Your teeth are literally on the front lines when it comes to eating. This means they are exposed to daily attack by oral bacteria fed by the foods you eat. It would be nice if you could protect them with armor. That, essentially, is what dental sealants are. Dental sealants are used to help prevent the back teeth from trapping bacteria and developing damage or decay. They are made from a thin plastic material and painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
If you are looking for sealants for your children or yourself, please call (208) 922-1755 today for an appointment with a Kuna dentist at Deluxe Dental.
Make It Easier to Clean Your Teeth
Brushing and flossing are always the best ways to care for your teeth and help prevent cavities, but it can be challenging to clean certain parts of your teeth – especially the back chewing teeth known as the molars. Molars are rough and uneven, a structure that helps them crush and grind hard foods. The deep pits and cracks in your molars are a favorite place for food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide.
Sealants can help protect this part of the mouth. They are a thin, protective coating that is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. When the cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth comes in contact with leftover food particles, they produce acids that can create cavities. After a sealant is applied, it protects the tooth and keeps those bits of food out and stops bacteria from settling on your teeth. The smoother surface created by sealants also makes the teeth easier to clean.
Proven Protection
Sealants are one of the most scientifically-supported preventive procedures in dentistry. We have good data showing that they can really protect your teeth.
Sealants can reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) recommends the widespread use of sealants to reduce the cost and time for dental treatments, including crowns and fillings.
Dental sealants can last for a long time (up to 10 years), and then they can be reapplied to provide continuous protection.
The Dental Sealant Process
The application of dental sealants is fast and painless and can usually be completed at the same time as your regular checkup. Before a sealant application, the teeth are cleaned and dried and coated with an etching gel that will help the sealants bond to the tooth’s surface. The sealant is then painted on the tooth in layers and allowed to dry. Once we’ve confirmed that your bite is normal, and the indentations have been sealed, the process is complete.
Not Just for Kids Anymore
In the past, dental sealants were mostly recommended for kids. Now we realize that these procedures are beneficial for adults as well. While it’s best to get sealants before you develop cavities in molars, sealants can be applied over fillings as well.
Considering Dental Sealants in Kuna?
If you think you may benefit from a dental sealant, please give our dental office a call. You can reach us at (208) 922-1755 to schedule an appointment.
