What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a great help because they are applied quickly and painlessly to protect teeth much more thoroughly than brushing alone. Used to seal teeth from the invasion of cavity-causing bacteria that cause terrible damage and future pain, dental sealants are a plastic coating that is painted on the hard to reach back teeth. This means less worry for parents, and less problems later for their children.
How are dental sealants applied?
Dental sealants are applied quickly in a painless procedure. The chewing surfaces of teeth are highly susceptible to damage from foods, chewing ice, candies, etc.; these are the surfaces that the sealant is painted onto after a period of preparation to provide strength to the teeth. The liquid sealant bonds to the surfaces of these teeth with the help of a curing light. Dental sealants last for a span of about five years, and hold up well to chewing and brushing. During each visit to the dental office of Dr. Christopher Hakimzadeh of Phoenix, Arizona, one of the dentists will check the sealants, and re-apply when necessary.
How do dental sealants protect teeth?
Fluoride, which is found in toothpaste or city water supplies, protects the smooth surfaces of teeth, but the grooves need protection, as well. This is where dental sealants come in because they are designed to protect those grooved areas. Used together, they are a powerhouse team, preventing tooth decay and saving you money.
Dental sealants are most commonly used on children’s teeth as it is a very effective way to protect their teeth as they learn to brush regularly and properly. Beginning at about six years of age, the first morals emerge, so this is the age at which a first application is performed. The second permanent morals poke through around twelve years of age, making this the perfect time for another application as the initial sealant wears off and new teeth are in need of protection.
However, it is not just a procedure for children. In some cases, adults may also benefit from dental sealants, and we may suggest them for anyone with a high risk of tooth decay.
