Human teeth are harder than bones since they are made of the hardest materials in the body. However, that doesn’t stop them from being susceptible to damage. Human teeth are made of calcium- the covering enamel is what gives the teeth their strength, but this can be worn out if proper care is not taken.
When the enamel wears out, the need for a protective covering becomes paramount to prevent damage like cavities and decay on the tooth. And this covering is called a dental sealant.
This procedure is gaining rapid popularity in the dental community for its effectiveness in preventing dental problems.
As your go-to source for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in the University Charlotte area, we have put together all you need to know about teeth sealants.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
Dental sealants are protective coverings made from tooth-colored composite resin, glass ionomer, or polyacid resin. This covering is placed on the teeth to protect them from enamel damage. They are thin coatings painted on the surface of the back molars. Coating the molars protects the chewing surface from food particles and germs that would cause decay and cavities.
It is common knowledge that brushing and flossing are the most effective ways to keep your teeth cavity-free, and so far, they have been doing a good job. However, we can’t dispute the fact that the human tooth structure has tight corners that a toothbrush or floss might not get into, which is where teeth sealants come in to perform an optimal job.
Benefits of Dental Sealant Treatments
Dental sealants are a form of protective covering over the surface of the tooth enamel. These tooth sealants are made to cover the chewing areas on the back molars of the teeth.
Here are a few benefits of having dental sealants placed:
Dental Sealants Will Reduce the Deep Grooves of the Back Molars
The deeper the groove of the tooth, the more difficult cleaning will be, as toothbrush bristles will not reach the depth of the groove. This will lead to a buildup of germs and bacteria on the tooth and invariably cause an array of dental problems.
With a sealant for teeth, the size of the groove is reduced, and the cleaning is more effective. Your toothbrush will easily reach the corners of the tooth and take out any food residue or decay-causing bacteria.
Dental Sealants Offer Protection Against Cavities
By covering the tooth surface, dental sealants keep food and germs from reaching and staying in the crevices of the tooth. This protects against tooth decay and other dental problems that might arise otherwise, especially in children.
Dental Sealants are a Long Lasting Investment
With sealants on your teeth, you don’t have to worry about cavities and tooth decay. Most importantly, you won’t have to worry about changing your sealant or damaging them while you eat. This is because sealants are thin plastic that will attach to your teeth’ surface almost immediately after they are placed. They are painless, and there won’t be any inconvenience.
Cost of Dental Sealants for Children and Adults
The cost of dental sealants differs for adults and children. However, with health or dental insurance, the cost may be completely covered, and if not, you can be sure that you would only have a small percentage to pay out of your pocket.
What to Expect During Your Dental Sealant Appointment
If you are planning to book an appointment for your dental sealant procedure, here is a heads-up of what you should be expecting.
H3: How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
First, your Charlotte dentist, Dr. Martin, cleans the tooth where the sealant is to be applied, and a gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then rinsed and dried afterward.
Once this is done, the sealant is painted on top of the tooth. This is left for a minute or two for the protective layer to set. A light is then shone on the teeth to harden the sealant and form the protective shield.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Sealants for teeth last for five to ten years after they have been placed. However, like everything artificial, their functionality reduces as time goes on.
In the first two years of applying dental sealants, your teeth are protected from 80% of germs and food particles. In the following two years, you are protected from 50% of the germs and food particles.
Dental Sealant Treatment in the University Charlotte Area
Getting your dental sealant treatment is not a herculean task. All you need to do is visit your dentist, state your purpose, and have your dental sealants placed.
Winning Smiles Family Dentistry offers quality dental sealant treatment in the University Charlotte area. Our main focus and purpose is to provide optimal dental health for our patients. Our dental team works hard and efficiently to fulfill our purpose. You can contact us today for any of our dental treatments.
Want to get dental sealant placed for yourself or your child? Schedule an appointment with us.
