has never been easier. Brushed or painted on to the chewing surface of back molars by our Cadillac dentists, dental sealants effectively “seal” out decay and keep food particles from becoming trapped in the fine grooves or pits of teeth. The procedure is fast, painless, and beneficial for children and adults alike.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Though sealants can’t replace your toothbrush or floss, they are designed to keep food out and prevent both bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth. In fact, over the years dental sealants have been proven to lower the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%.
Your back teeth, or molars, are rough in texture, uneven, and contain small depressions, or pits, on their top surfaces. Despite avid brushing, these hard-to-reach pits or grooves can remain vulnerable to food particles and plaque left behind. Our dentists can apply sealants over the enamel of each back molar to reduce the likelihood of decay getting inside of the tooth.
Who Are Sealants For?
Anyone can benefit from having sealants applied to their back teeth, but they are the most useful during an individual’s younger years. Both children and teenagers are particularly prone to the development of decay in the grooves located on premolars and molars. Sealants can protect their teeth as their mouth grows and changes.
If, as an adult, the appearance of your molars suggest that those teeth might be susceptible to cavities, our dentists will recommend the quick application of dental sealants. After all, sealants are the more cost-effective alternative to fillings in the future.
The Application
The process of applying sealants to your back teeth is fast and completely painless. You won’t need any numbing medication or dental sedation for the procedure.
To prepare your teeth for the sealant, our dentists will first clean and dry off the tooth before putting on an acidic gel. The gel helps to roughen up the surface of the tooth to ensure a strong bond will form between the tooth and the sealant.
Our dentists will then rinse off the gel after a few seconds and dry the tooth again before applying the sealant where it’s needed. The procedure is finished once a special light is used to harden the sealant.
Our Dentists Can Help You Prevent Cavities
Stop decay in its tracks with dental sealants for you and your family members. Our , stand by the effectiveness of sealants and can easily apply them at your next routine appointment. Call LifeSmiles Dentistry today at (231) 775-8281 to request an appointment.
