Dental Sealants and Oral Health FAQs
There are a lot of questions surrounding the use of dental sealants. In our dental office, we’ve seen many people interested in the use of dental sealants but still holding back because they are not quite sure where to begin.
This article covers the use of dental sealants and common questions asked by patients who want to use them. We have answered some health FAQs to help you in your journey to good oral health.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a type of dental treatment that are used mainly to prevent the teeth from decaying. The dental sealant itself is a thin, plastic coating painted on the teeth’ chewing surfaces by the dentist. After the sealant is painted on, it quickly bonds into the grooves of the teeth. Dental sealants act as a shield over each tooth.
Dental sealants are a type of dental treatment that are used mainly to prevent the teeth from decaying. The dental sealant itself is a thin, plastic coating painted on the teeth’ chewing surfaces by the dentist. After the sealant is painted on, it quickly bonds into the grooves of the teeth. Dental sealants act as a shield over each tooth.
The process of getting dental sealants does not hurt. It is a quick and painless process that is non-invasive. The process of placing dental sealants is easy and smooth.
How the dentist apply dental sealants?
When you come into our dental office, the dentists will only require a few minutes to apply dental sealants to your teeth. The first step that the dentist will take is to ensure that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned. Without your teeth being clean, the dental sealants might not be very effective.
The next step is to dry the tooth and then absorb cotton to keep it dry. The dentist will then use a conditioning solution on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. The solution will make the surface of the teeth easily bond to the dental sealant during application. After this, the dentist will rinse and dry your teeth.
For the application process, the dentist has to paint the dental sealant onto each tooth enamel. Sometimes, the dental sealant will quickly dry, but in other cases, a special curing light has to be used to speed up the process.
How long do sealants last?
Dental sealants last long, but it depends on how you maintain them. With good maintenance, your dental sealants can last up to 10 years. Make sure you visit your dentist in Bellevue regularly to check for any wear and tear in your dental sealants. If any chipping is found in your dental sealants, your dentist will replace them.
Is fluoride still necessary after getting dental sealants?
Fluoride is still important for healthy teeth, even if you’ve gotten dental sealants. They help to remineralize your enamel. Dental sealants only protect the surface of teeth that they cover. They are not enough to protect the other parts of the teeth.
When should someone get sealants?
Children and teenagers are often the prime candidates for dental sealants because they are at a higher risk of getting cavities and tooth decay. Even adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. It is advised that the children get dental sealants before they get permanent molars and premolars. At the age of six, when the first molars are developing, the parents can start discussing how to get dental sealants for their child.
conclusion
Dental sealants may be the bridge between you and the healthy set of teeth you’ve always hoped for. Dr. Uparika Sharma is a reputable dentist that fully understands the need of the patient. Call us today at 425-998-8109 to schedule an appointment with us in Bellevue Azalea dentistry. If you feel like you may need dental sealants, but are not entirely sure, feel free to ask us more questions for clarification.
