Dental Sealants 101: What Are They and How Are They Applied?
Although brushing and flossing can help get rid of plaques, you can still have a buildup that can cause inflammation and decay. Plaque accumulation is a problem and the primary cause of gum disease. The good news is decay and gum inflammation can be prevented with a professional cleaning and proper dental hygiene. Apart from that, you can use dental sealants near you that can help to shield the teeth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are coatings applied on the grooves of the teeth to keep them from trapping food particles that can cause decay and cavities. While the dentist can apply the sealants on all teeth, they are ideal for the molars, because they are more prone to holding food.
The most common type of sealant is the plastic version. However, you can also get glass ionomer sealants that easily harden after application and also release fluoride. It is vital to consult a dentist near you on the difference s between the difference between the two.
Who Can Use the Dental Sealants?
The American Dental Association and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend sealants for school-going children. However, adults with healthy teeth free of dental fillings can also benefit from dental sealants.
Are The Sealants Effective?
According to the CDC, the dental sealant can prevent 80 percent of decay in the first two years after application and 50 percent after that. Furthermore, children who do not get dental sealants are twice more likely to develop dental cavities than those who do have them.
Are The Dental Sealants Safe?
There are a few concerns about the safety of dental sealants because of the BPA content. Bisphenol is a compound found in plastic products, and it is believed that they affect the nervous, thyroid, and immune system. However, the ADA and CDC report that the levels of BPA in dental sealants are negligible and cannot cause any harm.
But, if you are worried about the BPA levels, you can use the glass ionomer sealants. They do not contain BPA, but they are less effective than plastic ones.
How Are the Sealants Applied?
Getting dental sealants in Baltimore requires at least 30 minutes. Our dentist in Baltimore, MD, will begin the process by cleaning the teeth and gums to remove any plaque buildup. Next, he will dry each tooth and use a cotton absorbent material to separate the teeth and keep them dry. The teeth need to be dry before applying the plastic coatings because it can affect the bonding process. Only the glass ionomer sealants can bond to the teeth with saliva present.
The dentist will then apply an acid solution to the teeth roughen them, which helps the sealant to bond to the teeth. The sealants are then applied to the teeth where they will bond immediately, but sometimes the dentist may use a laser light to hasten the process.
How Long Will the Sealant Last?
Dental sealants can last for a decade or so, but they will need constant evaluation. The constant chewing can wear out the sealants and increases the risk of them cracking. This will reduce the effectiveness of the sealants and affect the teeth too. It is recommended that you visit the dentist regularly probably every six months, or as advised by the dentist.
What Other Preventive Measures Can You Use?
Dental sealants in Canton are safe to use, but their effectiveness will be enhanced if combined with other treatments. Some of the recommended preventive dental procedures include fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural cavity fighter that strengthens the enamel and makes it less prone to developing decay. The treatment is recommended every three, six, and twelve months or as our dentist advises.
Professional dental cleaning and checkup are also essential to supporting your oral health. For children with primary teeth and who are at risk of developing cavities, the dentist can recommend pediatric dental crowns that work similarly to the sealants.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Canton Crossing Dental for more information about dental sealants.