Dental Sealants: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Teeth
Are you tired of dealing with tooth decay and cavities? Legacy Dental and Moses Lake Preventive dentist, Dr. Briel Loiseau has a solution for you — dental sealants. This easy, painless treatment can help prevent tooth decay and protect your teeth. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dental sealants and how they can benefit your oral health.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants also called tooth sealants, are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth to prevent decay. They’re typically made of a plastic material and can be clear, white, or tooth-colored. Sealants fill in the deep grooves and pits on the surface of your teeth, which are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. By creating a smooth, protective barrier, sealants can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.
How do Dental Sealants Work?
Dental sealants work by sealing the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of your teeth, where bacteria can easily collect and cause decay. After your Moses Lake dentist cleans and dries your teeth, he’ll apply a special gel to the surface of the tooth to help the sealant bond to the tooth. Dr. Loiseu then paints the sealant onto the tooth and hardens it with a special light. Once the sealant is in place, it provides a protective barrier against bacteria and acids.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Protect Against Tooth Decay
Dental sealants provide an effective barrier against tooth decay by sealing the deep grooves and pits on the surface of your teeth. This prevents bacteria and food particles from getting stuck in those hard-to-reach areas and causing cavities.
Easy and Painless Procedure
Getting sealants is a quick and painless procedure that can be done in one visit to Legacy Dental in Moses Lake, WA. There’s no need for anesthesia or drilling, and the process only takes a few minutes per tooth.
Cost-Effective Prevention
Dental sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent cavities and decay. They’re less expensive than getting a filling or other restorative dental work and can save you money by preventing future dental problems.
Long-Lasting Protection
Dental sealants can last for up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. This provides long-lasting protection against decay and cavities, giving you peace of mind and a healthy smile.
Saves Money
Preventing cavities is much less expensive than treating them. By getting sealants, you can avoid costly dental procedures down the line.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are recommended for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent molars come in, which is usually between the ages of six to 12 years. Adults can also benefit from sealants if they have deep grooves and pits on their teeth prone to decay. Sealants are especially helpful for those at a higher risk of developing cavities, such as those with poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, or a history of dental problems.
How are Dental Sealants Applied?
Getting sealants is a quick and painless process that can be done in just one visit to the dentist. Here’s what you can expect:
- Cleaning – The teeth receiving sealants are cleaned and dried thoroughly so the sealant adheres properly.
- Etching – A solution is applied to the tooth to help the sealant adhere better.
- Application – The sealant is applied to the tooth in liquid form and then hardened with a special light.
- Checking – The dentist checks to make sure that the sealant is in the right position and fully hardened.
After the process is finished, you can go about your day as usual. The sealant will protect your teeth from decay for two to ten years and can be reapplied as needed.
How to Care for Dental Sealants
Caring for sealants is easy and requires no special treatment:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to decay.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Try to avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage your sealants. Chewing on ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels can cause your dental sealants to crack or break.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist to ensure your sealants are in good condition and to detect any issues early.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen your teeth and prevent decay. Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth, including areas covered by sealants.
- Consider a Dental Mouthguard: If you participate in sports or other activities that put your teeth at risk, consider using a mouthguard to protect your teeth and sealants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, dental sealants are safe and have been used for decades to prevent cavities and tooth decay. The materials in sealants are non-toxic and biocompatible, which means they won’t harm your teeth or body. Additionally, sealants don’t contain BPA or other harmful chemicals.
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. It’s important to have them checked regularly by a dentist to ensure they’re still in good condition and functioning properly.
No, dental sealants aren’t just for children. They can be a good option for anyone at risk of developing cavities.
Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental sealants, especially for children. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
Call Legacy Dental & Protect Your Teeth From Decay With Sealants!
Sealants are an effective, non-invasive way to protect your teeth from decay. If you live in the Moses Lake, WA area and are looking for a dental practice that offers sealants for your teeth, consider Legacy Dental and our experienced dentist Dr. Briel Loiseau. You can get in touch with Legacy Dental by calling (509) 765-1748. You can also click the button below to schedule your appointment and we’ll get back to you shortly.
By taking care of your sealants and visiting your dentist regularly, you can ensure your smile stays healthy for years to come. Legacy Dental is here to serve new and returning patients from Moses Lake and surrounding areas such as Ephrata, Mitchell, and Winchester, WA.