Dental Sealants in Stamford, CT
What Is a Dental Sealant?
Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—molars and premolars. The top surface usually has deep grooves and fissures where food and plaque accumulate. Sealants are designed to cover these pits and fissures, forming a smooth surface less susceptible to decay. This becomes important because over 75% of cavities begin in these so-called non-cleanable areas.
It is a thin, plastic coating bonded to the enamel, which generally protects the tooth from decay by sealing off the grooves and making cleaning easier. Since the sealants prevent the accumulation of food particles or plaque in these potential sites, it acts as a satisfactory preventive barrier against caries.
Why Am I Getting Sealants?
Sealants act as a physical barrier between the surface of the tooth and the harmful bacteria, food particles, and plaque. While filling grooves and pits, in addition to the sealants, include preventing the cavity from forming. This is one of the most effective methods of prevention, since application targets those places that are otherwise difficult to clean.
Convenience in Home Care: With the sealants, the teeth surfaces are smooth; hence, it’s less likely to harbor plaque. That simply means there is less plaque left over after brushing, besides reducing the risk of cavity formation, it makes home care easier.
Long-Lasting Protection: The sealants provide protection over a number of years usually in spans of several years. After incorporation into your preventive dental routine, sealants will play a very vital role in the minimized chances of decay over time. Amongst the cost-effective means of protection of the teeth to prevent further serious dental issues, sealants are one of them.
Who Benefits from Sealants Most?
Children and Teenagers: Sealants are highly recommended for children and teenagers but especially when their first permanent molars come in, around age 6. The treatment of the sealant is quite helpful during the cavity-prone years of 6 to 16 because these age groups are most prone to tooth decay.
Adults: Sealants will function for grown-ups with deep grooves or pits in their teeth that don’t have decay. While adults are less likely to get sealants, those with specific risk factors can still benefit from the procedure.
Baby Teeth: Sealants can be applied on baby teeth if they happen to have deep grooves and in cases when a child is prone to cavities. It is very important to protect the baby teeth with sealants so that they remain healthy up until the time they naturally fall off. This is an essential part of the child’s general dental development.
Braces: Braces are an orthodontic treatment that highly predisposes individuals to dental caries between bracket and wire areas. Application of sealants helps to protect the teeth from attack at this difficult period for maintenance.
Highly Susceptible Cavities: These sealants protect people who are often at risk of getting dental caries or whose diet is not so good, full of sugar-containing foods. This, in turn, reduces the chances of decay by protecting the most susceptible areas.
Special Needs Patients: Sealants are also indicated for patients who have physical or mental handicaps that limit their ability to maintain proper oral hygiene. This added layer of protection is very useful for their teeth, especially in cases when good oral hygiene might not be achievable with just brushing and flossing.
Low-Income Families: Sealers offer affordable prevention for low-income families. They prevent the future development of caries, thus preventing more dental treatments that are expensive.
Application of the Sealant
The process of applying dental sealants is quite simple and only takes a few minutes in most cases per tooth. Here’s how this works:
Tooth Cleaning: The tooth is cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque or old food. This will provide the right attachment of the sealant to the surface of the tooth.
Drying of the Tooth: The area around the tooth is dried using cotton or any other available tool. This step is vital for achieving an adequate bond between the sealant and the tooth.
Tooth Surface Preparation: A special solution is applied on the surface of the enamel of the tooth. The use of an acid-etching solution favors better adhesion of the sealant material to the tooth.
Application of the Sealant: The sealant material is painted onto the occlusal surfaces of the tooth. Either it self-cures or gets cured with the use of a special light, depending upon the type of sealant used.
Final Check: Once the sealant has been applied, the dentist or dental hygienist will review the sealant for proper placement and correct areas that need adjustment. This will give the sealant the best protection possible.
Sealant Care
Continue with a Good Oral Hygiene Program: It is recommended that you brush and floss your teeth daily to keep your mouth clean and to remove food particles and plaque. Good home care helps maintain the life of your sealants and overall oral health.
Healthy Diet: A diet low in sticky snacks and sugary drinks will help prevent decay and maintain the integrity of your sealants. A healthy diet will enhance the condition of your oral health and, hence, help your teeth and sealants be in good condition.
Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are essential. The dentist will, during the visit, inspect the sealants for signs of wear or chipping and may advise their reapplication. Consistent dental visits ensure the sealants remain in a position where they can protect the teeth well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes, dental sealants are safe. They are manufactured with material approved by dental health authorities and have been used for many years to prevent cavities.
How long do sealants last?
They will generally last a number of years but should be checked during regular dental check-ups. If they wear or chip, they may be reapplied.
Does it hurt to get sealants?
No, placing sealants does not hurt. It is quite a painless procedure and one that a person can go through rather fast and comfortably since there is no pain involved.
Can adults get sealants?
Yes, adults who have deep fissures or are prone to cavities can get sealants. They are helpful for anyone who intends to protect the teeth from decay.
Sealants: How Long Do They Last?
Sealants can last for many years. They are checked at regular dental check-ups and reapplied when necessary to maintain their effectiveness.
Conclusion
Dentistry Quality, Lower Level of BLI, Stamford, CT by Dr. Amul Patel and Staff at Aurora Smiles in Stamford: We offer sealants laid on precisely with the most modern techniques to make your visit with us pleasant and a learning experience. If you would like more information on dental sealants in Stamford, CT or an appointment with Dr. Amul Patel, contact Aurora Smiles today. We are proud of our care and confident in our ability to treat you.