The application of dental sealants is an easy, inexpensive way to prevent cavities in kids’ teeth. At Kids Tooth Team we are here in Lake Orion to give your kids the care they need. Here is what you need to know about dental sealants.
Dental sealants are made of plastic resin that bonds with the tooth’s enamel and protects it from decay by keeping out acids and plaque. Sealants are the same color as the teeth they are applied to, so they aren’t noticeable.
Dental sealants are normally applied to the back teeth, which are extremely vulnerable to decay for a couple of reasons. Their position in the mouth makes them difficult to brush thoroughly, and their uneven, grooved surfaces easily trap food, acid, and bacteria. Dental sealants fill in the grooves so that nothing can settle in them and cause decay. Both primary and secondary teeth are vulnerable to decay, and, therefore, benefit from the application of dental sealants.
The application of dental sealants is quick and painless. First, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Then, etching gel is applied to roughen the tooth’s surface and give the sealant something with which to bond. After the gel has dried, the tooth is washed and dried again. Finally, the dental sealant is brushed onto the tooth before being set with a special light. The dental sealant process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth and patients can use teeth normally immediately after the procedure.
Dental sealants are strong and can withstand the pressure placed on them by chewing for as long as 10 years. Dentists check sealants during routine dental examinations and if any deterioration is spotted, the old sealant can be removed and a new sealant applied.