20 Aug Understanding How Dental Sealants Work
Preventative dentistry gives the dentist a way to stop oral issues before they even start. Dental sealants are used to prevent tooth decay and the other issues it can cause. Keep reading to learn more about sealants and how they manage to protect your teeth from this kind of decay.
The Purpose
Dental sealants are used to reinforce teeth like the molars and the premolars. These teeth tend to have a lot of grooves where plaque and bacteria are more likely to develop and lead to decay. When there are a lot of fissures, it is much more difficult to clean the teeth, which puts you at a much higher risk for developing cavities. On top of regular oral hygiene habits, dental sealants are used to give the teeth extra protection against this potential for decay.
The Location
Dentists typically put dental sealants over the teeth that are used to chew, since these are the most likely to have pits and grooves that make it difficult to keep the teeth clean. If someone has other teeth with these grooves, a dentist might use sealants to decrease their risk for tooth decay and cavities. Dentists also sometimes recommend them on baby teeth to prevent children from developing cavities.
The Process
When a dentist applies a dental sealant, he or she first thoroughly cleans the area and then adds an acidic solution to the surface of the tooth. After the appropriate amount of time, the dentist washes off this solution and attaches the sealant. The dentist can use a special light to harden the sealant and ensure that it fits properly over the tooth.
If you think dental sealants can help you avoid cavities, come see Dr. John Carson to talk about this and other preventative dentistry options. Dr. Carson is proud to serve as one of Tucson’s top dentists by offering services such as general, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry to give you the smile you want. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call (520) 514-7203.