How Dental Sealants Can Prevent Cavities and Save Your Smile?

How Dental Sealants Can Prevent Cavities and Save Your Smile?

Jun 01, 2024

Maintaining excellent dental wellbeing is crucial for a bright and confident smile. Dental sealants are one key player in cavity prevention. In this informative blog, we’ll explore the world of dental sealants in Burlington, ON, and how they help to keep your smile healthy and cavity-free.

What are dental sealants, and how do they work?

Dental sealants are protective coatings made of plastic resin. They’re used on the chewing surfaces of teeth, mainly on molars and premolars. They help prevent cavities by blocking bacteria and food particles. Applying sealants takes little time and no pain.

The dentist begins by washing and patting down the teeth. Then, they paint the sealant onto the tooth’s surface, where it bonds and hardens. In doing so, a barrier that aids in tooth protection is created.

Benefits of dental sealants in preventing cavities:

  • Adequate Protection: Tooth sealants provide a highly effective barrier against cavity-causing bacteria and food particles, particularly in the grooves and fissures of molars and premolars.
  • Reduced Risk of Decay: Sealants are an important preventive measure for preserving oral health because studies have shown that they can lower the risk of cavities by up to 80% in the first two years after application.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: By lowering your need for pricey dental procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals, dental sealants can help you save money over time.
  • Suitable for All Ages: Though commonly applied to children and teenagers, dental sealants are also beneficial for adults with deep grooves or fissures in their teeth, offering protection against decay regardless of age.

Who can benefit from dental sealants?

  • Children and Teenagers: Dental sealants are highly recommended for both children and teenagers when their permanent molars erupt, typically around 6 and 12. This early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of cavities during their formative years.
  • Adults: Adults with deep grooves or fissures in their teeth can also benefit from dental sealants. Even if you’ve never had a cavity before, sealants can provide an added protection layer to fight decay, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Individuals at Higher Risk: People with a history of dental decay, poor oral hygiene habits, or certain medical conditions that increase their susceptibility to cavities may benefit from dental sealants as a preventive measure.

How are dental sealants applied?

  • Preparation: To guarantee the best possible sealant material adhesion, the teeth that need to be sealed are carefully cleaned and allowed to dry.
  • Application: A special gel is applied to the teeth to roughen the surface slightly, helping the sealant bond securely. The sealant material is then put onto the chewing layers of the teeth and allowed to flow into the grooves and fissures.
  • Curing: A curing light may harden the sealant and ensure it forms a strong, durable bond with the tooth surface.
  • Final Evaluation: The Burlington dentist will check the sealants to ensure they have been appropriately applied and that no gaps or imperfections could compromise their effectiveness.

Do dental sealants hurt?

  • Minimal Discomfort: Applying dental sealants is typically painless and does not require anesthesia. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort, such as pressure or a mild taste, during the procedure.
  • No Drilling or Needles: Unlike some dental treatments involving drilling or injections, dental sealants require no invasive procedures, making them a comfortable option for patients of all ages.
  • Quick Recovery: Any discomfort or sensitivity experienced after the sealant application is usually mild and temporary, resolving quickly as the sealant sets and forms a protective barrier on the teeth.

Ready to Seal the Deal on a Healthy Smile? Book Your Appointment Now

Take the initiative towards a cavity-free smile by scheduling an appointment with Harbour View Dental, your trusted dental clinic in Burlington. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing top-quality dental care in a highly comfortable and friendly environment. Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in your oral health today!

Conclusion:

In the fight off cavities, dental sealants are an invaluable weapon. They help stop decay and keep your smile looking great for years by creating a barrier of defense on the teeth. Dental sealants help lower your risk of cavities and the need for more involved dental procedures, whether you’re a child, adolescent, or adult. Schedule regular check-ups with Burlington Dental Clinic to ensure optimal oral health.

905-681-6588 Book Appointment
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