Sealants
Protect Teeth from Cavities with Sealants
Cavities are one of the biggest threats to your child’s teeth, but dental sealants in Reidsville, NC are one of the simplest forms of protection. At the office of Paul R. Barrett DDS, we offer dental sealant protection for children and adults who are at risk of tooth decay.
A Closer Look at Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are coatings that get installed onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth in the back of the jawline where cavities are most likely to occur. The teeth in this area have small pits and grooves that trap germs and bacteria, and it is easy to miss these areas while your child brushes. The dental sealants keep those areas protected.
The Dental Sealants Application Process
The sealant application process is simple, fast, and painless. Plus, once the sealant is in place on the tooth, you can’t even feel or tell that anything is different. The general application process usually goes as follows:
- The tooth is cleaned
- A light etching solution is applied to support the adhesion of the sealant
- The tooth is cleaned again, and then thoroughly dried
- The sealant material is painted over the tooth
- A special light or air is used to cure and harden the sealant in place
The full process of installing dental sealants takes only a few minutes.
Dental Sealants FAQs
How long do dental sealants last?
The general rule is that sealants will block food and germs and offer up to 80 percent protection from cavities for two years. They will also offer 50 percent protection for around four years, and some minimal protection beyond that. Dental sealants can actually last for as long as nine years after they are installed. Of course, the duration can depend on several factors, including the general chewing habits of the patient. Sealants can also fall off,
Are dental sealants safe?
Dental sealants are incredibly safe. It is rare for a patient to have any level of reaction to the sealant material used.
Can adults get dental sealants too?
Adults can get dental sealants as well, even though pediatric patients are the most common patients to get the treatment. If your teeth are especially prone to cavities, sealants should be discussed with the dentist.
Talk to a Reidsville Dentist About Dental Sealants
In the end, dental sealants are an incredibly easy way to offer years of optimal protection for at-risk teeth. Want to know more about dental sealants? Reach out to the office of Paul R. Barrett DDS to schedule an appointment.
