Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems. It is caused by improper flossing and brushing teeth, leading to bacteria growth on the tooth’s surface. The bacteria mixes with the acid found in the mouth, eroding teeth. Your dentist will use sealant to prevent cavities.
This article will take you through all you need to know about sealants for teeth, what they are, and their uses.
What Is a Sealant for A Tooth?
Dental sealant: a thin, plastic coating is used on the chewing surfaces of teeth. The dentist usually applies the sealant on the molars and premolars. An adhesive is used to bond the sealant and the tooth surface. This is on the tooth’s grooves and depressions, forming a protective cover over the enamel of each tooth until the sealant is applied on.
This dental procedure is done since your toothbrush’s bristles cannot reach those deep parts of your tooth’s surface, and therefore sealing out the area is important to prevent the growth of bacteria which leads to tooth decay.
It is important to note that going for a sealant for your teeth should not be a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Sealants should be used especially for your molars which have lots of ridges where food particles and debris can get trapped, exposing your teeth to bacteria.
Why Is a Sealant Used in Dentistry?
Teeth, especially molars, and premolars, are susceptible to decay. This is because they have ridges, grooves, and depressions that are hard to clean with a toothbrush or a string of dental floss. This necessitates the use of another dental procedure. Our dentist in Brentwood uses sealants to prevent tooth decay in your tooth.
Dental fillings are used to cover the teeth area that the bacteria have infected. But this does not make them better than sealants. Sealants are used as a preventive measure to avoid tooth decay, whereas dental fillings are used as a damage control measure. Your dentist can apply the sealant to a tooth that has not suffered any decay.
Sealants will last for not more than one year, whereas dental fillings can last up to a decade.
There are some benefits of using sealants. First, the procedure is safe as it does not require injection or drilling. This means that the procedure is non-invasive; therefore, you should not be afraid to go for a dental appointment as the treatment will not affect other teeth.
In addition, sealants are clear. This is important for people affected by visible appliances used on their teeth.
The procedure of getting sealants for your tooth is quick and easy. You need a few minutes, and the dentist will perform the procedure leaving your teeth protected from decay.
Are you afraid of pain during a dental procedure? The good news is that you should not be afraid of experiencing pain during the sealant application process. The procedure is painless as there is no destruction of the tissue that causes pain or discomfort.
Getting Sealant at Brentwood Dental Arts
When you visit Brentwood Dental Arts, there is a procedure our dentist will follow for sealant application.
The first step is that the dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth and then seal it. After this, the dentist uses a cotton roll to dry the tooth or teeth. The cotton will be placed there during the rest of the procedure to keep the tooth dry.
The tooth is then roughed up using an acid solution applied to the chewing surfaces. The roughing up is important as it helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
The dentist then rinses and dries the tooth.
Finally, the dentist will paint the sealant onto the tooth’s enamel, where the sealant will bond to the teeth directly and becomes hard. A special ultraviolet light is used, To ensure that the sealant has adhered well to the tooth’s surface. The light, known as a curing light, helps the sealant harden properly.
This procedure will just take a few minutes, and therefore you should not be worried about being late for your day’s activities.
