everything you need to know about dental sealants

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth which are used to help prevent tooth decay. The pits and fissures in teeth are often subjected to tooth decay since they are more prone to have food and other decaying material stuck in them. Receiving Dental Sealants In Davie are mostly placed on the teeth of small children right after their adult teeth come in.

Who needs to have Dental Sealants?

Dental Sealants are preventive measures, meaning that anybody who is prone to tooth decay can have them done before they have to endure a more serious procedure, such as root canal treatment, in order to treat a decayed tooth. They are often used on children since it takes them some time to learn proper oral hygiene and care. However, it can be done on anybody at any age in order to give an extra protective layer to the teeth.

When to Use Sealants?

A sealant is applied to healthy teeth before any decaying or damage occurs.  It is similar to using a more permanent fluoride layer around the grooved parts of the teeth to prevent any chance of bacteria attacking the teeth and causing decay. Receiving dental sealant treatment starts with a thorough cleaning of the teeth. After this step, the sealant is applied to fill out any pits and fissures of teeth, preventing them from having any pieces of food stuck in them while chewing food.

How are Dental Sealants Applied?

The application of a dental sealant depends on the material used and also the technique that different Miami dental clinics use on their patients. Normally, it is applied to quadrants of teeth, after cleaning each tooth thoroughly. Specific dental tools will be used to gain better access to all the teeth and a rubber dam will be used to keep saliva from contaminating the materials used. The entire procedure is painless and quick.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

The lifespan of dental sealants is usually around 5-10 years, depending on the oral care habits of each individual. Once applied, the sealants face regular frictions due to chewing and naturally wear off with time. In order to get maximum longevity, regular dental visits are recommended.

How Do You Take Care of Dental Sealants?

Using a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean your teeth ensures that your dental sealants are not damaged and last as long as possible. After brushing and flossing, using a good mouth wash to ensure that all the loosened food particles are cleaned away is also a good habit to adopt, especially with dental sealants. Although dental sealants give extra layer protection, it is important to pay close attention to the way you clean your teeth, as any lingering bacteria can lead to gum disease.

When Should My Child Get Dental Sealants?

Getting your child dental sealants at a Miami dental clinic can dramatically impact your child’s oral health. Not only does it protect their teeth, but it will positively affect their oral hygiene well into adulthood. Regardless of how hard parents try to in still good oral habits on children, it may take some time for them to fully learn how to care for their teeth.  Getting dental sealants helps keep their adult teeth protected until they learn to clean their teeth properly. You can take your child to a Davie dentist to receive dental sealants when they first get their adult molar teeth.

Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants?

Preventing and reducing cavities is the biggest intended result by getting dental sealants. The process of applying dental sealants is far more affordable and painless than getting a root canal treatment after the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. You cannot apply dental sealants to teeth that are already damaged. Therefore, it is important to visit your Miami dentist for regular check-ups to ensure your teeth are in good health and to add an additional layer of protection, if necessary, by applying dental sealants to your teeth.

Skip to content