How Sealants Work
Sealants are clear resin coatings placed on a patients molars that will prevent demineralization and decay of teeth. Sealants continue defending teeth from decay, reinforce enamel and prevent food particles and bacteria from intruding molar fissures. Dental sealants smooth out the uneven surfaces of your molars and ensure that they are less likely to draw in and trap food particles, sealants greatly reduce the potential risk of your molars from enduring cavities and decay.
Sealant Procedure
As tooth enamel contains no nerves, patients do not encounter any pain or discomfort during the application of a sealant. Prior to sealing your molars, your dental professional will inspect your teeth to see if any decay exists. If there is any decay, the dentist will remove it, then dry and clean the tooth. After that, a roughening solution is applied to the tooth to make sure the sealant material bonds to the tooth correctly. Finally, the tooth is “painted” with the sealant and left to set for one minute. Solidifying of the sealants is accomplished using a light that interacts chemically with the sealant.
Following the application of sealants, patients can eat as normal but should avoid ice, hard candy and other foods that could cause a fracture in the sealants. Patients with sealants are required to visit their dentist twice a year for check-ups, cleanings, and an examination of the sealants to ensure they are positioned correctly and preventing decay.
Why Sealants
The American Dental Association has stated that dental sealants are one of the most underused and advantageous dental course of action available. While fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay, it can not supply the kind of protection against cavities that sealants can. To find out more about dental sealants, call your dentist in San Antonio today.