Sealants: What Are They and How Do They Help?

Brushing, flossing, and regular visits are the dental care basics we’re taught. But there’s one simple, painless procedure that can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. If you’re looking for an effective way to prevent cavities for you or your kids, dental sealants are a great option. Let’s explore how these protective coatings work and who should consider them.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin, plastic-like coating painted on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These back teeth have tiny grooves and pits that can be difficult to clean, making them prime areas for food particles and bacteria to accumulate and cause decay. A sealant flows into these grooves, creating a smooth barrier that seals them off from these attacking elements. It acts like an invisible shield.

How Do Dental Sealants Protect?

Dental sealants in Chippewa Falls help protect children and young adults from cavity-causing bacteria and food particles, but adults can benefit too. Here are some of the ways dental sealants work their magic. 

• Preventing Cavities: The primary purpose of dental sealants is to help prevent cavities by sealing the grooves on the chewing surface of a tooth, blocking out bacteria and food debris, which are the two main causes of cavities. 
• Longevity: Dental sealants can protect your teeth for several years after application. After application, dental sealants should be evaluated periodically during routine dental visits to ensure their integrity. 
• Cost Effectiveness: Preventing a cavity with a dental sealant is much more cost-effective than treating a cavity. 
• Simple Application Process: Dental sealant application is quick and painless. The typical process consists of cleaning the teeth, applying an etching gel to prepare the surface, and finally applying the sealant. Upon completion of the sealant application, the sealant is cured using a curing light. 
• Protect Your Teeth: Dental sealants also help protect tooth structure by preventing cavities and the need for dental fillings or crowns.

Video source: American Dental Association (ADA) YouTube channel

Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?

Anyone can use dental sealants, but they’re most effective for:

• Children and teens: It can be challenging for younger individuals to reach all the surfaces of their molars and premolars.
• Adults: Even if you brush thoroughly, you may benefit from added protection in grooves susceptible to decay, especially if you already have fillings.
• People with deep grooves: Naturally deep pits and fissures in your chewing surfaces can create prime locations for food to get trapped, leading to cavities.

Your dentist can determine whether dental sealants are the right fit for your oral health needs or your child’s. Ask them about sealing as a preventive measure during your next dental visit in Chippewa Falls.

What Is The Application Procedure Of Dental Sealants?

Dental sealant application is simple and doesn’t require an anesthesia. Here’s a brief overview of your dental appointment, including the application of a sealant.

• Cleaning of the teeth: Firstly, the dentist will clean and dry the tooth surfaces to remove any plaque or food particles.
• Prepare the surface: A gel is then applied to the teeth. The gel helps the sealant to stick better.
• Applying the sealant: The sealant is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth, and a light is applied to cure the material within seconds.
• Checking the seal: Finally, the seal will be checked to see if it sets properly, and if any spot is missed, the sealant application will be repeated.

The total process takes roughly 20-30 minutes to complete the sealing of all the teeth.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants are effective for 5 to 10 years, depending on their maintenance. Routine checkups will help detect any maintenance needs, wear, or cracks in the sealants. If the sealants crack, they can be easily reapplied.

Are Dental Sealants Safe?

Dental sealants in Chippewa Falls are completely safe, and the materials used for them are FDA-approved and have been used in dentistry for many years. It is totally non-toxic, and the sealant remains well retained in place on the teeth.

Conclusion: A Shield Of Protection Through Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a safe and efficient way to prevent dental caries (cavities) in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Whether you’re getting it done for your kids or for yourself, it provides long-lasting protective coverage that helps you avoid future, more extensive treatments. At Willow Street Dental, we believe in giving you what is best for your dental health, and if you are in the Chippewa Falls area, then dental sealants can be an ideal choice to safeguard your teeth. Please contact us to set up your dental appointment today.

Do You Want Your Teeth Protected?

If you wish to get dental sealants in Chippewa Falls, our expert team at Willow Street Dental is always ready to help you protect your teeth in the best possible way for many years. 

Call us to schedule an appointment and take another step toward a brighter, healthier smile.

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