Dental Sealants & Your Oral Health: An Overview
A sealant is a plastic coating that is placed on the surfaces of the teeth. Sealants are typically placed on the premolars and molars. However, they may be placed over the teeth. Preventative dentistry is extremely important. Sealants are a part of preventative dental care.
Who Needs to get Sealants?
Dental sealants are typically recommended for children who are between the ages of six and 14. These are the ages when the premolars and molars come in. However, the general dentist may recommend that children get sealants placed on their baby teeth.
Many people believe that the baby teeth are not important. However, baby teeth are a holding place for the permanent teeth. Problems can result if the baby tooth are damaged.
Sealants can reduce the risk of decay by up to 80 percent. Only 43 percent of school-aged children have sealants. Children who have sealants are three times less likely to develop cavities than children without them. Adults may also need to get sealants. Ask your general dentist if you think that you need sealants.
How Sealants Work
A sealant is a lot like a raincoat for the teeth. It is designed to prevent acid and bacteria from settling on your teeth.
The Process of Applying Sealants
Applying sealants is a simple and quick process. The first thing that your dentist will do is clean your teeth. After that, an acidic gel will be placed on your teeth. The gel will help your tooth form a bond with the sealant. The gel will be washed off, and your tooth will be dried again. The sealant will then be applied. A blue light will be used to harden the sealant.
This is not a painful process. There are no side effects.
How Long do Sealants Last?
Sealants can potentially last for up to 10 years. However, you will need to have them checked regularly in order to ensure that they do not chip.
Can I get a Sealant if I Already Have a Cavity?
In some cases, a sealant is applied in order to prevent further decay. Your dentist will check the tooth in order to ensure that the sealant is doing its job.
If you are in need of a sealant or another form of preventative dentistry, then you should our Pittsboro dentist office today.