Your dentist might recommend dental sealant if some of your teeth are vulnerable to decay. These restorations serve as a barrier that keeps food particles, bacteria, and acids out of the grooves of their biting surfaces.
Oral bacteria feed on the sugars in food particles stuck on teeth after meals, and they excrete acids that cause tooth decay. These acids eat away at the structures of teeth.
Dental sealants are varnish-like materials that are painted on teeth surfaces. They are made from composite resins like those used for dental bonding, but it comes in liquid form, allowing it to seep into the grooves of teeth. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the sealant hardens up, forming a barrier that protects teeth from decay for up to five years.
Tooth decay is one of the most common issues dentists deal with. Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day is an effective way to protect teeth against decay, but some teeth are easier to clean than others. For example, the molars in the back of the mouth are often the hardest to clean, and children, in particular, struggle with cleaning them.
That allows food particles to stick to them for longer periods, giving oral bacteria the fuel they need to make acids that damage teeth. A dental sealant closes up the grooves of a tooth’s biting surface, preventing food particles and bacteria from making contact with them. It also evens out the tooth’s biting surface, making it easier to clean.
Applying dental sealants is a non-invasive process that does not cause the patient any pain. It often starts with the dentist examining the patient to determine if the teeth being treated have existing decay. Any issues detected are usually addressed before proceeding with sealants.
Here is what the procedure looks like:
Covering teeth with dental sealants gives them a protective shield that prevents debris, bacteria, and acids from getting into their pits and grooves. The sealant protects the patient’s teeth 24/7 for up to five years.
Dental sealants are not a replacement for good oral hygiene. Patients still need to protect their teeth by brushing and flossing regularly.
Dental sealants protect your teeth from decay, sparing you the pain and discomfort that often comes with decayed teeth. Give us a call or visit our Santa Rosa clinic to learn more about dental sealants.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kennethbauerdds.com or call Kenneth J Bauer DDS & Daniel K Bauer DMD - Kenneth J Bauer DDS, A Professional Corporation at (707) 691-5250 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Santa Rosa, CA.
Dental sealants are an effective preventive treatment against tooth decay that are commonly associated with children and young adults. But what about adults? Continue reading to learn about dental sealants for adults and the purpose the treatment serves.Tooth decay and gum disease are the major causes of tooth loss in adults. The two conditions are…
Dental sealants are a great protective option for patients of all ages. Family dentists typically administer them to children as a way to prevent tooth decay, but adults can also benefit from these preventive measures. This simple procedure can be done in less than an hour, and the results tend to last for a few…
For extra protection against tooth cavities, dental sealants are an ideal option to consider. Dental cavities are one of the most common dental issues that affect both adults and children. Sometimes, brushing and flossing are not enough to protect the teeth from decay. Regular checkups are also important; during one of these appointments, the dentist…
Using preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy may be difficult at times. It feels better and costs less to practice prevention rather than get the cure. Many dental treatments for saving teeth are expensive and labor-intensive. Doing your part in preserving your teeth can also save your general health. If you want…
Dentists generally recommend dental implants as a natural choice for replacing missing teeth. If you play sports regularly, especially contact sports, you may be worried about continued participation after having your lost teeth replaced. This article covers what you need to know about playing sports with dental implants.Every sport has required skills, levels of fitness…
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and undesirable results. Instead, it is best to visit a licensed dentist for teeth whitening treatment. They can ensure the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening treatment. While it may be tempting to try and save a few dollars on a store-bought whitening kit, it is…