Dental Sealants Layton, UT

Woodland Park Dental
Dr. Caesar Hearne

You may have obtained a sealant injection if you previously underwent a dental procedure. It is a straightforward and easy treatment that many patients are unaware of. Sealants are small silicone coatings that are painted on the surface of the teeth to help prevent rotting and secure the underlying tooth.

When sealants are applied, they readily bond with the surface of the tooth. This plastic coating protects the enamel on the chewing and grinding surfaces of the teeth. This operation is usually done on the flatter back teeth, such as molars and premolars, to protect them from bacteria development between the cusps of the teeth.

Though brushing and flossing are good at eliminating most food and sugar particles, the back teeth have several areas for accumulation. Sealants continue to secure these weak points by “sealing” the tooth and preventing this buildup from even touching our enamel.

WHO NEEDS DENTAL SEALANTS?

Although sealants are relatively simple to apply, they are not necessary for all patients. Sealants are often placed on children and teenagers as they first grow premolars and molars. This tends to preserve a person’s teeth throughout their cavity-prone years. Dentists may often apply sealants to the mouths of adults that have tooth decay or fillings in their molars.

In certain instances, a dentist can often apply sealants to a patient’s baby teeth to help maintain their stability and assist in the proper growth of their adult teeth. Baby teeth are necessary to maintain space for erupting adult teeth, and early baby tooth loss can necessitate extra spacing or alignment as adult teeth erupt.

HOW SEALANTS ARE PLACED

Sealants are applied in a reasonably fast and painless manner. On the other hand, proper sealant positioning involves a few precautions to guarantee that they bind correctly to the teeth and do not seal in the bacteria under.

Thorough cleaning – Before sealing teeth, they should be properly brushed. This prevents cavity-causing bacteria from growing under the sealant and therefore offers a strong surface for the sealant to cling to.

  • Dry the tooth: If the tooth is wet, the sealant will not apply adequately to the tooth. Each tooth will be dried, and a piece of cotton or some absorbent substance will be wrapped around it to hold it dry.
  •  Roughing the surface – Since the smooth surface of the teeth prevents the sealant from adhering correctly, an acid solution is applied to the tooth, roughening the coating and the surface region, allowing the sealant to bind correctly.
  • Rinse and dry: The tooth is washed thoroughly and dried to remove any remaining acid solution.
  • Paint the tooth: Following rinsing and drying, the sealant is rubbed onto the tooth enamel, where it attaches to the tooth. Occasionally, a special light is used to treat the sealant and harden the protective layer further.

SEALANT LIFESPAN

Sealants do not survive forever. They are intended to last approximately ten years. However, certain patients can notice that their sealants begin to chip or break down before that point, which is why it is essential to maintain weekly dental appointments so that the sealants may be inspected and corrected if needed.

OVERVIEW

Dental sealants are an excellent way to provide another layer of protection to the teeth. Sealants are a thin rubber covering that is applied to the enamel of molars and premolars. This coating prevents sugars and bacteria from coming into touch with the tooth’s surface. If you’re considering the need for sealants, call your dentist today to set up an appointment to see if they’re a good fit for you.

801-416-1603
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