A tooth sealant is a thin coating that covers the chewing surface of the back teeth. It protects these surfaces against decay by working as a physical barrier to food, plaque, and acids. The biting surfaces of your back teeth are especially vulnerable to tooth decay because the grooves in their surface can easily trap food and plaque.
At Valenta Dental, we recommend dental sealants for anyone who has deep grooves or pits on the surface of their teeth. Although brushing and flossing can help remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, some bacteria can still linger in the nooks and crannies of the back teeth. When left there, the bacteria can cause tooth decay.
The coating of the sealant is bonded to the tooth's surface and creates a smooth surface that is difficult for the bacteria to adhere to. This deters them from attacking the tooth surface and causing decay.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
Decay Prevention
By creating a protective barrier, sealants help prevent tooth decay in the vulnerable areas of the teeth.
Ease of Application
The sealant application process is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It typically does not require any numbing or drilling.
Long-lasting Protection
With proper care and maintenance, dental sealants can provide several years of effective protection against cavities.
Improved Oral Health
By reducing the risk of tooth decay, sealants contribute to improved oral health and can help maintain the integrity and longevity of the teeth.
The Procedure for Sealants
Before applying the sealants, our dentist or dental hygienist will thoroughly clean and dry the teeth that will receive the sealants. This ensures that the tooth surface is free of debris, plaque, and bacteria. Once the tooth surface is prepared, our dental professional will apply the sealant material directly onto the grooves and pits of the tooth. The sealant is usually a tooth-colored resin that flows easily into the depressions and fissures of the tooth.
After applying the sealant material, we may use a special curing light to harden and bond the sealant to the tooth surface. The light activates a chemical reaction in the sealant material, causing it to harden and form a durable protective layer.
Once the sealant is in place, it acts as a physical barrier, sealing off the vulnerable areas of the tooth from food particles, plaque, and bacteria. This helps prevent plaque accumulation and reduces the risk of tooth decay.
Sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers who are at higher risk of developing cavities in their permanent molars and premolars. However, they can also benefit adults with deep grooves or pits on their back teeth and are prone to decay. To learn more about the benefits of sealants, contact Valenta Dental at 1838 Dunlap Ave, Marinette, WI 54143, or call (715) 735-5626.
