Dental Sealants
Dental Sealants for Long-Lasting Oral Health
At Ridgeview Family Dental, we prioritize your smile’s longevity and well-being. Our experienced Missouri dentists, Dr. R. Mckell Young and Dr. Jason Kingsolver, understand the importance of preventive care. That’s why they offer advanced dental sealants to safeguard your teeth from potential threats. Our dental sealant treatment provides a protective shield against cavities, ensuring your pearly whites stay strong and healthy for years to come.
Learn more about protecting your smile by calling Ridgeview Family Dental at (660) 747-9117.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars. These sealants act as a shield, covering the grooves and depressions where food particles and bacteria often accumulate, thus preventing cavities and decay.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer several oral health benefits, such as:
- Cavity Prevention: Dental Sealants act as a barrier, preventing bacteria and acids from settling into the tiny grooves of the teeth, thereby reducing the risk of cavities.
- Long-term Protection: Sealants provide long-lasting protection, lasting several years with proper care and regular dental check-ups.
- Painless Application: Applying dental sealants is painless, ensuring a comfortable experience.
- Cost-effective: Dental sealants are a cost-effective preventive measure. Investing in sealants can potentially save on future dental treatments for cavities.
- Suitable for All Ages: While commonly applied to children’s teeth, dental sealants can benefit individuals of all ages, especially those prone to dental decay.
- Preserving Natural Teeth: Sealants preserve the natural structure of the teeth by preventing the need for fillings or other restorative treatments due to cavities.
- Invisible Protection: Dental sealants are nearly invisible when applied, blending seamlessly with the permanent teeth or baby teeth color.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are safe and effective for most people. Candidates include:
- Children and Teens: Baby teeth and newly erupted permanent teeth are still maturing and are most vulnerable to decay. Sealants prevent problems from starting early.
- Adults With Deep Grooves: Some molars naturally have deep pits and grooves that collect plaque. Sealants help prevent cavities and tooth decay, even in mature teeth.
- Dry Mouth Patients: Reduced saliva raises cavity risk. Sealants boost protection for those with dry mouth.
- Braces Wearers: Brackets create more plaque traps. Sealants limit this added risk by protecting natural tooth enamel.
- Cavity-Prone Patients: Frequent decay runs in some families. Sealants provide an extra preventive barrier.
Dental Sealant Process
Consultation
Before the dental sealant process begins, you’ll have a consultation with our Missouri dentists. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your dental health, specifically focusing on the molars and premolars that may benefit from sealants. During this time, we’ll explain the purpose of sealants, discuss their advantages, and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Preparation
The first step in the preparation process involves cleaning the teeth that will receive the sealants. This ensures that the tooth surfaces are free from any debris or plaque that could interfere with the bonding process.
Etching the Tooth Surface
To enhance the bond between the tooth enamel and the sealant material, the dentist applies an acidic solution to the chewing surfaces. This etching process roughens the enamel, creating a better surface for the sealant to adhere to.
Rinsing and Drying
After the etching, the dentist thoroughly rinses the tooth surface to remove the acid and then dries it. The clean and dry surface is crucial for the proper adhesion of the sealant.
Application
Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist applies the dental sealant material. This is typically a thin, plastic-like coating that’s painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. After applying the sealant, a special curing light may be used to speed up the bonding and hardening process. This ensures the sealant forms a strong and durable bond with the tooth enamel.
Your dentist carefully examines the applied sealant to ensure it covers all the intended areas and forms a smooth surface on the tooth. Any necessary adjustments are made at this stage. You may be asked to bite down to ensure the sealant does not interfere with the natural bite and it aligns properly with the adjacent teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental sealants typically last for several years, generally up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Regular dental check-ups ensure their longevity, so it’s best to schedule biannual visits with your dentist, which can also help combat tooth decay on a back tooth’s enamel.
No, the process of applying dental sealants is painless. It involves cleaning the chewing surface, applying the sealant material, and allowing it to bond, all without causing discomfort. Consult your dentist for more information.
Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental sealants, especially for children, as they are considered a preventive measure against cavities on their back teeth. Check with your specific insurance provider for coverage details.
Dental sealants are highly recommended as a preventive measure against tooth decay, especially for children and individuals prone to cavities. They’re cost-effective, painless, and offer long-term protection for oral health. Investing in sealants can save on potential future dental procedures and discomfort.
Safeguard Your Teeth from Cavities and Decay
Investing in your oral health with our advanced dental sealants at Ridgeview Family Dental is a proactive step towards a lasting and radiant smile. Our commitment to personalized care ensures that your teeth are fortified against potential threats, providing you with peace of mind and confidence in your daily life.
Contact Ridgeview Family Dental today at (660) 747-9117 to schedule a consultation and experience the transformative benefits of dental sealants.