Dental Sealants: Procedure, Benefits, and Aftercare
What are Dental Sealants?
They are types of dental fillings that restore teeth’ surfaces. Dental sealants are unique from other dental fillings because they prevent dental cavities from forming on teeth instead of treating them. Ideally, you get sealants for teeth before you incur oral cavities that need restoration. With dental sealants as a preventive dental protocol, you can spare your natural teeth the turmoil of toothaches, swellings, and severe sensitivity.
Another unique feature of dental sealants is that they are suitable for protecting the back teeth only. Therefore, you can only get tooth sealants for molars and premolars. The reason is that these dental restorations fill the fissures of the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent dental decay.
What Does a Dental Sealant Procedure entail?
When you visit our dentist near you for dental sealants, do not expect to be stuck in the dental office for a long time. Dental sealants entail a quick and simple procedure that is rather painless. The dentist first roughens the chewing surfaces of the target teeth. This roughening is essential to promote adherence. Afterward, (s)he will apply the sealant material, painting it over the fissures of your back teeth. The dentist will then use a laser to harden the sealant, making it bond well with your natural tooth.
Are Dental Sealants Painful?
You should not experience any pain in your mouth during the dental sealant procedure. Special cases like when you have initial tooth sensitivity before your procedure could be the reason you feel some discomfort during the treatment. In such cases, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your mouth before getting started.
What are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?
If you have never considered getting dental sealants yet, you have yet to grasp its incredible benefits to your oral health. They include the following:
- Improves Oral Hygiene – the fissures of molars and premolars can make it hard to clean your teeth well. Dental sealants even out the surfaces, ensuring you can clean your teeth well without compromising your ability to chew and break down food.
- Fights Dental Cavities – oral sealants create an extra layer on the chewing surfaces of your teeth, preventing plaque and bacteria from direct contact with your teeth. Since molars and premolars are the most susceptible teeth to dental caries, your risk of suffering dental decay significantly reduces.
- Strengthens Teeth – some types of dental sealants we administer at American Modern Dental contain fluoride, releasing it on teeth gradually throughout having them. Fluoride is a natural mineral praised for strengthening teeth by increasing their ability to absorb minerals. Besides, fluoride doubles dental sealants’ abilities to fight against bacteria that cause dental caries.
- Prevents Future Restorative Expenses – without dental sealants at our dental clinic in Houston, you may need other treatments in the future to repair and restore your teeth. Unfortunately, many people have lost their teeth prematurely because they did not consider the benefits of preventive dental care early.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Long?
Dental sealants cannot protect your teeth forever. Typically, they last between 5 and 7 years. Some patients might need retreatment earlier than five years, while others can keep their sealants for longer than seven years.
Aftercare Tips to Get the Most Out of your Dental Sealants
Like with any other dental restoration, how you care for your teeth after treatment affects the longevity of your dental sealants. Some practical tips to help you preserve your teeth and the oral sealants for a long time are:
- Brush Your Teeth Daily – just because they have a protective sealant does not mean they do not need cleaning. Besides, floss every day to remove plaque and food residues between your teeth.
- Avoid Hard Foods – tough-to-chew foods will exert excess pressure on your teeth, causing your sealant material to crack or break.
- Regular Dental Visits – have a dentist examine your oral cavity at least twice annually. Dental visits ensure that your oral health is always in an excellent state.
- Avoid Sugary and Sticky Foods – they can get stuck on your teeth or dislodge the sealant material.
Visit Your Nearby Dental Clinic
Are you in search of dental sealants in Houston, TX? Call us or book an appointment with American Modern Dental today!