Dental Sealants for Adults

Anyone with teeth can have dental sealants in dayton ohio applied! Well they are typically reserved for the younger patient set, adults with a higher risk for decay can have them placed as well. Dental sealants are used on children to help prevent a buildup of bacteria and plaque-causing decay since children do not yet have the skills and patience to properly brush and floss their teeth. Adults prone to decay for any number of reasons can have the same dental sealants placed to protect their teeth.

What is a Dental Sealant?

While it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, dental sealants are an added layer of protection against decay. Dental sealants are a clear plastic coating that your dentist applies to the occlusal surface of your back teeth. With all of the grooves in fishers in molars and premolars, the chewing surfaces are more prone to bacteria development when particles missed by brushing are left behind to cause build-up and decay.

How are dental sealants applied?

Your dental hygienist can actually apply the sealants after your routine professional cleaning. Once your teeth have been cleaned, your dentist will examine them and discuss sealants with you if that is something that you are interested in. Once it has been established that you would benefit from dental sealants, your hygienist will proceed to apply the sealants to vulnerable teeth.

After your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, they are dried and an acidic etching solution is applied to the surface that will be receiving the sealants. The etching serves to roughing up the surface receiving the dental sealant so that it heals properly. Once the etching solution has had time to do its thing, it is rinsed away and the tooth is dried. The liquid sealant is then applied using a brush, which allows it to be painted on and reach every groove in the tooth. An ultraviolet light is then used to cure the liquid into a hard clear plastic.

How do dental sealants help protect teeth?

Dental sealants work to keep the teeth clear of microscopic food particles and bacteria that can collect and cause decay. This action is of course an addition to proper oral hygiene, it is not a substitute. Preventing decay and trauma is always less costly than treating it, so while sealants will cost you some money, it will be significantly less money and pain than treating teeth with decay.

Dental sealants will wear away over time and can be replaced as needed. In children, they usually do not need to be replaced but adults who have had dental sealants placed may find it necessary to replace them every few years. Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with good care.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Being diligent in your oral care routine will save you time and money in the long run. The easiest way to prevent decay and teeth is with proper oral care and regular checkups by your dentist. If your dentist feels that you would benefit from dental sealants, it is important to receive treatment and make sure that they are replaced as needed. Using products at home that contain fluoride will also decrease your chance of cavities.

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