Dental Sealants: The Woodlands, Texas
Do you wish there was a way to aid in the prevention of tooth decay and cavities for you and your family members?
Dental sealants are the perfect answer to that question! The purpose of a dental sealant is to provide a barrier against bacteria, food particles, plaque, and acids; thus, preventing harmful bacteria and decay from brewing in the grooves of your teeth. Sealants serve to prevent more serious problems with your teeth in the future.
Sealants are made from a thin, plastic coating that is either white in color or clear. The sealant is painted on in the grooves of your teeth; that way, bacteria and food particles cannot enter the tiny grooves where tooth decay can begin.
The procedure is easy, quick, and painless.
Removing the tooth structure is not needed— that means no anesthesia, shots, or drilling! We simply clean your tooth and then apply a special gel on the chewing surface for a few seconds. We then wash it off and dry your tooth. After that, the sealant is precisely painted on your tooth. A bright curing light is used to help harden the sealant, which takes approximately one minute.
Typically, we bond the sealants on permanent teeth in children and adults. Teenagers and children are great candidates for sealants since decay can start early in life, but adults definitely benefit as well. We actually consider dental sealants to be a crucial part of your children’s and teenager’s preventive dental care.
We do recommend sealants for your back teeth, specifically your molars and premolars. Children usually get their first molars around age 6, with the second molars appearing around age 12. Sealing these teeth before decay has the chance to grow will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Opting for sealants is a safe, painless, and cost-effective method to institute a line of defense from oral decay and bacteria in you and your family’s mouths. Sealants provide a long-lasting effect (lasting between 5-10 years), too, before they need re-application.
The Purpose Of Dental Sealants
The purpose of sealants is to provide a shield against bacteria, food particles, plaque, and acids; thus, preventing harmful bacteria and decay from brewing on and around your teeth.
While most of our patients practice effective at-home oral hygiene, the toothbrush is not capable of reaching the food and plaque located in the deep groves. With dental sealants, the plaque and food won’t even have the chance to locate there!
Just remember, once decay forms, the tooth is damaged permanently.
As always, you and your family should abide by a consistent at-home oral care regime. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), here are some essential at-home dental care habits to follow: brush your teeth 2-3 times a day, floss everyday, eat nutritious foods, and cut down on sugary beverages. Following these healthy habits will prevent you from risking your oral care with poor dental hygiene.
If you would like a protective barrier against decay-causing bacteria, ask us about about dental sealants. We will be glad to help.
