• Sealants

    Sealants

    Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide.

    Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity. In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.

    How Do Sealants Work?

    Think of them as raincoats for your teeth. When the cavity-causing bacteria that live in everyone’s mouth meet leftover food particles, they produce acids that can create holes in teeth. These holes are cavities. After a sealant has been applied it keeps those bits of food out and stops bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth—just like a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a storm.

    Who Can Get Sealants?

    Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. Your first molars appear around age 6, and second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run. Ask your dentist if sealants are a good option for you and your family.

    How Are Sealants Applied?

    It’s a quick and painless process. Your dentist will clean and dry your tooth before placing an acidic gel on your teeth. This gel roughs up your tooth surface so a strong bond will form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, your dentist will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth once again before applying the sealant onto the grooves of your tooth. Your dentist will then use a special blue light to harden the sealant.

    Can Sealants Be Placed Over Cavities?

    Sealants can be used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage to your tooth. Because some sealants are clear, your dentist can keep an eye on the tooth to make sure the sealant is doing its job.

    Are There Any Side Effects?

    With the exception of an allergy that may exist, there are no known side effects from sealants.

    Is There BPA In Sealants?

    Yes, there is a tiny amount of BPA in sealants but not enough to cause you or a loved one any harm. In fact, you get more exposure to BPA by simply touching a receipt, using cosmetics or coming in contact with dust.

    BPA in sealants

    How Long Do Sealants Last?

    Sealants will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular dental visit, your dentist will check the condition of the sealant and can reapply them as needed.

    Are Sealants Covered By Dental Plans?

    Some plans do cover sealants, so call your dental benefit company to find out what kind of coverage you have.

    http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants

    Leave a reply →

Leave a reply

Cancel reply

Features

  • Complete Dental

    We’ve been dentists in Sacramento since 1961, offering complete dental care. We take care of your entire oral health. No expensive specialists to deal with. We aim to be the only dentist you’ll need.

  • Orthodontic Braces

    Did you know we do braces too? Read more to find out how we can give you the smile that you’ve always wanted.

  • Family Matters

    We are three generations of dentists. We want to provide the best dental care. Let our family take care of your family.

  • Dental Care for Kids

    Get your children started on improving their oral hygiene. We’ll give you some tips to make it easier. Also, starting at age two, kids should begin their regular checkups with the dentist as well.