Prevent Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants
Brushing and flossing are two effective ways to help prevent dental caries. Cleaning every nook and cranny of your teeth using these techniques, however, isn’t always easy. You may miss removing the dirt and other food debris on your molars, which is a favorite place for cavity-causing bacteria and leftover food to hide.
The good news is that you can help keep your back teeth clean with dental sealants. Made from plastic or other dental materials, sealants stick to the chewing surface of your molars. They supplement your oral hygiene efforts by preventing cavities from forming in your teeth. They help stop early stages of decay from turning into a full-blown cavity.
If you’re looking for a dental practice in Shea and Scottsdale that applies sealants to shield your molars from decay, come to Shea Dental. We are a full-service dental office that provides a range of dentistry services, from oral cosmetic treatments like Invisalign and Zoom teeth whitening to preventive dentistry services, such as dental fillings and sealants.
Our caring and dedicated dentists offer sealants for both children and adults. With these protective coatings, patients can avoid dental caries and achieve optimal oral health outcomes.
How We Apply Sealants
Attaching sealant on your teeth is a painless and simple process. We apply this coating to seal each tooth in just a few minutes. The application steps are as follows:
With proper care, the applied sealant can last several years. You, however, should still have your teeth checked for signs of wearing and chipping at regular oral check-ups. Your dentist can replace worn down sealants as needed.
Why Undergo an Oral Sealant Procedure
While dental sealants are ideal for children, teenagers and adults who are at a higher risk of tooth decay can benefit from this procedure as well. You enjoy the following benefits when you take advantage of this oral treatment:
Clearing the Misconceptions on Oral Sealants
Certain misunderstandings still exist concerning dental sealants. We provide the following facts to clear up a few of the following misperceptions:
The American Dental Association (ADA) has no position on the effectiveness of oral sealants.
For many years, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs has recommended adding sealants on the permanent and primary molars of all kids and adults to prevent dental caries.
Young patients could come in contact with concerning levels of bisphenol A (BPA) when undergoing an oral sealant procedure.
The potential BPA quantity in a dental sealant treatment is minuscule. It is below the amount an individual receives from handling a receipt or breathing air. On top of that, the ADA released a statement saying that no evidence exists of patients experiencing adverse effects due to BPA in oral sealants.
Sealants cannot go over permanent or primary molars with initial dental caries.
On top of being effective in preventing the development of advanced tooth decay, a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) revealed that sealants could also freeze the progression of minor oral caries on the affected teeth.
Taking Care of Your Dental Sealants
While the sealant shields the biting surface of the teeth, the gaps and sides between them are still prone to the accumulation of bacteria from tartar and plaque. This buildup affects the durability of your sealants. You can prevent it from happening by cleaning all of the surfaces of your teeth. Brush the tops and the sides as you would a tooth with no sealants.
We encourage you to give us a call at (480) 998-3923 to arrange an appointment and determine if sealants are right for you.