It is no secret that many people are fighting tooth decay. Dental sealants were created to protect teeth from decay, and also combat it. Here’s how they work:
Sealants are basically coatings that cover the entirety of your tooth to protect it from wear and decay. Sealants are used on teeth that are considered high risk of decay, either by being next to a decaying tooth, or teeth that are naturally predisposed to decay, such as children’s new molars. By creating a plastic barrier around your tooth, sealants dips into each divot on top of the enamel, guarding the tooth from bacteria, acids, plaque, and other harmful agents.
Though brushing and flossing are both equally as important to do for your teeth to keep them healthy, sealants are just another line of defense.
When your dentist recommends sealing a tooth, here is what you can expect from the procedure:
Cleaning
Your dentist will first do a deep clean on your teeth, making sure no plaque or other debris are on or near your teeth.
Drying
The next step is to make sure your tooth is completely dry before applying the sealant. In order to make sure that the sealant and your enamel bond, your tooth can’t be wet in the slightest. Your dentist will use what they call an air syringe to completely dry the tooth.
Etching
The dentist will then place an etching cover on the tooth. This step adds texture to the top of the tooth, giving the sealant another layer to bond and hold onto.
Application
The last step – your dentist will apply the sealant to your tooth using a small brush. Once they apply the sealant, a small light will hover over the tooth for about 30 seconds to dry the sealant completely.
Sealants typically last for years, and are a great additional line of defense for your teeth, of course behind regular brushing / flossing & dental check ups!
Looking to speak to a dental pro about sealants? Give Imagine Dental a call today at (480) 893-7733!
