It’s common for plaque and harmful bacteria to build up on the surface of your teeth, and over time these substances can wear away the enamel and cause serious damage. If this happens, you may require expensive restorative procedures like root canals and grafts. Fortunately, at our Wexford office, we offer dental sealants as an effective and protective solution designed to preserve your oral health.
Dental sealants are thin layers of protective coating applied to your teeth. Made from safe, BPA-free plastic, they’re virtually unnoticeable but effectively seal out bacteria. Dental sealants are incredible for keeping vulnerable teeth safe from cavities. While normally recommended for children, adults can greatly benefit from sealants too.
Sealants are an excellent option for patients who want to protect their teeth from cavities and decay. Sealants are often applied to a patient’s molars because they’re the most challenging teeth to clean, meaning most bacteria buildup occurs in their grooves. We recommend sealants for children mainly to protect their temporary back teeth from cavities while growing and developing. For adults, sealants are most frequently used to preserve a tooth’s health while waiting for a more comprehensive treatment.
As far as restorative dentistry options go, there are numerous benefits to dental sealants, including:
Sealants can be a great option for many people. While they’re commonly recommended for children, sealants provide many benefits for adults, too. Dr. Gabriel may place sealants if you:
It’s very easy to apply dental sealants, and the procedure is non-invasive. The whole process typically takes about an hour, and we can complete it right in our Wexford office.
First, Dr. Gabriel will deep-clean the teeth receiving the sealant in order to remove all bacteria and plaque that has built up. He’ll then apply a dental-grade bonding agent that will help secure the sealant to your teeth.
Dr. Gabriel will apply the liquid material to fill the grooves and crevices of your teeth, forming a tight seal to keep out dangerous substances. The sealants are purposefully clear so the doctor can inspect them easily during future visits. Finally, we will harden the sealants using a special UV light to ensure they’re comfortable in your bite and you’re ready to go!
Dental sealants last for at most five years before wearing off. Your sealants won’t be taken off⎼ instead, they’ll slowly wear away over time. At your regular appointments, Dr. Gabriel can check on the state of your sealants and let you know when or if replacements are needed.
Taking good care of your teeth and avoiding certain types of foods can keep your sealants intact longer. Chewing on sticky foods such as gum or taffy can harm the sealants, as well as very hard substances like ice. Staying away from these foods can help your sealants last longer.
Dental sealants are worth it if you want to worry less about cavities. Dental sealants can provide incredible tooth protection by blocking harmful bacteria from even reaching your tooth. This can be a relief if you have particularly vulnerable teeth.
Sealants do have to be reapplied every once in a while, but the process is simple and noninvasive. Dr. Gabriel can also determine if you may need more protection than sealants or if your sealants are no longer necessary.
Sealants are generally not needed but can be highly recommended for vulnerable teeth. Getting sealants on teeth that are difficult to clean can save you from developing cavities and other painful conditions. Dental sealants can be particularly useful on back molars.
Chewing gum too often isn’t recommended if you have sealants. Any sticky or very hard foods can damage your sealants. Avoiding these kinds of foods can help your sealants last longer and protect your teeth.
Even though sealants help to keep cavities from developing, it’s still very important to take care of your oral health. Proper brushing and flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth and can help protect your teeth and the sealants on them.