Dental sealants are highly effective at preventing cavities. At the same time they are inexpensive and non-invasive, meaning their application is an easy, pain free procedure.
Smiles Nambour offers dental sealant placement to any patient for whom they can offer protection. Usually dental sealants are used for children, but patients of all ages can benefit from the cavity fighting properties of dental sealants.
Reasons For Applying Dental Sealants
Even as teeth first start coming in they are exposed to many things that can harm them. One aspect of teeth that makes them prone to damage is their irregular shape. The chewing surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth have grooves in them, known as fissures. These fissures provide a great hiding place for plaque, which can accumulate there and make teeth more susceptible to decay.
While fluoride treatments are often recommended to help prevent decay, dental sealants can take protection against decay to an entirely new level. This is why at Smiles Nambour we make use of dental sealants to provide a smooth covering over fissures in the tooth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are made out of a thin coating that molds directly and perfectly to the teeth. Sealants are so thin as to be virtually unnoticeable, but they make the tooth surface smooth and clean. Dental sealants can last for many years and are relatively easy and inexpensive to apply. Of course, as with any dental treatment on a tooth there is always the chance of wear and chipping, so regular dental visits to Smiles Nambour are a good idea – together can keep a watchful eye on them.
As we have mentioned, many people think that dental sealants are age-specific, but the truth is that all age groups can benefit from having this protective barrier applied to their teeth. For example:
As soon as six-year molars appear (first permanent back teeth) sealants can help protect teeth any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16 years of age.
Occasionally sealants can be applied to baby teeth if deep grooves or depressions are present and a child is cavity prone. In fact, sometimes we recommend sealants even for infants, to protect temporary teeth, which help permanent teeth come into the mouth in proper alignment.
Adults without decay, who have deeply grooved teeth or teeth with substantial depressions, can prevent decay and damage with sealant.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Applying sealant is a simple and painless process. It takes only a few minutes for your dentist or hygienist to apply the sealant to seal each tooth. The application steps are as follows:
- First the teeth that are to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned.
- Each tooth is then dried, and cotton or another absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry.
- An acid solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
- The teeth are then rinsed and dried.
- Sealant is then painted onto the tooth where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special UV curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Dental Sealant?
Dental sealants have been used and have been proven to be effective since the 1970s. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be inspected for chips or unusual wear during your regular dental check-ups. A dental sealant only provides protection if it’s fully intact. If you notice that any portion of a sealant has come off, you should let your Smiles Nambour dentist know immediately.
How Do I Take Care Of My Dental Sealants?
Once a dental sealant is applied and set, it requires no special treatment. Just be sure to continue brushing twice each day and flossing regularly. In addition, keep up your regular visits to Smiles Nambour!
What If My Dental Sealants Feel ‘Weird’?
Anything new between or on your teeth can feel uncomfortable at first. The tongue is very good at noticing changes in the mouth! This is normal and it usually only takes a couple of days to get used to sealants. Give your sealants a week or two and any weird feeling should go away on its own.
Top Notch Dentistry at Smiles Nambour
Smiles Nambour is the perfect choice for dental care in the Nambour area, from the relative simplicity of sealants to complicated treatments such as root canals! We offer a full range of dental services and treatments, and can always help you with a recommendation.
At Smiles Nambour, we provide top-quality dentistry with the help of cutting-edge instruments and caring staff!
A visit to Smiles Nambour is an investment in your dental health and attractive smile!
Call us today on (07) 5240 9410 or request your appointment online today!
