Dental Sealants Peachtree Corners, GA
Dental Sealants provided by Dr. Clint Baugham
in Peachtree Corners, GA at Southern Family Dental Care
A dental sealant is a thin, protective shield that can guard the chewing surfaces of the rear teeth, such as your molars and premolars. It is an invisible coating that smoothens out the tiny grooves on your molars and premolars, making them resistant to cavity formation and tooth decay.
While regular brushing and flossing are some of the best ways to prevent cavities, sometimes, it isn't easy to clean all surfaces of your oral cavity, especially the grooves on the rear teeth. As a result, food particles accumulate on those surfaces providing a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause cavities and tooth decay.
Fortunately, Southern Family Dental Care offers a preemptive solution in the form of dental sealants. As part of preventive care, dental sealants can make your teeth resistant to cavity formation and ensure a healthy oral cavity.
How Dental Sealants Work
Dental sealants are applied on your rear teeth, which help you grind food. Since there are grooves on your molars and premolars, food and bacteria can get trapped in those tiny spaces, resulting in cavities and tooth decay over time.
Dental sealants coat the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars and act as a barrier preventing food particles from interacting with the tooth's surface, hence protecting your teeth against cavities and resulting tooth decay.
Sealant Application Process
Dental sealant application is a relatively simple process where your dentist will start by drying out your oral cavity. Next, the dentist will use an acidic gel to roughen up the surface of the teeth. This step helps create a firmer bond between the tooth's surface and the sealant.
After giving the acid some time to work, Dr. Clint Baugham will rinse off the oral cavity and dry it before applying the dental sealant to the teeth's chewing surface. The last step involves the use of a special blue light, which helps harden the sealant.
Sealant Material and Durability
Dental sealants can be made up of composite resin, glass ionomer, or a combination of both materials. Typically, resin sealants are more durable than glass ionomer sealants.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants protect the vulnerable areas of the mouth against cavities and help preserve healthy tooth structure.
Protecting Against Tooth Decay
Dental sealants help create a barrier between the food particles and the tooth's surface. When the food particles do not get in contact with the tooth, there's minimal risk of cavity formation and resulting tooth decay.
Preserving Healthy Tooth Structure
Since dental sealants guard the tooth against cavity formation, they play a vital role in preserving the structure of a healthy tooth.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are commonly used among children as part of pediatric dentistry and preventive care. However, they can be used for adults as well.
Age Groups Recommended for Sealants
Dental sealants are widely used in pediatric dentistry as young children are more prone to cavity formation in their rear teeth. Dental sealants can effectively reduce the risk of cavities and can be used on any part of the chewing surface in the oral cavity.
However, dental sealants are equally effective for adults. Sealants ensure that there is no accumulation of food particles in the grooves of chewing surfaces and is one of the best preventive measures against tooth decay. Regardless of age, dental sealants are an excellent way to prevent cavity and plaque formation that can lead to tooth decay.
Identifying High-Risk Dental Areas
Dental sealants can also be used among individuals who have tiny cavities. It helps prevent the spread of tooth decay, especially in permanent molars and premolars.
Dental Sealant Procedure
When you visit a family or pediatric dentist for sealant application, they will guide you through the process, which involves several simple steps.
Examination and Consultation
The process starts with consultation and examination of your oral cavity. It helps the dentist determine your dental needs.
Preparing Teeth for Sealants
Once your dental expert determines the need for dental sealants, they will prepare your teeth for sealant application. First, they will dry up your oral cavity and apply an acidic gel that will roughen up your tooth enamel. It is an essential step as it helps create a firmer bond between the tooth's surface and the sealant. After a few minutes, your dentist will ask you to rinse off the oral cavity and dry it again.
Applying the Dental Sealants
Your dentist will then paint dental sealant over your teeth, which creates a protective layer on the chewing surfaces in your oral cavity. The last step involves the use of a special blue light to harden the sealant.
Dental Sealant Aftercare
Typically, dental sealants do not require any special aftercare. However, there are a few measures that can help sealants protect your teeth for decades.
Longevity and Maintenance
Make sure you brush your teeth twice every day using a fluoride toothpaste. Moreover, don't forget to floss once daily. To ensure the longevity of your dental sealants, it's best to avoid hard and sticky food that can dislodge your sealants.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Apart from regular maintenance at home, remember to schedule regular dental checkups to ensure that your dental sealants are in place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Dental Sealants Painful to Apply?
The application of dental sealants does not hurt. However, one may experience slight discomfort when the sealant is first applied.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants Too?
While dental sealants are commonly used for children, they are equally effective for adults.
Will Dental Sealants Interfere With Eating or Drinking?
Dental sealants do not interfere with eating or drinking. However, to ensure the longevity of your sealants, it's best to avoid hard and sticky food.
Schedule Your Dental Sealants Appointment with Our Peachtree Corners Dentist Today!
Do you want to protect your molars and premolars against cavities and tooth decay? Schedule an appointment with the dental experts at Southern Family Dental Care. We have a team of highly qualified professionals who offer pediatric and family dentistry services and ensure that your family's oral health is in perfect condition. To find out more about our services or to schedule your dental sealant appointment, call us today at 470-410-9774. |