Achieve a Healthy, Beautiful Smile With Dental Sealants
At Perrott Dentistry, our experienced Boardman, OH dentist, Dr. Robert Perrott, proudly offers a comprehensive range of dental solutions tailored to ensure the long-lasting health and vitality of your smile. Among our extensive list of services, dental sealants stand out as a vital component of our preventive approach to oral healthcare.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings typically made of a clear or tooth-colored material. They are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars. These surfaces have grooves and fissures that can be difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Cavity Prevention: Sealants create a protective barrier over the tooth’s surface, preventing food particles, bacteria, and plaque from settling into the grooves and fissures. This greatly reduces the risk of tooth decay.
- Cost-Effective: Applying sealants is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure compared to treating cavities or other dental issues that may arise from inadequate protection.
- Painless and Non-Invasive: The process of applying dental sealants is painless and does not require any drilling or removal of tooth structure. It’s a quick and straightforward procedure.
- Long-Lasting Protection: Dental sealants can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, providing extended protection against decay.
- Suitable for All Ages: While they are commonly applied to children and teenagers as a preventive measure, adults can also benefit from sealants, particularly if they have deep grooves in their teeth or a history of cavities.
- Improved Oral Health: By minimizing the risk of cavities, sealants contribute to overall oral health. This means fewer dental appointments for fillings, cleanings, and potentially more serious treatments.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Sealants help preserve the natural structure of the tooth by preventing the need for drilling and filling, which is often required in the case of cavities.
Candidacy for Dental Sealants
While dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers, adults with deep grooves or fissures in their back teeth can also benefit from them. For children, it is advised to apply sealants on permanent molars and premolars as soon as they come in, typically during the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.
Adults who lack cavities or fillings in their permanent teeth, particularly in their molars, and have deep grooves or fissures can also benefit from dental sealants. Sealants contribute to the maintenance of overall oral health for people of all ages by providing a protective barrier against tooth decay and helping to prevent cavities.
Process of Dental Sealant Placement
The dental sealant placement process involves three main steps: preparing the tooth surface, applying the sealant material, and curing it with a light source. Each step has a vital role in safeguarding the effectiveness and longevity of the dental sealant.
Preparing the tooth surface
To ensure proper adhesion of the sealant, the tooth surface must be thoroughly prepared. This involves cleaning the tooth and removing any dental caries present. Next, the tooth surface is etched with an acidic conditioner to create a textured finish, enhancing the bond between the sealant material and the tooth.
Once the tooth surface has been properly prepared, it is rinsed and dried, creating an optimal surface for the sealant material to adhere to. The success of the dental sealant greatly relies on this meticulous attention during the preparation process.
Applying the sealant material
The sealant material, whether resin-based or glass ionomer, is applied to the grooves and fissures of the tooth, filling them and providing a protective barrier against tooth decay. The material is carefully administered to the chewing surfaces of the tooth, ensuring complete coverage of the vulnerable areas.
Once the sealant material is applied, removal of any excess material and meticulous inspection of the tooth to confirm the proper sealing of all pits and fissures is necessary.
Curing with a light source
Once the sealant material has been applied, it must be cured and hardened using a light source, such as UV or LED light. The curing process typically requires exposing the material to the light source for a specific period of time, ensuring the sealant hardens properly and creates a strong, durable barrier against tooth decay.
Using a curing light, a rapid and effective method, enhances the overall success of the dental sealant placement and ensures a simple and painless process for long-lasting protection of your teeth.
Dental Sealants Maintenance
Maintaining dental sealants is relatively simple and involves practicing good dental hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, to keep both the teeth and sealants clean. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid consuming hard or sticky foods that may cause damage to the sealants.
Frequent dental check-ups are vital in making sure the sealants are still in good condition and functioning properly. Dental sealants can offer effective protection against tooth decay for years to come, provided one remains diligent with dental care and check-ups. It’s important to get sealants as a preventive measure for maintaining optimal oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants are able to provide 80% protection against cavities for up to 2 years, decreasing to 50% protection after this for a further 4 years.
Are dental sealants good for adults?
Dental sealants are a good option for adults looking to prevent tooth decay and combat the effects of aging. They can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%, making them an effective form of preventive maintenance for healthy teeth.
How much do dental sealants cost?
Dental sealants usually cost $30-60 per tooth before insurance or discount plans. Some insurance plans may cover 100% of the cost for children, and adults may be offered discounted rates from their dentist.
What are dental sealants made of?
Dental sealants are composed of a thin, plastic coating of resin-based materials or glass ionomers, providing protection against cavities.
Protect Your Smile Today at Perrott Dentistry
With the proven ability to prevent cavities and protect against decay, sealants represent a valuable investment in the longevity of your smile. By choosing Perrott Dentistry, you’re not only opting for top-tier dental care, but also a proactive approach to maintaining a bright, healthy smile for years to come. Let us help you safeguard your dental well-being with exceptional care by scheduling a consultation at our Boardman, OH dental office by giving us a call at (330) 726-0090.