What Are Dental Sealants?

What Are Dental Sealants?

August 1, 2022

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that goes on the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect them from cavities. These coatings can cover the pits and fissures of the molars.

Dental sealants are a good option for kids and adults alike because they’re quick, painless, and effective at preventing cavities from forming in those hard-to-reach areas.

Where Can I Get Dental Sealants Near You?

You can get dental sealants at a dental office near you. If a dentist decides that you’re a great candidate for sealants, he will first clean your teeth. This helps remove plaque from the surface of your teeth so that the sealant can stick better and prevents it from being stained by other foods or drinks you may consume.

Next, your dentist will apply the dental sealant in liquid form to the chewing surfaces of each tooth (the sides facing into your mouth). The liquid is then light-cured, which uses intense ultraviolet light to harden it into place.

After curing, he’ll carefully examine the teeth to ensure there aren’t any gaps or spaces where bacteria could grow underneath the sealant and cause decay later down the road. If everything looks good, he’ll smooth out any rough patches using an abrasive polisher before shining up all of your newly protected teeth!

Why Do You Need Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your child’s teeth from decay. In addition, dental sealants in New York can also be used for adults with high-risk factors for tooth decay or cavities. Sealants can last up to 10 years and won’t interfere with how your teeth look or feel.

Who Can Use Dental Sealants?

Sealants protect the grooves between your teeth and prevent plaque from forming. If you have these areas filled with bacteria, it could lead to cavities forming along the gum line. This is why we recommend sealant application to patients of all ages (including adults) who want permanent protection against decay on their back teeth and other hard-to-reach places where plaque builds up over time.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Sealants last up to 10 years but must be checked regularly and sometimes reapplied.

Talk with your dentist about how often you should come in for checkups if you have sealants on your teeth. They may need to be removed and replaced every few years because things can change in the mouth over time—for example, enamel wears away, or plaque builds up around the sealant.

Some dentists recommend replacing sealants every 3-5 years, while others say it’s never necessary unless there’s visible chipping or loss of the material itself. If it happens, schedule an appointment with your dentist so he can redo it quickly and easily before it gets worse!

How Can You Take Care of Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants can wear away because of the constant chewing and biting and thus may need a replacement.

Clean your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. This will remove plaque that could lead to gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, you should visit a pediatric dentist on Upper East Side so they can examine the sealant for signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.

What are the Preventive Dental Procedures?

Preventive dental procedures are those that are taken to prevent the development of caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems.

Preventive dental procedures include:

  • Fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in water and soil. It helps strengthen tooth enamel against decay by making it more difficult for bacteria to produce acids that can dissolve tooth enamel.
  • Oral hygiene instructions include advice on how often one should brush teeth and what kind of toothpaste one should use.
  • Professional dental cleaning. Professional dental cleaning is more thorough than regular tooth brushing. It removes plaque and tartar that can’t be removed by tooth brushing alone. Professional dental cleanings are usually performed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Smile Up Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for more information about dental sealants.

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