Dental sealants are one of the most effective methods for preventing tooth decay on a person’s back teeth. They consist of a thin acrylic coating that is painted over the back teeth to block any harmful bacteria and acids that could otherwise cause serious damage. With the great benefits that they provide for teeth, dental sealants are recommended for young patients, but can also be beneficial for any patients who are believed to be at a high risk for developing cavities or other forms of tooth decay.
Another major benefit of dental sealants is that they smooth out the deep grooves and fissures that are commonly found on one’s back teeth. These locations are where nearly 75 percent of all tooth decay develops. Even when the correct methods of brushing and flossing are used, these areas are difficult to reach, allowing plaque and bacteria to linger and accumulate over time. By applying dental sealants over these areas, we can make them easier to clean and can help to stop harmful build-ups from occurring.
Dental sealants are often provided for children and teens who are still developing the correct methods for brushing and flossing. This will help keep their teeth protected during these growing years. In fact, baby teeth are generally excellent candidates for dental sealants, due to the fact that they feature particularly deep grooves and fissures.
Applying dental sealants is a quick and easy process that can almost always be completed in just one visit to our practice. Usually, the entire procedure only requires a couple of minutes per tooth. We start by thoroughly cleaning any tooth that is designated for sealing, removing any unwanted build-ups that may be present. Once the teeth are clean, we will use an etching solution to roughen their outer surfaces so that the sealant material will be able to bond more easily. The acrylic sealant coating will be carefully painted onto the teeth, sealing off any deep grooves and fissures that exist on their surfaces. With proper maintenance, dental sealants should remain intact for up to ten years.
If you would like to learn more about dental sealants and how they can protect your teeth from damage, please call us at (201) 338-5138 to schedule an appointment.
