Dental sealants are a great preventive and protective general dentistry measure that can be used for both children and adults. They protect the teeth against cavities and the effects of bruxism, which both can lead to tooth decay and eventual loss. Ready to find out how?
Below is an overview of dental sealants, including what they are and how they can be used to protect the teeth against decay. When looking into different protective measures, it can be helpful to review the following information.
Dental sealants are defined as thin, plastic-based coatings that cover the back teeth. A general dentist paints the plastic coating directly onto molars and premolars, which are responsible for chewing and grinding food when eating. The procedure is very simple and takes less than an hour.
Dental sealants are placed on back teeth, typically molars and premolars. These teeth are most prone to cavities and decay because they are responsible for chewing and grinding foods. Additionally, these teeth often grind up against each other at night, which leads to significant wear and tear of the enamel and entire tooth. Long-term wear and tear on the back teeth can result in decay. While it takes much longer for a tooth to decay from bruxism than it does cavities, the potential is there.
With the help of dental sealants, the back teeth can be protected from cavity build-up and the effects of bruxism. When placing them, the general dentist will carefully apply the coating to the entire tooth, ensuring that all the pits and fissures are filled and sealed. The sealant is invisible, but keeps the enamel strong and protected, thus resulting in less of a chance that cavities or bruxism will cause decay.
Dental sealants are primarily used for children as their teeth are more prone to developing cavities, which leads to tooth decay. However, adult patients can also have dental sealants placed as a preventive and protective measure. The procedure is simple, pain-free and non-invasive, which makes it a great option for anyone!
While dental sealants are meant to provide permanent results, they often do not last past 10 years. Because they are placed on the back teeth, normal wear and tear does occur over time. Thankfully, dental sealants can be reapplied every few years to ensure that they remain intact and protective.
After a dental sealant procedure, individuals may experience slight sensitivity, which is very normal. The sensitivity should not last more than 48 hours and can be remedied with a desensitizing toothpaste.
When considering different preventive measures, such as dental sealants, it is a good idea to consult with a general dentist. An evaluation can be done in order to determine if dental sealants are a suitable option. Each individual is different, which means their needs may vary. To learn more about dental sealants and their use, reach out today!
Request an appointment here: https://www.drtimhubbs.com or call Vineyard Hills Dental Care at (925) 233-1143 for an appointment in our Livermore office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Livermore, CA.
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 are a popular treatment that is used in aiding prevention of cavities from forming, especially for teeth that are in the back of the mouth. Dentists typically recommend that their patients have sealants applied to their molars or premolars. Molars are the primary teeth used in chewing foods, which also greatly affects the…
Preventive dentistry deals with dental procedures to prevent dental issues, and it is critical for anybody who wants to keep their natural teeth for the rest of their life. Dentists used to spend most of their time treating dental issues rather than preventing them.Due to people's overly busy schedules, it is easy to put off…
The role of preventative dentistry is to minimize the risk of future dental issues in patients. Read on to learn some tips that encourage the prevention of oral issues. If you have experienced and treated dental issues in the past, you will attest that it is better to prevent them from happening in the first…
Gum disease is a common oral health issue that dentists treat. You may focus more on cavity prevention, but gum issues can be just as critical to your wellness. Putting off treatment can cause more serious issues. You should first recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition and then seek your dentist’s help right…
Considering implant supported dentures? These prosthetics are one of the most common tooth replacement options as they offer a hybrid approach, combining dentures with dental implants. Keep reading to find out more! Outlined below are a few commonly asked questions and answers about implant supported dentures. It can be helpful to review these when looking into…