Nobody loves going to the dentist, but checkups every six months keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy for decades of comfort and optimal use. Luckily, taking care of those teeth and gums makes checkups go smoothly without the need for filling and other dental remedies that could cause anxiety and discomfort.
At Westchase Smiles Institute, Tampa’s trusted general dentist, we believe a dental sealants procedure supplemented with proper brushing and flossing at home is key to stronger teeth. Below, we’ll delve into the dental sealant procedure and why you should consider it.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are liquid materials usually comprising composite resin, which is the most durable and matches your natural teeth color. Other times, however, its makeup consists of glass ionomer, popular for baby teeth since they don’t require a curing light. In either form, your certified dentist paints it onto you or your child’s teeth, allowing it to perform like a protective shield over the enameled surface.
Usually, the premolars and molars in the back of the jaw with deep crevices benefit from this process, and children and adults of all ages can take advantage of it.
What Do Dental Sealants Do for Your Oral Health?
Cavities and other forms of decay are common back molar concerns, especially since these hard-to-reach places are difficult to brush and floss. These teeth also have deep thin crevices that allow plaque, tartar, and food particles to settle into and build up, deteriorating the surfaces of teeth.
The dental sealants procedure lets the liquid resin material fill the crevices and harden so contaminants and bacteria cannot enter them. It also creates a thin layer between your teeth and foreign matter, protecting them from decay. Although sealants reduce the chances of cavities by about 80%, they’re not a replacement for oral hygiene, meaning they work best with regular brushing and flossing.
What Is the Sealant Procedure?
Before applying sealants, your dentist will:
- Thoroughly clean your teeth as they would during your usually scheduled cleanings
- Closely examine them for sensitivity, decay, and other oral issues
- Fill holes and other imperfections before conditioning it with a cleaning solution
- Discuss your sealant options
- Paint the sealant over your teeth crevices and harden it with a curing light
If you have preparation work done before conducting the dental sealant procedure, you may have to come back for a second dental appointment before your dentist applies the sealants.
Since the sealant only covers the part of your teeth you bite down on, brushing and flossing is vital for keeping the exposed surfaces safe.
Let Our Sealants Protect Your Smile in Tampa, FL!
Whether you need sealants for children learning to brush, teens with a sugary diet, or adults more prone to cavities, we provide the best dental sealants in Tampa, FL. Our #1, five-star team guarantees healthy teeth for up to a decade with each process. Whether you’re touching up your older dental sealants procedure or wondering about it for the first time, contact us today!
