Dentist Castle Rock Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants are put on in dentists’ offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. The dental sealants are plastic resins and they can be bonded into the fissures and pits of the tooth to make the tooth surface smooth; this will facilitate the bristles of the tooth brush to access all areas of your tooth and remove the plaque thereby preventing tooth decay says Dentist Castle Rock. The teeth that are likely to be benefited by the application of this plastic coating are the permanent molars. It is ideal if you get the sealant applied immediately after the eruption of teeth and this will prevent tooth decay. Another problem that you could face is that the thickness of the enamel layer in the fissures and pits is lesser than that in the other parts of the tooth. This means that this area is not only susceptible for cavity formation but also the cavities will penetrate the enamel layer in a shorter period.

Prevent Decay 

A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids explains Dentist Castle Rock. The tooth is then washed off and dried. Then, the sealant is painted on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist also may shine a light on the tooth to help harden the sealant. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield. Sealants can only be seen up close. Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted, and usually are not seen when a child talks or smiles. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food. Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. The process is short and easy. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds.

Dentist Castle Rock Dental Sealants

Sealants for Kiddos

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in — before decay attacks the teeth. The first permanent molars — called “6 year molars” — come in between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars — “12 year molars” — come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old. Other teeth with pits and grooves also might need to be sealed. Teenagers and young adults who are prone to decay may also need sealants. The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well. Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners; eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly. Ask your Dentist Castle Rock about whether sealants can put extra power behind your prevention program. Your dentist might think it is a good idea, especially if your child’s baby teeth have deep pits and grooves. Baby teeth save space for permanent teeth. It is important to keep baby teeth healthy so they don’t fall out early. Sealant application is a preventive process whereas filling is the treatment carried out after your tooth is damaged because of tooth decay. Filling weakens your tooth because every time filling is done the dentist drills your teeth. You can save money, time and discomfort with dental sealants as compared to fillings.

Lifetime for Sealants

Sealants can last up to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. The dentist or dental hygienist can repair sealants by adding more sealant material. What if a small cavity is accidentally covered by a sealant? The decay will not spread, because it is sealed off from its food and germ supply explains Dentist Castle Rock. Sealants have been around since the 1960s. Studies by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others led to the development of dental sealants and showed that they are safe and effective. Sealants are not new, but many people still do not know about sealants. In fact, fewer than 25 percent of children in the United States have sealants on their teeth. Risks in sealants are because most of the sealant materials contain BPA – Bisphenol A – and this is an endocrine disruptor that causes negative health effects. FDA is also concerned about its exposure to fetuses, children and infants. However, recent studies have shown that the dental sealants can be used safely on kids as long as the dentists ensure that all the residues of the sealants are rinsed or wiped out after application. On the other hand the researchers of this study are of the opinion that using sealants on pregnant women is to be avoided as far as possible unless the treatment is an absolute necessity.

Dentist Castle Rock Dental Sealants