DENTAL SEALANTS HELP YOU PREVENT DECAY
Run your tongue over your teeth for a moment. The tops of the premolars and molars are irregular, rough with lots of crevices that can harbor food, tartar, plaque, and germs. All these are the things that cause cavities as well as other issues. Luckily, there’s an easy proactive procedure to help safeguard your teeth — dental sealants. A plastic material, sealants can be put on the tops of your molars and premolars to make a barrier between the teeth and also harmful bacteria and plaque. A fast, noninvasive process, sealants may be included in your preventive treatment program made by your dentist in Durham, NC to protect your smile from cavities for several years. To assist parents of kids who might benefit from sealants in addition to adults, our dental professionals at DentalWorks – Durham has written a brief guide on sealants. This guide can help you figure out whether you or your loved ones can benefit from sealants, the sealant application process, and what to expect after you get sealants.
HOW DENTAL SEALANTS WORK
Among the most common sorts of cavities are pit and fissure caries. Dental cavities are created when bacteria and plaque begin to erode (decay) the exterior of the tooth. Brushing every day and flossing can help remove bacteria and plaque before it becomes a cavity; however, occasionally this isn’t enough. The grooves and pits on the tops of the back teeth trap bacteria and plaque, which turns into cavities. Sealants are a transparent barrier that is put on the tops of your premolars and molars. Sealants protect the teeth from debris, tartar, plaque, and germs so that it can’t become cavities. If applied properly, sealants should not be felt or seen, however you’ll begin to see a difference with greater oral health examinations and fewer problems.
SEALANTS FOR YOUNGER PATIENTS
Before they’re teens, kids will lose their primary teeth and obtain their adult teeth. This is a problem since, with few exceptions, many parents have difficulty getting their kids to brush twice daily every day the way they should. This is only one reason kids are more vulnerable to cavities. Sealants are a fantastic method to help safeguard kid’s molars while they learn a good oral hygiene routine. For optimal protection, sealants need to be put on the primary molars and premolars between age 5 – 7 years old and again once the adult premolars and molars are visible above the gums, normally about 11 – 14 years old. Though a lot of kids don’t enjoy visiting the dentist for an elective treatment, such as sealants, it may save them from longer treatments, such as fillings, by reducing their chance of getting cavities. Additionally, after a cavity develops in the tooth, it is going to need a lifetime of care because fillings will have to be re-done.
SEALANTS FOR OLDER PATIENTS
Although sealants are more frequently suggested for kids, adults might also benefit from them. While adults are usually more effective about flossing and brushing daily, they still have lapses and the most meticulous brusher remains in danger of getting cavities. Sealants can be a fantastic option for patients who are at higher risk of getting cavities. While sealants are usually not covered by insurance for older patients, it is sometimes a fantastic investment that will help you prevent other expensive procedures, such as fillings and crowns. Many dentists don’t speak with their older patients about sealants, so if you’re interested you need to bring this up in your yearly oral health evaluation. You might also wish to speak with your dentist about receiving fluoride treatments following your twice-yearly cleanings to help fortify your teeth. Much like sealants, fluoride rinses are usually done on children; however, they are sometimes great for adults and are simple to request.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Sealants are generally done after a cleaning ever since your teeth are free of buildup. The sealant application is a fast, noninvasive process, therefore anesthesia isn’t needed, but it may be added in case you’ve got anxiety or dental fears. Your teeth will be dried and etched to prepare for the sealant. The sealant is put on as a liquid and brushed over to the tops of your back teeth. When the sealant is on, a light is used to bond the material onto your enamel. Your dentist will check to be certain the sealant is hard and smooth before they rinse your mouth off and talk about how to take care of your mouth and sealants.
WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR SEALANTS ARE ON
After your sealants have been set, you are able to leave and go about your typical day. If you don’t get a fluoride rinse, you ought to have the ability to drink and eat straight away. Although sealants lower your chance of pit and fissure cavities, so you still will need to adhere to a great home oral hygiene regimen to stop different kinds of cavities and dental health issues. You need to brush at least twice per day in addition to flossing at least one time each day. In case you have any questions regarding the procedure or which products to use, then talk to your dental team. You still will need to get a yearly oral health evaluation and also twice-yearly cleanings by your dental practitioner in Durham, NC. In your exam, your dentist may evaluate your sealants and allow you to determine if they will need to be re-done. With appropriate maintenance, sealants may last up to ten years. Little chips or thin areas can typically be fixed as necessary using more sealant material in your routine visits.
ADD DENTAL SEALANTS TO YOUR TREATMENT PLAN
Whether you are considering sealants for your teeth or your kids, schedule an appointment with a dentist in Durham, NC. If you are searching for a fantastic dental office with experience and state-of-the-art equipment to make treatments easier, contact DentalWorks – Durham. Our group takes care of all our patients in Durham, NC with proactive treatments such as oral health exams, cleanings, and sealants. Get in touch with our practice in Durham, NC to schedule your appointment so our dentist can evaluate your oral wellbeing and create your personal treatment program that could consist of sealants.
