Dental sealants are among the services a family dentist provides to help prevent tooth decay. Dentists perform the application on the back teeth, or molars, used primarily for chewing. These teeth have tiny crevices and uneven places where the bacteria that can cause cavities are often found. According to the American Dental Association, sealants can reduce the risk of molars developing tooth decay by 80% by sealing off these areas.
Patients of any age can receive this preventative. However, most patients who get sealants are children around the age of 6 whose first molars are just coming in. Early application improves the effectiveness of the prophylaxis. Nevertheless, the ADA also states that less than half of school-age children have sealants, making them almost three times as likely to get cavities.
Sealants are made of a clear material such as plastic that adheres to the tooth. This forms a thin, protective coating that creates a barrier between the tooth surface and the acid created when oral bacteria meets food particles. A sealant protects the tooth from destructive acid that can cause tooth decay similar to the way that a raincoat protects a person from getting wet in a rainstorm.
The family dentist works to create a strong bond between the tooth and the sealant. This is accomplished by causing the tooth's surface to become rough through the application of an acidic gel. The dentist applies this after first cleaning and drying the teeth in preparation.
The gel needs only a few seconds to perform its job, after which it gets wiped off, and the dentist dries the tooth again. Once the surface of the tooth is ready, the dentist paints the sealant material directly onto the tooth. The protective coating then needs to dry, which the dentist can accomplish by shining a special blue light into the mouth. The dentist provides the patient with eyewear to filter out the blue light and protect the patient's eyes.
From time to time, sealants wear out and have to be reapplied. A family dentist examines the prophylaxis at regular check-ups and can reapply the sealant once it wears out. This usually takes a number of years.
Rarely, a patient who gets sealants may have an allergic reaction. Otherwise, there are no known side effects from the treatment, and sealants are considered very safe.
Some people have concerns about the presence of bisphenol A in dental sealants. BPA is an industrial chemical common in plastic food and beverage containers. It is connected with several negative health effects when it seeps from a container into food and drink. However, there is more BPA in cosmetics and household dust than in sealants, and the minimal amount in the latter is not enough to do any damage.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist Dental Sealants in Scottsdale, AZ
A family dentist uses sealants to protect teeth against decay. Like a raincoat deflects water, the treatment prevents bacteria and acid from reaching the tooth's surface. However, the protection does not last forever, so patients require reapplication every few years or face a greater risk of developing cavities.
Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
Taking young children to the family dentist can be overwhelming at times, especially because they are more prone to dental fear and anxiety. However, dental care is essential for children, just as it is for adults, and should start at a very young age. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist as…
An abscessed tooth can occur for a variety of reasons, and most require prompt treatment from a family dentist. It is important to understand what an abscessed tooth is, what the early symptoms are and how a family dentist might treat an abscessed tooth to be able to recognize the concern when it develops and…
Are you looking for a family dentist? Read on to learn what questions you should ask before selecting a family dentist. A consultation visit with a family dentist offers a way to learn more about the dental practice you are considering and see if they and their dental team are a good fit for what…
A teenage boy or girl who deals with a crooked smile or uneven bite could be able to use Invisalign® for teens as a corrective treatment. The adolescent and high schools years are often filled with social pressure and a desire for acceptance, and any problems or concerns with a teen’s smile could create self-confidence…
As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there are problems with alignment or spacing. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option,…