If you have been considering getting dental sealants, it might be a good choice for you as there are many advantages. Dental sealants are used to protect the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars from deterioration. Because these teeth have deep grooves that are difficult to clean, they are prone to plaque development and cavities. Sealants add an added layer of protection by forming a smooth surface that covers these fissured areas, supplementing fluoride’s advantages in preventing decay and protecting the teeth. Visit a dentist in South Reno, NV, today for a consultation.
Where are these dental sealants placed?
Once the chewing surface of the first permanent molar teeth has fully erupted beyond the gum, dental sealants are routinely applied. This usually happens behind the infant’s teeth. Sealants can also be applied to further molars and premolars as they continue to erupt until the age of eleven to thirteen, protecting these teeth once they have emerged beyond the gum.
Because these areas frequently have deep cracks, dental sealants are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of molar and premolar permanent teeth. They can, however, be utilized to give protection to other permanent teeth with grooves or pits. Dental sealants may be advised in some circumstances for children’s primary dentition (baby teeth). Furthermore, dental sealants can be applied in deep grooves and fissures in adults who are at risk for cavities and do not have current fillings or sealants.
How are they placed?
Clear, white, or slightly colored dental sealants are available. The tooth surface is cleansed before applying dental sealants, and then an acidic solution is administered to provide a rough surface for the sealant to attach to. The liquid dental sealant is then applied and hardened with either a light or a two-component sealer. When the sealant hardens, it forms a hard plastic coating that protects the tooth from decay.
Final thoughts:
Dental sealants have been proven effective since the 1970s and can last for many years. Fluoride, on the other hand, is still required to protect all tooth surfaces against decay. Dental sealants only cover the region to which they are applied. If you are still not sure whether you should get dental sealants or need advice from a professional dentist in South Reno to put your mind at ease, it would be best if you booked a consultation with a dentist.