Dental sealants are a quick and easy way to keep your teeth healthy and safe from cavities. The team at Power Road Dental Care is here to help educate you about this fantastic preventative procedure and its many benefits.
If you are in the East Valley and are searching for ‘dental sealants near me’, we can help. To book an appointment, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth or molars. These sealants create a smooth surface, making it more difficult for bacteria, plaque, and food particles to accumulate in the tooth’s natural crevices. In effect, dental sealants act as a protective shield, protecting your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria🛡️.
Book an Appointment for Dental SealantsWho Should Get Dental Sealants?
While dental sealants are often associated with children and their developing teeth, they can provide valuable protection for individuals of all ages. Here’s a breakdown of who can benefit from dental sealants:
- Children and teenagers: Dental sealants can be used on baby teeth and permanent teeth. Sealants on baby teeth can help prevent tooth decay and cavities until the permanent teeth come in. Once the permanent molars emerge, which is generally around the ages of 6 and 12, sealants should be applied as soon as possible.
- Adults: Adults can also benefit from this preventative treatment. The protection provided by dental sealants can help maintain the health and integrity of an adult’s teeth for years to come.
- Individuals with a history of tooth decay or cavities: If you have a history of dental concerns like tooth decay or cavities, dental sealants can be beneficial in preventing further issues with your teeth.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer several advantages, including:
- Prevention of tooth decay: By covering the tooth’s surface, dental sealants block out bacteria and food particles that can lead to tooth decay.
- Cost-effective: Compared to the cost of treating cavities, dental sealants are an affordable preventative solution.
- Long-lasting: Dental sealants can protect teeth from decay for many, many years with proper care.
- Painless and non-invasive: The process of applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive.
- Easy maintenance: There are no special care requirements for dental sealants. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are sufficient.
The Dental Sealant Procedure
The dental sealant procedure is a simple, painless, and efficient process that can be completed in a single visit to your dentist. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the procedure:
- The first step is a thorough cleaning of the teeth that are to be sealed. This ensures that no bacteria or food particles are trapped beneath the sealant. Dr. Davis uses particle abrasion to thoroughly clean out the grooves of the back molars/premolars.
- After cleaning, the teeth are dried and a cotton or similar material is placed around the tooth to keep it dry.
- An acidic solution is used to etch the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, promoting better bonding between the sealant and the teeth.
- The teeth are rinsed and dried.
- Dr. Davis uses a bonding resin prior to application of the actual sealant material to ensure the bond is very strong.
- The sealant material is painted into the pits, fissures and grooves of the tooth surface. A curing light is used to aid in the hardening process.
- Dr. Davis will check that the sealant has formed a protective shield over the tooth’s grooves, pits, and fissures
- Regular check-ups are advised to ensure the sealants are still in place and providing protection.
Remember, while sealants can offer robust protection against cavities, they are not a replacement for good oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth.
At-Home Oral Hygiene Checklist
In addition to dental sealants, there are several at-home practices you can do to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Here is an oral hygiene checklist for optimal oral health:
✔️ Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
✔️ Floss at least once a day.
✔️ Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
✔️ Avoid sugar and acidic drinks and food.
✔️ Visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups and professional cleanings.
✔️ Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products. Dairy products are high in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients and are especially healthy for teeth. Studies have shown that cheese is very effective in fighting decay.
✔️If you are a smoker, quit smoking to reduce the risk of oral health issues like gum disease and cancer.
By following the steps above, you can ensure your teeth stay healthy and protected from decay and cavities.
If you would like to learn more about dental sealants or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Power Road Dental Care.
Our team is always happy to answer any questions and provide guidance on how to keep your teeth in top condition.
Contact Power Road Dental CareProtect Your Oral Health with Dental Sealants
With dental sealants, you can take a proactive step towards protecting your oral health. This simple yet effective treatment can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities, ensuring your teeth remain strong and healthy.
At Power Road Dental Care, we are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you are in the East Valley and are searching for ‘dental sealants near me’, we can help. To book an appointment, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.
Summary
- Power Road Dental Care offers comprehensive oral health services, including limited oral evaluations, digital x-rays, kids dental exams, and home dental care education.
- Comprehensive oral examinations provide an in-depth look at your teeth and surrounding structures.
- Limited oral examinations focus on specific areas of concern and are useful in emergencies or for follow-up checks.
- Periodic oral evaluations are essential for detecting and treating minor cavities, gum disease, bone loss, malocclusion, overcrowding, or spacing issues.
- Digital x-rays serve as an essential diagnostic tool, offering clear, high-resolution images, and significantly less radiation exposure compared to traditional x-rays.
- Kids dental exams track the development stages of teeth and jaws, and early intervention can correct issues like malocclusion, overcrowding, or spacing problems.
- Patients are advised to have a dental exam every six months and digital x-rays annually, although this can vary based on individual needs.
- The first dental checkup includes a review of dental and medical history, an oral examination, digital x-rays, and a discussion of treatment options.
FAQs About Dental Sealants
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
It all depends. Dr. Davis uses the best materials available, and the technique is top-notch. Longevity of restorative materials depends on how well they are taken care of, including at home oral health care, and diet. That said, regular check-ups are still recommended to ensure the sealant is intact and providing adequate protection against cavities and decay.
Do Dental Sealants Hurt?
No, dental sealants don’t hurt. The procedure to apply them is a painless process that involves cleaning the tooth, preparing the tooth surface, and then applying the sealant. The sealant quickly hardens to form a protective shield over the tooth’s surface. There’s absolutely no discomfort involved before, during, or after the procedure.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Sealants?
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of sealants for children, but not necessarily for adults. Check with your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for the procedure.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Yes, dental sealants are completely safe and pose no health risks when applied correctly by a qualified dentist. The material used is BPA-free and non-toxic.
Are There Any Side Effects of Dental Sealants?
There are no known side effects from dental sealants. However, if the sealant becomes cracked or chipped, it may need to be replaced. See your dentist as soon as possible if this occurs.