Preventive Dentistry: How Dental Sealants Protect Decay-prone Teeth
Dental sealants are one great defense against rampant cavities and tooth decay. Teeth sealants are thin, colorless coatings applied on the chewing surfaces of teeth to keep out decay-causing bacteria. When combined with optimal oral hygiene, dental sealants are excellent in protecting teeth against decay.
Would you like to incorporate dental sealants into your dental care? If you are in Trenton, Michigan, and its environs, please schedule an appointment with JSP Dental. We offer dental sealants and other preventive dentistry options to maintain your healthy smile.
Why you may need dental sealants
Even though you conscientiously brush and floss your teeth, reaching every nook and cranny of your teeth is practically impossible. The biting surfaces of posterior teeth — molars and premolars — have tiny grooves where bacteria conveniently feed and multiply, causing decay.
Dental sealants add a protective barrier between the teeth chewing surfaces and decay-causing bacteria. The smooth surface makes it difficult for harmful bacteria to cling on. Dental sealants also eliminate the tiny pits and fissures to make your teeth easy to clean.
How dental sealants are applied
Applying dental sealant is a quick procedure because no enamel alteration is required. Before your treatment, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove all traces of bacteria and food debris. After cleaning, we’ll dry your teeth and apply an acidic gel to create a strong bonding surface.
We’ll dry your teeth once more before painting the dental sealant on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. We will cover all the pits and fissures and then harden the material with a curing light to create a permanent seal. Dental sealants can last up to five years with proper maintenance.
Sealants are appropriate for all ages
Contrary to popular belief, dental sealants aren’t just for children — patients of all ages, including adults, can benefit from sealants. Although children are at high risk of cavities (thanks to love for sugary treats and inadequate oral hygiene), adults with teeth riddled with tiny grooves can turn to dental sealants for protection.
Benefits of dental sealants
Dental sealants offer many benefits, including:
- They are effective in preventing tooth decay
- Faster treatment
- The procedure is painless and doesn’t require anesthesia
- Long-lasting treatment
- Undetectable results
- Dental sealants can save you money
- They are suitable for patients of all ages
- As a bonus, dental sealants protect sensitive teeth
Provided you continue the good oral habits of brushing and flossing, dental sealants effectively keep your smile decay-free. If you or your loved one are prone to cavities and tooth decay, please dial (734) 676-1333 to schedule an appointment with JSP Dental for natural-looking dental sealants.
