While brushing and flossing daily is still the best way to keep your teeth clean, it does not guarantee that you reach every area in your mouth or prevent cavities. Dental sealants provide an additional layer of protection as a reinforcement to daily brushing. They can keep cavities from forming and may even prevent the early stages of tooth decay.
If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants, visit us at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village. Our dentists can perform a quick oral exam and assess the condition of your molars and back teeth. Then, they’ll make a recommendation on whether sealants are the right choice for you. If you have any further questions, please contact Lovett Dental Piney Point Village today at 832-242-2030.
Understanding Protective Dentistry
Preventative or protective dentistry is the practice of taking care of your teeth to keep them strong and healthy. Preventive dentistry can prevent a wide range of oral health issues such as enamel wear, gum disease, or cavities. Some common types of protective dentistry may include:
When you address problems before they arise, your teeth will retain their beautiful shine and last longer. Sealants are a form of protective dentistry that shield the areas of your teeth that are most vulnerable to problems.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are a thin coating placed on the back teeth or molars to prevent tooth decay. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces by providing a protective shield that prohibits food and germs from getting to the tooth.
They can protect against most potential cavities for up to two years and other potential cavities for up to four years. Keep in mind that dentists use sealants to prevent cavities. Suppose you believe that you already have a cavity. In that case, you may want to schedule an oral exam to determine what other dentistry services are available.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Applying a sealant is an easy process. First, your dentist performs an oral exam and teeth cleaning to the area you want them to use the sealant.
Next, your dentist dries each tooth and applies absorbent material to keep the tooth dry. From there, an acid solution is added to each tooth to create a rough surface. This action allows the sealant to stick to the tooth.
Once the surface is gritty, the dentist rinses the solution off and dries each tooth again. The dentist will then paint the sealant onto the enamel, forming a bond directly to the tooth. The dentist gives the sealant time to harden. They may use a curing light to speed up the process and ensure proper hardening.
Are You a Candidate for Sealants?
Virtually anyone is a candidate for sealants, including children, teenagers, and adults. Tooth decay can develop in the grooves and depression of the molars and premolars. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, you may miss critical areas where food and bacteria buildup.
Sealants are especially ideal for toddlers whose teeth are coming in. If you apply more protection for your child in the early years, their teeth are more likely to develop as they should. As a result, you are a candidate for sealants if your teeth are in good condition, and you want to keep them that way.
Learn More About Dental Sealants at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village
At Lovett Dental Piney Point Village, we are committed to providing quality dental care regardless of the condition of your teeth or your current needs. In addition to dental sealants, we also offer a variety of services, including:
To find out more about our dental services, including dental sealants, contact us today at 832-242-2030. Schedule an oral exam with one of our dental specialists.
