Dental Sealants
Mesa, AZ
Most people are taught the basics of taking care of their teeth from a young age, brushing their teeth after every meal, and flossing at least once a day.
However, in some cases, even the most diligent of care, including the brushing, flossing, and rinsing of teeth might not be enough.
There are problem areas that are difficult to reach, like the back teeth, which almost always have grooves and depressions where food can become trapped, making them difficult to clean. As a result, these teeth are particularly vulnerable to decay.
Dental sealants are an effective preventative measure for this issue.
They are essentially just a thin layer that seals off the pits and fissures in the mouth, especially at the back, to keep plaque and food out.
Even though applying dental sealants may appear simple, it is best left to a trained dentist. At Timothy H. Kindt, DDS in Mesa, AZ we specialize in this - and many other preventive dental treatment services at our family practice.
What Are Dental Sealants for Teeth?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth, mainly the back teeth such as molars and premolars. They cover and protect the teeth, preventing the accumulation of food and plaque on the surfaces, and reducing the chances of decay on chewing surfaces.
Given its malleable state, the dental sealant will typically flow into the natural indentations and grooves of the tooth, before it then hardens and forms a protective barrier over the teeth.
They are useful for the hard-to-reach and problem areas of the teeth that are difficult to brush. These areas typically have grooves where food particles can easily settle.
After the application of the dental sealant, the food particles that would otherwise have become stuck and difficult to remove through regular dental hygiene procedures like flossing and brushing are effectively sealed out.
What Are Dental Sealants Made Of?
One of the most common questions patients ask is about what dental sealants are made of. This is a reasonable question given that dental sealants can last several years in one's mouth.
The simple answer is that they are made of plastic, but this is almost always in combination with another product.
There are various dental sealants available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages based on the components used in its manufacture. For instance, polyacid-modified resin dental sealants contain both resin and glass ionomers and are therefore commonly called compomers in the dental industry.
Another type of dental sealant is composite resin dental sealant, which is a ceramic and plastic compound. These dental sealants have extremely high retention rates, implying that patients may leave them on for extended periods of time.
Fluoride is gradually released from glass ionomer dental sealants over time. Fluoride's ability to strengthen enamel over time reduces the risk of tooth decay by around 35 percent.
The Process of Getting Dental Sealants
Many people ask "Do Dental Sealants Hurt?" Thankfully the answer is no!
A dental sealant application is a quick and painless procedure that takes only a few minutes per tooth.
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The application's multi-stage process begins with a thorough cleaning. This is the first step in most dental procedures. Before dental sealants are applied, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. The dentist or hygienist inspects the crevices of the teeth to ensure that no food remains.
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The following step is drying. At this point, the sealant is applied and allowed to dry completely. To keep the teeth dry at this stage, dental professionals will typically use cotton or another absorbent material.
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The third stage is roughening up. The chewing surfaces of the teeth are roughened with an acid solution to improve the sealant material's ability to bond with them.
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Following this, the teeth will be rinsed and dried once more.
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Finally, the application is finished. The sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of the teeth here. When applied, it forms a strong bond with the enamel before drying and hardening.
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In some cases, a specialized curing light may be required to aid in the hardening process of the sealant. |
How Long Does it Take for Dental Sealants to Dry?
Due to the materials used, different sealants take different amounts of time to dry. The majority of sealants cure in about one day.
They are ready to withstand the rigors of regular use, including exposure to water and moisture.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?
The use of dental sealants to protect your teeth will offer you the following advantages.
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First, they are suitable for all ages but are especially useful for children. While dental sealants are most commonly used on children, adults can also have these protective coatings painted onto their teeth. Their use on children's teeth is especially useful as a protective measure from decay and cavities.
Generally speaking, children are still learning how to brush their teeth. Despite their parents' best efforts, children may not spend extra time cleaning their teeth thoroughly. They put themselves at a high risk of developing cavities because they frequently ignore trouble spots on their teeth.
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The sealants provide a proactive protective layer in the most problematic spots on the teeth.
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For adults, they might also be useful for those that have underlying issues. Some people are simply predisposed to developing cavities and tooth decay due to factors such as genetics or a lack of access to regular dental care.
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Dental sealants have been known to reduce deep grooves. Molars have deeper grooves and depressions on their surfaces than other types of teeth, making them especially difficult to clean.
No matter how well one brushes their teeth, one cannot reach all the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces. The dental sealant material will normally settle on these grooves, reducing their depth and making them easier to clean.
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Unlike other dental procedures, the application of dental sealants is relatively simple. It is a quick and painless process, one that will likely be completed within a single dental visit. Granted, one will have to wait up to 24 hours for the sealants to set in. However, it is hardly ever prone to risks or complications. The teeth are cleaned and the sealant is applied, cured, and left to dry. |
Schedule Dental Sealants with Your Mesa, AZ Dentist Today!
Dental sealants can prevent decay and tooth loss. Reach out to Timothy H. Kindt, DDS today at (480) 939-5818 and let us discuss how you can protect your teeth. |
