Dental Sealants Are a Safe and Effective Way to Prevent Cavities
A dental sealant is a plastic coating that can be placed on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These coatings protect the grooves and pits on these chewing surfaces from food, plaque and bacteria.
They are also helpful for preventing cavities and reducing your risk of needing invasive dental treatments in the future, such as fillings and crowns.
Sealants Are Easy to Maintain
While they provide an additional layer of protection against tooth decay, you still need to practice good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly for dental exams and cleanings. If your sealants start to chip or wear away, it’s important to get them redone by your dentist as soon as possible.
You can expect your dental sealants to last for about five years. However, if they become worn and chipped, your dentist may recommend replacing them with new sealants that can offer better protection.
If you think your child might benefit from sealants, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
Your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth thoroughly and dry them before applying a sealant. They’ll then paint the sealant material on your tooth’s chewing surface and shine a curing light to harden it.
The process of sealing your teeth is quick and painless, but it can take some time to get used to the extra layer that covers your teeth. You’ll probably have some sensitivity after the procedure, but that should go away after 24 hours.