The Importance of Dental Sealants
Dental hygiene, like brushing and flossing, is an important skill to master early in life. While there are plenty of ways to make it enjoyable and feel less like a chore each morning and night, children may not get the complete hang of keeping their mouths as healthy as they can be before cavities start to appear.
In an effort to help prevent cavities, some Reno dentists offer dental sealants in addition to regular brushing. To understand if you should get dental sealants, it is helpful to first answer, “what is a dental sealant?”
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants, also referred to as teeth sealants, are a thin coating made of plastic that is placed on the top or bottom of the teeth where chewing occurs. In most cases, dentists use teeth sealants on premolars and molars to help reduce the potential for tooth decay. Teeth sealants block out plaque as well as food from a protective thin shield applied to the tooth.
When and How are Dental Sealants Applied?
Dentists use dental sealants as a cavity prevention technique for children and teenagers. However, at times Reno dentists will offer dental sealants for adults who do not have decay or multiple fillings.
For children and teenagers, dentists apply sealants on permanent molars and premolars shortly after the teeth come in. A dentist will apply a teeth sealants based on the potential to prevent cavities.
In some cases, dentists may prescribe sealants for baby teeth, but dentists will need to reapply the sealants more frequently. Your dentist will apply dental sealants in a similar manner, regardless of your age. Your dentist beings the procedure by providing a thorough cleaning of the teeth where he will apply the teeth sealants. Next follows a process of complete drying.
Your dentist will pack a cotton ball around the treated tooth to keep it free from moisture during the application.
Then, your dentist will place an acid solution on the chewing surface of each tooth. The acid solution will create the roughness necessary for the sealant to bond with the tooth. Your dentist will repeat the process of rinsing and drying. Then, they will paint the sealant carefully on to each treated tooth.
Your dentist may use a specialized light to expedite the hardening process to the sealant.
How to Prevent Cavities with Dental Sealants
Because your toothbrush isn’t designed to get into the deeper grooves present on the chewing surface of your teeth, you may find a tooth sealant to be helpful in cavity prevention. For children and adults, dental sealants last up to ten years. Don’t forget to have your sealants checked during regular exams with your Reno dentist.
From their long-lasting nature, dental sealants have the potential to keep children’s teeth healthy and cavity-free during the most important years of dental hygiene.
Adults who are candidates for teeth sealants also benefit from the simple procedure. Adults with sealants can remain without the occurrence of cavities for an extended period of time.
If you are wondering how sealants may be beneficial to you or your child, contact our office today to schedule your next dental check-up. Our experienced team can provide all the information you need. Contact Reno Dental Associates today.
