The human oral cavity requires regular maintenance because it is always prone to bacteria. Food particles that remain in the mouth are also food for the bacteria that just naturally occur in our mouths. The bacteria create plaque, which can stick onto any tooth surface. Bacteria can grow into a colony that creates an acid that can penetrate your teeth’s enamel. Even with proper brushing and flossing, bacteria can stay on hard-to-clean areas of your mouth; thereb, causing decay or other types of dental problems.
The good news is that you can have a dental treatment that creates a protective layer over your molars. This treatment is dental sealants as they seal and provide a safety layer for your teeth. Sealants are actually plastic coatings that envelope the teeth completely. With sealants in place, plaque and bacteria won’t adhere to any tooth surface and cause dental problems for you.
Can Anyone Receive Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are available for patients of all ages. They are most especially beneficial for children who are in the stage of learning proper brushing and flossing techniques. Dentists would, in fact, advise that children take sealants the moment molars and premolars appear. This way, sealants do their job of protecting children’s teeth while they’re learning, practicing and developing good oral care.
How are Dental Sealants Performed?
The application of dental sealants is a very simple dental procedure that takes only a single office visit. First, the dentist evaluates the patient’s teeth and may perform oral prophylaxis or deep cleaning when necessary. This is essential so the teeth are cleaned thoroughly before the application of dental sealants.
The next step involves preparation of the teeth by drying them off. The dentist applies cotton swabs to all of the teeth to keep them dry.
The dentist then applies a solution to prepare the tooth surface for the sealants. This helps the sealants adhere and bond easily later on. The teeth are then rinsed and once again dried.
The dentist applies the sealant to the molars. The sealant bonds itself quickly and hardens almost instantly. A special light will then be directed onto your teeth to cure the sealants and let them stay permanently in place. With proper oral care, sealants can last for about 10 years.
Why are Sealants Usually Placed on the Molars?
The molars are the set of teeth characterized by uneven grooves and deep fissures. Thus, dental sealants are often placed on this set of teeth, to protect their surfaces and create a smooth surface for easy brushing.
For dental sealants in Atlanta, GA, visit us at Buckhead Dental Partners. We are committed to providing you personalized, excellent dental care.
photo credit: Wikipedia
