Dental Sealants
Richmond, VA
 Dental sealants act as a protective barrier for the back teeth, usually the molars and premolars. They are a clear or thin white plastic coating applied on the chewing surface of the molars and premolars. The main purpose of this dental treatment is to prevent future tooth decay. Do you want to have long-lasting teeth protection? At Riverwind Dental, we are concerned about oral health. That’s why we provide the best dental sealants for people of all ages.
Why Should You Consider Dental Sealants?
While flossing and brushing help remove food particles and plaque, they are ineffective in cleaning the grooves between the back teeth. Over time, the food particles in the grooves of your teeth will build up and become a food source for bacteria. This weakens the tooth enamel, which can eventually cause tooth decay. Dental sealants prevent this by covering the tooth enamel. With this, food bacteria will not get into the grooves, and there will be no weakening of the teeth.
Dental sealants can be a good idea if you have a vitamin deficiency or other health conditions. Some health-related issues lead to weakened enamel, making you susceptible to tooth decay. Luckily, dental sealants will protect your teeth from bacteria that can harm your weakened enamel. This will prevent tooth decay, which will also save you money and time needed for repairs such as tooth extractions, dental crowns, dental implants, and dental fillings.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants can be a good solution if you have permanent premolars and molars. Mostly, they are applied to children's teeth. Children who have just received their permanent teeth are the best candidates for dental sealants. This is because children between the ages of six to 14 are still learning how to take good care of their teeth. Thus, they are more susceptible to tooth decay. In this case, protecting their teeth before any decay develops is vital.
Adults can also benefit from dental sealants. For instance, if you have deep grooves on your teeth, you may need to consider dental sealants. Deep grooves are perfect places for bacteria to build up. Besides, cleaning the depressions and grooves can be challenging. Dental sealants will fill up the grooves, creating a smooth surface.
You are also a good candidate for dental sealants if you have a family history of tooth decay or your lifestyle promotes dental issues. For instance, if you smoke or most of your diet contains sugar and carbohydrates, you may be at a high risk of having dental issues such as tooth decay. Our dentists will help to determine if you are a good candidate for dental sealants.
Is the Procedure for Dental Sealants Painful?
If you are considering dental sealants, you are taking a positive approach toward protecting hard-to-reach teeth. This dental treatment procedure is painless. The process does not require numbing, drilling, or scraping. Our dentists start by cleaning the teeth to ensure no bacteria or food particles are trapped in the crevices. Any plaque or food in the teeth can hinder the success of dental sealants. It can also cause tooth decay.
A special gel is then applied to your teeth to roughen the chewing surfaces and make the sealants bond better. After the gel dries, the dentist will apply a dental sealant, a thick liquid plastic that covers the grooves. The sealant will harden as it bonds to the tooth. In most cases, the dentist may use a special light to harden the sealant. The entire procedure can take 10-50 minutes, depending on the number of teeth you want to be sealed.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants are designed to last several years. With proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. Dental sealants will hold up well with normal biting and chewing. If you want to extend the life of your dental sealants, proper care and maintenance should be your priority. Also, you should embrace regular dental visits. During the appointments, the dentist will check the condition of the dental sealants and reapply them if necessary.
Aftercare for Dental Sealants
Dental sealants do not require special treatment after the application. All you need to keep them in good condition is to practice proper dental hygiene. This may include brushing and flossing at least twice a day. You may also need to see the dentist every six months to check for any imperfections. Issues such as cracks may appear in the dental sealant. A crack requires immediate attention since it can allow bacteria to get into your teeth and cause damage. In this case, regular dental visits are vital. The dentist will repair or replace the dental sealants as needed.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants provide a painless way to protect your teeth from tooth decay. One benefit of dental sealants is that they enhance oral care routines. As you are aware, you may not be able to brush and floss appropriately into the crevices of your back teeth. Dental sealants prevent food particles and harmful bacteria from entering the cracks or crevices. Another benefit of dental sealants is that they can save you money. Dental sealants are more cost-effective than other dental restorations. Most dental insurance companies cover dental sealants. This dental treatment also eliminates the need for repairs such as root canal and dental implants. Dental sealants are white and clear; people will not even notice you have them.
Dental sealants add support to your oral care routine. This dental treatment is vital, especially for children, who are still learning how to properly implement good oral hygiene. You can also benefit from dental sealants because they fill up the grooves of the back teeth, which are hard to clean. This will inhibit plaque buildup, thus preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
To find out whether you are an ideal candidate for dental sealants, reach out to us at (804) 280-0853 or visit our office at Riverwind Dental.
|
