dental Sealants Placed?

Applying dental sealants is a simple, painless procedure Dr. Michael Pappas, DDS, can perform in a few minutes. The application steps are as follows:

1. The procedure begins with the cleaning of your teeth to remove food residues and plaque. We will examine your teeth and gently remove any minimal decay we find.
2. Each tooth is then dried, and cotton or another absorbent material is put around it to keep it dry in readiness for the sealant.
3. An acid gel is then put on the target tooth to roughen it to form a strong bond between your tooth and the sealant.
4. After a few seconds, we will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth.
5. The sealant is then painted on the tooth in liquid form, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. We use a special intense white light (curing light) — to help the sealant harden.
6. After the sealant is hardened, we will ensure it has formed to the grooves in your tooth correctly and does not interrupt your bite.

How Do You Care For Tooth Sealants?

Sealants can protect your teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they must be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. You also need to practice proper oral hygiene. Be sure to brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Floss your teeth and gum line daily to loosen bacterial plaque and food particles. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse away the loosened food particles and kill any lingering bacteria.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

There are many benefits to getting dental sealant treatment at Washington Court House Dental.

• Fissure Protection: sealants protect the grooves of the teeth from food particles and help fight tooth decay
• The procedure is quick and painless
• They are safe to use
• Protection of teeth begins immediately after application
• They are durable and can last several years before a reapplication is needed
• They improve oral hygiene
• Sealants are more affordable than dental fillings
• Sealants are white or clear, making them virtually invisible when talking, smiling, or eating.

How Do You Care For Tooth Sealants?

Sealants can protect your teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they must be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. You also need to practice proper oral hygiene. Be sure to brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Floss your teeth and gum line daily to loosen bacterial plaque and food particles. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse away the loosened food particles and kill any lingering bacteria.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Dental sealants work to keep out potentially harmful foods and plaque that are hard to reach and quite difficult to remove simply by brushing and flossing. They’re a quick, painless, safe, and cost-effective way of protecting you and your children’s teeth against cavities. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment, and let us care for your smile!