Cavities are one of the most common problems dealt with by dentists. Anyone can get a cavity, even small children and they can be very painful if left untreated. Untreated cavities can also lead to an abscess and even nerve infection, along with significant discomfort and loss of teeth. Luckily, cavities can be prevented from recurring, or even happening in the first place by using dental sealants.
Dental sealants can be described as a thin, plastic coating that is painted primarily on permanent molars and premolars in order to prevent tooth decay.
Before dental sealants are attached, the teeth are cleaned and dried. A solution is then placed on them to 'roughen them up' which allows the sealant to better attach to the tooth or teeth that are to be sealed.
The dental sealant is a liquid that is painted onto the teeth which are dried by using a special curing light. Depending on the number of teeth that are to be sealed, the process can last from a few minutes to an hour and is completely pain-free.
When people ingest sugar, it reacts with harmful bacteria in the mouth and creates an acid. This acid removes minerals from the surface of teeth, or the enamel, in a process called demineralization. Repeated acid attacks on the teeth weaken and destroy the enamel over time, leading to tooth decay and eventually a cavity.
When dental sealants are placed on the teeth, the enamel is protected from these acid attacks and this prevents a cavity from being formed.
As mentioned before, dental sealants are typically placed on the molars and premolars. This is because these are the teeth that are responsible for the chewing, crushing and grinding of food. The molars and premolars have deep pits and fissures or grooves that help them to carry out these functions, but, unfortunately, food sometimes gets stuck within them.
While brushing and flossing the teeth may remove a significant amount of the food particles that may get stuck there, it is sometimes not enough. Food particles still get left behind and it may combine with bacteria and saliva to form plaque. This leads to tooth decay and eventually a cavity. However, when dental sealants are placed, these areas are 'sealed' and food will not be able to get trapped there. This makes cleaning the teeth much easier.
While not a permanent form of protection, dental sealants, when properly maintained, can protect the teeth for up to a decade. And, if the teeth are protected, the chances of developing a cavity lessen significantly.
Regular dental check-ups are recommended to check for any chips or wears in the dental sealants and to reseal or replace if necessary.
Protecting one's teeth is very important. Dental procedures can be a bit expensive and if you don't have the coin to spare, then make this investment that is sure to benefit you in the long run!
Request an appointment here: https://dentistofmontville.com or call Montville Smiles at (973) 302-2079 for an appointment in our Montville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants.
Thinking about getting dental sealant treatment? Dental sealants are a vital tool for preventing cavities or tooth decay. Tooth decay is a prevalent condition among children and teenagers, and when unchecked, it can lead to other serious oral issues such as premature tooth loss and gum disease. In combination with other preventive care measures such…
Dental sealants are a popular general dentistry procedure that many individuals consider to protect their teeth. Both children and adults can benefit from sealants as there are many associated advantages. The placement is very easy and pain-free, which is advantageous for patients of all ages. This fact is a great reason to find out more…
Dental sealants provide a simple but effective preventive solution to the issue of tooth cavities developing on chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The back molars have pits and fissures for chewing, but they tend to trap food debris, and the bacteria they harbor are often hard to clean, despite regular brushing. Applying dental sealants…
Dental sealants are an excellent preventive treatment to protect the teeth against decay. The dentist will recommend the treatment if patient is particularly prone to cavities or if the child is still learning to take care of their teeth. This article covers the functions of dental sealants as a preventative treatment.Dental sealants are plastic-like coating…
Clear braces can mean different things to different individuals. Some individuals use the term when referring to aligners. Aligners are not braces in the traditional sense, but these appliances help dentists to move the teeth too. When dentists use the term “clear braces,” the oral health care providers are probably referring to braces that have…
Gum disease is not a condition you should ever ignore. At the first signs of trouble, you should talk to your dentist about how to treat these issues and restore your gums to good health. While the dentist can recommend in-office treatment, there are also things you can do on your own. Along with good…