Dental Sealants
 Keeping our teeth healthy and strong is no small feat, especially when lifestyle habits and food choices sometimes work against us. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a preventive measure that safeguards your teeth from problems like decay? Welcome to the world of dental sealants – your first line of defense in preventive dentistry. What are dental sealants?Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that adhere to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, providing an extra layer of protection against tooth decay. Generally made of plastic or other dental materials, sealants have been truly game-changing in the field of preventative dentistry. Our back teeth - the molars and premolars - are breeding grounds for food particles and bacteria. They are full of tiny grooves and pits where remnants of the food we eat love to hide. Regular brushing might not always reach these spots. That's where dental sealants come in. Sealants protect your teeth. When the cavity-causing bacteria that live in everyone's mouth meet leftover food particles, they produce acids that can create holes in the teeth. These holes are cavities. But with the application of sealants, the grooved and pitted areas of the teeth are smoothed over, offering no place for these particles and bacteria to hide. How Dental Sealants Help Protect Against Tooth DecayDental sealants are a type of preventive dentistry that plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from decay. These thin, plastic coatings are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars. These areas are the most prone to cavities due to their rough and uneven surfaces, which can trap food particles and plaque. Dental sealants work by creating a smooth surface over these rough and uneven areas, preventing food particles and plaque from getting trapped. They essentially create a physical barrier between the tooth and any harmful substances that could lead to decay. This barrier not only prevents decay but also makes it easier to clean the teeth effectively during regular brushing. Once applied, dental sealants can last for several years before needing to be reapplied. During this time, they continuously protect the teeth from decay. They are a particularly effective tool for children who may not yet have fully developed good brushing and flossing habits. However, it's important to note that sealants are not a substitute for good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups and dental cleanings, are still necessary for maintaining good oral health. Dental Sealants Are a Preventive MeasureDespite the effectiveness of dental sealants, they are not used to treat existing tooth decay. Instead, they are a preventive measure. If a tooth is already decayed, a dentist will need to treat that decay (often with a dental filling or a dental crown) before a sealant can be applied. Therefore, the best time to apply a dental sealant is shortly after a permanent tooth has erupted, before decay has had a chance to occur. Dental sealants are a powerful tool in preventive dentistry. They provide a simple, cost-effective, and long-lasting solution to help prevent tooth decay. By creating a physical barrier, they protect the teeth from harmful substances and make them easier to clean. However, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Dental Sealants at Lone Pine DentalInterested in taking a proactive approach to your dental health? Ask us about dental sealants on your next visit! |
Contact Information61249 S. Hwy. Suite 100 Bend, OR (541) 668-8036 office@lonepinedentistry.com Follow Us |
