Dentists often recommend dental sealants to protect the developing teeth of children and adult teeth that are prone to decay. It involves coating teeth with a varnish-like sealant that prevents acids made by oral bacteria from making contact with teeth.
Tooth decay is one of the main reasons that people seek dental care, and it can affect people of all ages. It is caused by the breakdown of teeth structures due to acids in the mouth. It starts with the demineralization of enamel, and then tiny holes called cavities start to develop. Left untreated, a cavity will destroy a tooth’s structures until the tooth falls out of the mouth or becomes infected.
Good oral hygiene goes a long way in preventing tooth decay, but it is not always enough. Some teeth are more challenging to clean than others, like those in the back of the mouth. Also, children tend to have an increased risk of tooth decay because their teeth have thinner enamel. Baby teeth are also more prone to infection because the pulp is closer to the tooth’s surface.
Dental sealants prevent acids made by oral bacteria from reaching teeth, significantly reducing the risk of decay. These sealants can protect teeth for up to five years, and follow-up treatments can be performed as needed.
Applying sealant on a tooth can be completed in as little as 10 minutes. The procedure starts with the dentist cleaning and drying the patient’s teeth. An etching solution is then used to roughen the tooth’s enamel so the sealant sticks better to it. The sealant is then painted on the tooth being treated, and it hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. Benefits of covering teeth with sealants include:
Reasons that a dentist might recommend dental sealants include the following.
To protect the newly erupted permanent teeth of children: Dentists often recommend protecting children's permanent molars as soon as they erupt. At this point, children are still learning proper brushing techniques, so they are more likely to fail to clean their molars properly. A child’s permanent molars start erupting around the ages of six to 14.
To protect baby teeth and prevent premature loss: Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, and one falling out prematurely can lead to bite issues. Sealants protect baby teeth from decay, which is one of the biggest causes of baby tooth loss.
To protect wisdom teeth: While most people do not need their last set of molars, some people do. Dentists often recommend protecting functional wisdom teeth with sealants.
Give us a call or stop by our Weatherford clinic to learn more about how sealants can protect your teeth against decay.
Request an appointment here: https://www.millarfamilydentistry.com or call Millar Family Dentistry at (817) 885-5214 for an appointment in our Weatherford office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Weatherford, TX.
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