Dental Sealants: Your Remedy for Tooth Decay

Dental cavities affect a relatively large population of people around the world. Poor oral hygiene and damaged teeth are some of the factors that lead to tooth decay, which causes dental cavities. Therefore, you should consider brushing and flossing your teeth regularly to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth.

When you develop dental cavities, you might be at risk of secondary complications such as gum diseases, root canal infection, bone, and tooth loss. However good oral hygiene might not be enough to prevent your teeth from decay.

Your teeth, especially molars and premolars have grooves that can harbor plaque and tartar. In turn, the plaque and tartar deposits produce acids that damage your enamels, causing decay. To prevent the risk of tooth decay, you can consider visiting your dentist regularly for exams. During dental exams, the dentist might recommend tooth sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are ceramic or composite materials that your dentist applies to your teeth to protect them from bacteria that cause decay. When cavity-causing bacteria act on food particles in your mouth, they produce acids. The acids act on the enamel and gradually cause holes.

You can consider dental sealants as coats for your enamels. Therefore, when you have tooth sealants, acids produced by the harmful bacteria don’t gain entry to your enamel.

Who Is Eligible For Dental Sealants?

Children are most of the beneficiaries of dental sealants. However, your dentist can offer dental sealants for adults.

Molars start to erupt at six years while the second ones show at twelve years. If you seal the molars at an early age, you reduce the risk of developing tooth decay. Sealing your teeth at an early age saves time and money in the long run. You can also consider asking your Easton Dentist if dental sealants are suitable treatments for your teeth.

Types of Dental Sealants

There are three categories of dental sealants, depending on the material. These types of tooth sealants include:

Fissure Sealants

Fissure dental sealants are plastic coatings that your dentist applies behind your teeth to prevent them from decay.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer sealants produce an acidic reaction when applied to your teeth. Such tooth sealants release fluoride treatments for further protection against tooth decay.

Composite Resin Dental Sealants

Such sealants consist of a plastic and ceramic compound that matches the color of your natural teeth. When applying composite resin dental sealants, your dentist might use a special light for curring the material on your enamels.

Dental Sealants Procedure

The tooth sealants procedure is simple and painless. Therefore, you don’t need local anesthesia when getting dental sealants in Easton, PA.

Your dentist will recommend a teeth cleaning procedure before applying the sealant material. Next, the dentist will place an acidic gel on your teeth to etch the enamels. Etching the enamels allow easy application of the sealant material. Your dentist will then apply the sealant material and use a laser to cur and harden it.

Can Tooth Sealants Be Applied Over Cavities?

If you are wondering if you can still get dental sealants after developing tooth cavities, the answer is yes. However, dental sealants would be suitable if you have tiny cavities on your enamels.

Some tooth sealants are clear. Therefore, your dentist can keep track of the progress of the dental cavity. However, your dentist will remove the decayed parts before applying the dental sealants. You can also get dental sealants for sensitive teeth.

Dental Sealants Aftercare

To ensure your dental sealants are intact, you should consider taking care of them. However, dental sealants don’t require special care. Therefore, you can consider the following care tips:

• Brush your teeth regularly using fluoride toothpaste
• Replace your toothbrush every three months to ensure the bristles are not worn out
• Visit your dentist regularly for dental exams and cleanings
• Avoid biting and chewing on hard foods such as candy and ice

If you have damaged dental sealants, you should consider visiting your dentist for replacements. Replacing your dental sealants reduces the risk of developing further complications.

Dentist Near You

At Maple Tree Dental, we offer dental sealants for all members of your family. Therefore, if you live around Easton, you can consider visiting our clinic for tooth sealants.