A Protective Layer
Most people think that brushing and flossing should be enough to prevent cavities. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn’t, especially for molars. The back teeth that are the core of the chewing process have a rough and uneven surface that becomes the perfect nest for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria.
With this in mind, we offer an added layer of protection for those precious pearls that do so much for us. Sealants are a thin coating that adheres to the surface of your molars, adding protection and avoiding cavity formation. Sealants, of course, are not made to substitute regular brushing and flossing, but they are a great supplement to all the cavity and tooth decay prevention systems and tools available.
Candidates For Sealants
In the early stages of life, oral health education is very important to help children create routines that enable the teeth to develop properly and ensure good habits are carried into adulthood. Both children and adults are appropriate candidates for sealants, but it’s best to get them as early as possible.
The ages between 6 and 14 are the most cavity-prone years, so it’s recommended to protect the children’s permanent molars and premolars with sealants as soon as they come through. Adults who don’t have tooth decay, or have fillings in their molars, can also enjoy the benefits of sealants.
How Do Sealants Work?
The application of sealants is a simple, quick process that can be summarized in 5 steps:
- The dentist performs a thorough cleaning of the teeth that will be sealed.
- The teeth are dried and kept dry using an absorbent material like cotton.
- The dentist uses an acidic gel to help the sealant bond to the surface of the tooth that will be sealed.
- The dentist rinses the acid solution and dries the teeth again.
- The sealant is applied onto the tooth enamel so it adheres directly to the tooth, hardening afterwards.
It’s a simple treatment that has long-lasting protection benefits. At Family Friendly Dentistry, we want to do everything we can to help our Terre Haute, IN patients achieve optimal dental health. Please call our office if you have questions about dental sealants or any of our preventative care treatments.
