Preventative dentistry extends beyond brushing and flossing your teeth. These services protect your teeth and gums from oral health conditions such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. One of the most popular options among them is dental sealants.
Dental sealants are a smooth plastic coating applied to the teeth to protect them from bacteria that could lead to tooth decay. Smile Source Atlanta East provides sealants to children, teens, and adults in Stone Mountain, GA, who want to take the extra steps to protect their teeth.
If you’re interested in dental sealants, keep reading to learn more about how they work, how long they last, and more.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
When you opt for dental sealants, your dentist will begin by cleaning your teeth and ensuring there is no debris stuck in the teeth. Then, an etching solution is applied to the targeted teeth, creating a rougher texture for the sealants to bond to.
Next, the teeth are cleaned and dried, and the sealants are applied with a brush. Dental sealants are generally most beneficial on the chewing surfaces of your teeth, especially premolars and molars. Then, a special light cures the material, hardening it into place.
Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth rather than all sides because this area comes into contact with food directly. In addition, it can be difficult for people to get into the cracks and crevices in this area. This makes them susceptible to bad bacteria and decay. The sealants create a barrier between the tooth and any food you eat, preventing bacteria from reaching the tooth’s surface.
Are Dental Sealants Uncomfortable?
While the idea of plastic on your teeth may sound odd at first, sealants are composed of a unique type of plastic that goes on incredibly thin and does not impact a patient’s comfort level.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last up to five years, after which you can have them reapplied to continue to protect your teeth.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Dental sealants benefit children struggling to maintain oral hygiene or still learning proper brushing techniques. However, we also encourage our teen and adult patients to take advantage of this service to continue to protect the health of their teeth.
Schedule a dental sealant application or other preventative dentistry service in Stone Mountain, GA, at 678-515-4200.
