The purpose of a dental sealant is to create a protective barrier on your teeth to help prevent decay. Since back molars tend to have grooves that are difficult to clean, sealants can be used to help safeguard them from cavities.
Whether you are a child who has never had a cavity or an adult who is constantly going to the dentist, Greenbelt Dental Associates can determine if you are a good candidate for dental sealants.
A dental sealant is a paste or gel that is placed on your tooth by a dentist. Usually, it is made of a specific type of plastic material, but sometimes other materials are used.
The dental sealant later hardens to create a strong coat over your tooth.
If the dental sealant needs intense light to solidify, the dental professional will shine ADA approved lights on the tooth in the safety of the office. Once dental sealants have hardened, they should be very durable and last for several years.
Prevention is the best type of treatment. Dental sealants prevent food and bacteria from getting into the little nooks and crannies of your teeth.
The back molars are particularly susceptible to decay since they tend to be rougher with more grooves and dips for breaking food down. These grooves and crevices can be very difficult to clean.
Children with teeth that have no decay are great candidates for dental sealants. Adults may also have sealants applied to teeth that are free of decay.
We’ve applied sealants to many patients from Greenbelt, Beltsville, Lanham, Riverdale, Hyattsville, Glenn Dale, and surrounding areas. We know just what to look for to determine if sealants are a good idea for you.
After you have had dental sealants applied you should continue with good oral care.
Regular checkups are very important so the dentist can make sure the sealants are holding up properly. The dentist will check the dental sealants during every visit to determine if they need to be reapplied.
According to the ADA, even though your dental sealants are providing your teeth with some more protection, you still need to brush your teeth for two minutes two times a day. The ADA further suggests that you floss once a day to help remove sticky plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay between your teeth.
Give us a call at (301) 241-8100 to hear more about how dental sealants can protect your teeth. When you’re ready to come in for a visit, you’ll find that Greenbelt Dental Associates is easy to get to in Greenbelt, Maryland.
