Dental Sealants
Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist are the three key ingredients to having healthy teeth and gums. These things are great in preventing the onset of gum diseases and tooth decay. But as dental technology develops, new treatments are discovered to prevent tooth decay. One of them is dental sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
This new treatment method employs a thin and clear plastic coating applied on the teeth to protect it against tooth decay. A sealant is applied to the surfaces of a tooth especially those that are used to chewing food as these surfaces are most likely to be affected by tooth decay.
The sealant keeps gems as well as food particles out of the teeth especially within the grooves where food particles are often collected. This type of treatment is best used for permanent teeth particularly the molars. It is very effective when applied shortly after the permanent molars have erupted in order to prevent tooth decay.
How Is It Applied?
Sealants are very easy to apply, and it does not even require drilling or removal of any tooth structure. The dentist will clean the teeth first before applying the special gel. Leaving the gel on for a few seconds before the teeth are rinsed and dried before the sealant is painted on. A special light is often used to harden the sealant. Once applied properly, it can last for 5 to 10 years as long as proper dental hygiene is observed. It is also crucial that you visit the dentist regularly to check on the condition of the dental sealant.
In the long run, sealants are very beneficial as it prevents cavities which can affect the health and quality of your teeth. However, it is good to know that you do not use sealant as a replacement for regular oral health habits.