Protect Your Smile from Decay with Effective and Conservative Dental Sealants
Most patients need diligent oral hygiene, good nutrition, and routine dental visits to keep their smile decay-free. However, others need a little protection with dental sealants. Teeth sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to your teeth to seal out decay-causing bacteria and corrosive acids.
Do you need dental sealants in Gaithersburg, Maryland? Welcome to Modern Smile Dental for BPA-free, natural-looking fissure sealants.
How do dental sealants work?
Your molars and premolars have natural grooves known as pits and fissures. You can feel these grooves by running your tongue. These intricate patterns help grind food but can be challenging to clean thoroughly, even with diligent brushing. Consequently, these areas are more susceptible to plaque accumulation and tooth decay.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your decay-prone teeth. They fill in the pits and fissures, creating a smoother surface that’s easier to clean and less prone to decay. However, the dentist must be certain that there are no incipient caries on these teeth; otherwise, placing sealant can provide a good environment (anaerobic) for bacteria to grow and create deeper decays.
How are dental sealants applied?
The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and painless. Here’s an overview of the procedure.
- Cleaning: We’ll thoroughly clean your teeth to remove unhealthy deposits.Â
- Preparation: We’ll dry your teeth and apply an etching solution to the chewing surfaces for better adhesion.Â
- Application: We’ll paint the liquid sealant onto the tooth, carefully filling the pits and fissures.
- Curing: The dentist will harden the sealant with a special light, forming a protective shield over the enamel.
Are dental sealants just for children?
Children are vulnerable to tooth decay because of their thin enamel, inadequate oral hygiene, and poor dietary choices. Dental sealants are critical for pediatric patients to keep their teeth cavity-free.
However, tooth decay is not exclusive to children. Dental sealants can benefit individuals of all ages, including teenagers and adults. Discuss dental sealants with your dentist if you have risk factors for tooth decay, such as smoking or dry mouth.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
Considering dental sealants? Here are the benefits you can expect.
- Comfortable experience: Applying dental sealants is like applying gel or polish on your fingernails. The dentist uses a brush to paint the liquid sealant on your teeth. The procedure is painless, and anesthetics are unnecessary.Â
- Minimally invasive: The dentist applies the sealant directly to your teeth without altering the enamel.Â
- Discreet results: Dental sealants are thin and transparent. No one will notice their presence when in the mouth.Â
- Effective procedure: Dental sealants prevent most tooth cavities alongside diligent oral hygiene.
- Long-lasting outcomes: Dental sealants can last several years with proper care. In addition, they are easily repairable or replaceable when chips or cracks develop.
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes! Dental sealants are considered safe. While some sealants may contain traces of bisphenol A (BPA), the exposure levels are extremely low and harmless. In our office, we use BPA-free sealants.
Is it time to protect your teeth with dental sealants?
Remember, once tooth decay forms, it won’t resolve without treatment. Don’t wait for cavities to trouble your smile. Be proactive with dental sealants in Gaithersburg, MD. Call (301) 850-0376 and book your visit with Modern Smile Dental.
