Brushing and flossing cleans the majority of their front teeth’ surfaces. Getting to the nooks in the back molars and premolars, on the other hand, is practically impossible for small, inexperienced hands. Those small crevices in your children’s teeth are important for trapping food and bacteria, which can lead to cavities.
What Are Sealants?
Sealants are a non-invasive, preventive tooth decay therapy that protects teeth and maintains them healthy as they age and strengthen, and we can include them in your child’s dental plan. Dental sealants are resin-based coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is painted on the teeth and seals the nooks and crevices to keep food and other plaque-producing materials from creating cavities.
The Procedure
The technique for putting sealants at Sandwich Dental Associates is straightforward, painless, and only requires one visit. First, the decay on your teeth will be removed, followed by a thorough cleaning and drying. Second, the chewed surface is painted with the sealing substance. It will adhere to the tooth on its own, but a special light may be utilized to speed up the process and aid in the hardening of the sealant in a couple of minutes.
FAQ
Are sealants only for children?
Though pediatric dentists most often use dental sealants as a protective tooth-decay treatment for children, they are also perfect for adults who don’t have cavities or fillings in their molars. Talk to your Cape Cod dental professional about adding them to your existing dental plan.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants are incredibly strong and can withstand the force of chewing. They have been found to reduce the rate of decay by over 70%, and they last over a decade.
Do I still need to brush and floss twice a day with sealants?
Sealants only protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from cavities. Brushing and flossing regularly is the only way to make sure all of your teeth, as well as your overall oral health, stay in excellent condition.
The team at Sandwich Dental Associates is happy to answer any of your questions about fillings. Call 508.888.4400 to learn more or to set up an appointment.