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At Topsail Dental, we prioritize prevention to help protect your teeth from cavities and decay. One effective yet often overlooked solution is tooth sealants. Suitable for children, teens, and adults, sealants are a non-invasive way to protect teeth from harmful bacteria and plaque. In this blog, we’ll explain how sealants work and why they’re an excellent choice for maintaining a cavity-free smile.
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). These areas are prone to plaque buildup due to their grooves and ridges. The sealant forms a smooth barrier, keeping out food and bacteria that lead to decay.
Tooth sealants work by filling in the natural pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. These areas are particularly prone to plaque buildup because they’re harder to reach with a toothbrush. By covering these vulnerable spots, sealants prevent bacteria from settling into the grooves and causing cavities.
The process is quick and simple:
- We clean the tooth thoroughly.
- A special gel is applied to prepare the surface.
- The liquid sealant is painted on and hardened with a curing light.
- We check the bite and polish the area—done in minutes!
Tooth sealants offer a variety of benefits that can help improve and maintain your oral health:
- Prevent cavities in hard-to-clean areas.
- Non-invasive and completely pain-free.
- Quick and affordable, often completed in one visit.
- Long-lasting protection, especially with good oral care.
- Ideal for kids, teens, and cavity-prone adults.
Sealants are most often recommended for:
Children and teens: Sealants are commonly applied to children’s permanent molars as soon as they erupt (usually around ages 6 and 12). This helps prevent early childhood cavities and ensures that their adult teeth are protected from the start.
Adults with Healthy Teeth: Adults who are cavity-prone or who have deep grooves in their back teeth may benefit from sealants, especially if their enamel is still intact and they’re looking to prevent future decay.
People at High Risk for Cavities: If you have a history of cavities or if your teeth are prone to plaque buildup, sealants can be a valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine.
Here’s what you can expect during the process:
Consultation and Evaluation: During your regular check-up, your dentist will assess whether tooth sealants are a good option for you. We’ll look for deep grooves in your molars or any signs of plaque buildup that might make your teeth more susceptible to decay.
Preparation and Application: The sealant application itself is quick and easy. We will carefully clean the tooth surface and apply the sealant material. Once it’s hardened, your tooth will be fully protected.
Follow-Up Visits: We’ll check the sealants during your routine cleanings and exams to ensure they remain intact and continue to protect your teeth. If necessary, we can apply touch-ups to any areas that may have worn down over time.
Aftercare for Tooth Sealants
Once your sealants are applied, there’s very little you need to do to maintain them. However, a few simple steps can help ensure they last as long as possible:
Good Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.
Avoid Hard Foods: While sealants are durable, it’s a good idea to avoid chewing on very hard items like ice or hard candies, which can potentially crack or dislodge the sealant.
Regular Dental Checkups: Keep up with regular visits to Topsail Dental so we can monitor the condition of your sealants and provide any necessary maintenance or touch-ups.
Sealants are a smart preventive step for maintaining long-term oral health. If you or your child could benefit from this added layer of protection, Topsail Dental is here to help. Book a consultation with us today and give your smile the protection it deserves!
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