Using Dental Sealants to Prevent Cavities
At West End Dental Centre, we provide dental sealants as a preventive measure to protect your teeth from cavities and decay. Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars, which are the teeth most vulnerable to cavities. This barrier helps prevent food particles and bacteria from settling into the grooves and pits of your teeth, reducing the risk of decay.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are made from a clear or tooth-coloured material that bonds to the enamel of your teeth. The application is painless and quick, making it an easy and effective method to protect your teeth. While brushing and flossing help remove food and plaque from tooth surfaces, dental sealants provide an additional layer of protection to the hard-to-clean areas of your back teeth.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers, as their newly erupted permanent teeth are most prone to decay. However, adults with deep grooves in their molars can also benefit from sealants to reduce their risk of cavities.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Cavity Prevention: Sealants protect teeth from bacteria and acids that cause cavities.
- Long-Lasting Protection: Dental sealants can last for several years with proper care.
- Quick and Painless Application: The application process is non-invasive and can be completed in just a few minutes.
- Cost-Effective: Sealants are a preventive treatment that can help avoid the need for more costly dental procedures like fillings or crowns.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Applying dental sealants is a simple, painless procedure that can be completed in a single visit:
- Cleaning: Your dentist will thoroughly clean and dry your teeth.
- Preparation: An acidic gel is applied to roughen the tooth surface, helping the sealant bond effectively.
- Application: The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it quickly bonds and hardens, forming a protective shield.
Maintaining Dental Sealants
To ensure the longevity of your dental sealants, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting us for routine dental checkups. During your checkup, we’ll inspect your sealants and reapply them if necessary to continue protecting your teeth.
If you’re looking for preventive care like dental sealants in Edmonton, we’re happy to answer your questions or schedule a consultation. Give us a call – (780)-944-2828.