Sealants

African Male Patient Getting Dental Treatment In Dental Clinic

What are Sealants?

Tooth decay can be difficult to prevent, especially on the back teeth, or molars. One preventive option to reduce cavities is a dental sealant treatment. Sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the molars and back teeth to prevent surface cavities and tooth decay. The coating is safe for kids and adults. It slowly wears away over about three years, providing an extra layer of protection against tooth decay on back teeth.

Why Might You Benefit from Sealants?

The molars in the back of the mouth are the most prone to tooth decay. There are more crevices and places for bacteria to hide on these large teeth, and they are much harder to keep clean. Pitting and staining can occur on the surfaces of the back teeth and frequent cavities are common, especially in children and those prone to tooth decay. Sealants can protect the molars from pitting, staining and cavities, reducing the need for dental fillings and other treatments.

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What Makes a Person a Candidate for Sealants?

Anyone who has frequent cavities or difficulty cleaning their back teeth is a good candidate for dental sealants. Our dental team often recommends sealants for kids, as they may not brush or floss as thoroughly as needed to prevent tooth decay. Some health conditions or disabilities may also make it more difficult to prevent cavities. Sealants can be used on kids, teens and adults who want better protection from tooth decay. The sealants may need to be reapplied every 1-3 years.

What Happens During Your Sealant Procedure?

Dental sealant treatment is usually performed after a dental cleaning. Once the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and all the plaque and tartar are removed, the sealant can be applied to the back teeth. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and it is not painful or uncomfortable. We dry and cure the sealant using a specialized light, and then it is set in place. While sealants do provide extra protection against decay on back teeth, patients still need to perform their daily oral hygiene to clean their front and back teeth. The sealants do not stop bacteria from getting between the teeth and starting cavities.

If you want to protect your teeth from decay and damage, come see us at The Smile Lounge. We offer preventive dental care treatments such as sealants and fluoride treatments at our office in Grand Prairie.

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