Dental Sealants
Dental Sealants in Colorado Springs, CO
Dental sealants are a proactive choice for preserving the health of your teeth, especially in areas prone to cavities. This preventive measure significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay in vulnerable areas, contributing to cavity prevention and long-term oral health. While 4 in 10 children ages 6 to 11 have dental sealants on their teeth, our goal is to increase this number by educating parents and guardians about their benefits. At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America, we offer dental sealants as a part of our general dentistry treatment range.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are like tiny shields for your teeth. They are protective coatings applied to the top of the teeth. By covering the tooth’s grooves, they prevent bacteria from accumulating in the tooth. Sealants are typically applied to molars and premolars since they are more susceptible to cavities. Sealants are primarily made from a special type of plastic resin. The resin is biocompatible, meaning it’s safe for your mouth. The main purpose of dental sealants is to prevent cavities.
Our back teeth have a lot of grooves and depressions, and it’s easy for food particles and bacteria to get stuck there. Even with good brushing, sometimes it’s hard to clean every nook and cranny. That’s where sealants come in. They fill in and smooth out these grooves, making it much harder for cavities to develop.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?
Anyone can benefit from sealants, but they are generally recommended for children when their permanent molars come in, typically between the ages of 6 and 12. This treatment is especially beneficial for children as it makes cleaning and maintaining the teeth easier, helping kids achieve independence in their oral health routine. Still, sealants are a wise treatment for anyone prone to cavities. For teenagers and adults, they serve as a preventive strategy to protect teeth that have not yet been affected by decay or fillings.
The Process
Cleaning
We begin the process by cleaning the surface of the tooth. It is important to remove any food particles or plaque hiding in the grooves before applying the coating.
Preparing the tooth
Next, we will apply a mild etching solution to the tooth. This solution gently roughens the surface, allowing a strong bond to form between the tooth and the sealant.
Rinsing and drying
Once the etching solution has done its job, we rinse it off and dry the tooth thoroughly to prepare it for the sealant application.
Applying the sealant
The sealant material is carefully painted onto the tooth enamel. It flows into and fills the tiny grooves and fissures in the tooth’s surface.
Curing the coating
The sealant material is carefully painted onto the tooth enamel. It flows into and fills the tiny grooves and fissures in the tooth’s surface.
Benefits Beyond Cavity Prevention
While the primary role of sealants is to prevent cavities, they offer additional benefits:
- Time and cost-efficiency: Applying sealants is quick—it takes just a few minutes. Moreover, they prevent decay, saving the time and costs associated with cavity treatment.
- Oral health improvement: Sealants contribute to overall oral health, reducing the risk of more serious dental issues in the future.
- Non-invasive: The simple, non-invasive procedure causes no discomfort to the patient. No needles or anesthesia is needed, making it much easier than getting a filling.
Visit Us to Learn if Dental Sealants Are Right for You
Dental sealants can protect teeth from decay by forming a protective barrier against cavity-causing bacteria. They are particularly important for children, as they help safeguard the vulnerable grooves and fissures of their teeth during the cavity-prone years. Sealants contribute to a foundation of good oral health from an early age. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Bashi helps each patient achieve optimal oral health through tailored treatments. Don’t wait to safeguard your smile.