For those who do not know what dental sealants are, then you are in the right place. Dental Sealants are quite popular as they are recommended by dentists to children, mostly because they are prone to eating sweets constantly. And even as adults, the possibility of considering getting dental sealants is there.
So for today’s article, we shall know a bit more about them! What they are, how the procedure takes out, how effective they can be, and such.
What are dental sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin plastic filling that goes on top of the chewing surfaces of our back teeth. The reason for take this treatment is pretty simple, our back teeth usually have nooks and fissures. In these places, it is common for bacteria and plaque to sit and also the brush cannot reach all that well back there. This way those fissures are sealed and thus tooth decay is prevented.
They also can be tinted to look exactly like the tooth it is used on. Not only that, but the functionality remains the same! So you are free to chew normally, brush and floss normally as soon as the treatment is finished!
Are they safe?
This is a common concern as a tiny bit of Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make them. The amount is minuscule and poses no threat in the long run. To give you a comparison, the air we breathe has a hundred times more Bisphenol A than what sealants have!
If you plan on getting them, our dentist in Los Algodones can assure you that they are completely safe.
How long do sealants last?
Dental sealants usually last up to 10 years. It is important to regularly visit your dentist at least two times a year, this will guarantee they will stay in top form! And in case you feel anxious about dental visits, you can ease up your mind with this article.
Of course, if you notice that the sealant has broken or is chipping, it needs to be replaced. To avoid problems with them, avoid using your teeth on hard surfaces, such as chewing on ice and opening things with your teeth.
Reasons to consider getting dental sealants
Your dentist will make sure to examine your mouth and if they see deep fissures on your molars, they will suggest you this option. For those who do not know, dental sealants keep you protected against tooth decay in the long run. Some of the benefits that it brings are:
- Helps avoiding tooth decay in the long run.
- Keeps food and bacteria from getting crammed into the deep fissures.
- Makes it easier to brush and take care of the back teeth as the brush reaches better.
- They are not expensive at all, and will save you a lot of trouble as a preemptive measure.
How they are applied
The application of dental sealants is very simple, quick and totally pain free.
- First and foremost, the tooth surface area to be treated are cleaned and dried. This assures no food or bacteria is left there.
- After this, a special acidic gel is used to rough the surface of the molar. This assures the dental sealant has a way to grip and stay in position.
- The gel is removed after a minute and rinsed off, then tooth is dried again
- After the tooth is rinsed and dried with water, it is ready for the sealant. Once applied on top of the teeth, a blue light is used to make it harden.