A preventive dental procedure called dental sealant can help in preventing tooth decay. Although this treatment is usually advised for children, it can also benefit adults. Western Piedmont Dental provides complete dental care including dental sealants in Rutherford College.
It’s normal to be curious about what to expect during the procedure if you’re considering getting dental sealants. In this blog, we’ll examine dental sealants in more detail, along with what to expect from the procedure.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). Deep grooves and cracks on these surfaces can be challenging to clean by brushing and flossing. In these grooves, germs can build up over time and lead to decay.
Over these grooves, sealants produce a smooth surface that facilitates cleaning and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Although adults can also benefit from sealants, they are primarily used on children’s and adolescents’ permanent molars.
What to Expect During the Dental Sealants Procedure?
Dental sealants can be applied quickly and painlessly. The procedure includes the following steps:
- The teeth will be properly cleaned to get rid of any food particles, plaque, or dirt before the sealant is put in.
- After being thoroughly cleaned, the teeth are dried with the use of an air compressor or cotton rollers. Due to the necessity for the sealant to effectively adhere to the tooth surface, this step is crucial.
- The dentist will treat the tooth’s surface with an acidic solution. By roughening the tooth’s surface, this solution improves the sealant’s bonding.
- The tooth will be cleaned and dried once more after the acid etching.
- The tooth surface is then covered with the sealant. Usually, it is applied as a liquid and then hardened with a specific light. The dentist will make sure that all of the fissures and grooves on the tooth surface are covered with a sealant.
- The dentist will examine your bite after the sealant has dried to make sure it is not overly thick.
The whole process usually takes a few minutes per tooth only. Anesthesia is not required, and many patients don’t feel any pain.
What to Do After the Dental Sealants Procedure?
You can continue your regular activities right away after getting dental sealants. However, there are a few things to keep in mind after the procedure:
- After having the sealants, wait a few hours before chewing anything tough or sticky.
- To maintain good dental hygiene, be sure to brush and floss frequently.
- Keep up with regular visits to the dentist to make sure the sealants are still protecting your teeth.
With the proper maintenance, dental sealants can last up to ten years. At each dental checkup, the dentist will examine the sealants, and replace them, if required.
Conclusion
Using dental sealants to prevent tooth decay is a quick and easy solution. There is no recovery period after the procedure and it is rapid and painless. Ask your dentist if dental sealants are a good option for you or your child if you’re thinking about getting them. Dental sealants can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free for many years with the right care.
If you’re looking for dental sealants in Rutherford College, get in touch with Western Piedmont Dental now.
