Give your smile a fighting chance against dental decay when you choose dental sealants.
When it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth you may not think about it often but it can be a challenge maneuvering around your molars to properly clean them. When this happens you leave plaque sitting on your teeth, which can lead to decay. Luckily your Worth, IL dentist has an easy way to protect teeth that are more susceptible to cavities.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are plastic, tooth-colored coatings that are placed over the chewing surfaces of the molars, or back teeth where decay is more likely to form. These sealants are designed to prevent cavities from forming on the hard-to-reach grooves of the tooth.
How will my Worth, IL dentist place dental sealants?
Getting dental sealants is a simple and painless process. In just one visit you can arm your smile with additional protection against decay. Since this procedure is non-invasive you won’t even need anesthesia or pain medication.
First your Worth, IL dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth prior to placing your sealants. Then an acid solution is placed on the chewing surface of your molars for a few seconds before being rinsed off. This solution will cause the surface of your tooth to become rough, which will make it easier for the sealant to attach. Once the tooth is dried, the liquid sealant can then be painted on. Lastly, a special laser is directed at your molars to harden the sealant. In only a few minutes, you could get the additional protection you need against cavities!
Who can get dental sealants?
Since sealants are often applied once molars have erupted, children tend to be the perfect candidates for sealants; however, this doesn’t mean that teens and even adults can’t benefit from this preventive procedure. Talk to your Worth, IL dentist about whether dental sealants could be a great option for your smile.
How long do dental sealants last?
With the proper hygiene dental sealants can last up to 10 years. If you want to keep dental sealants healthy it’s also important to keep up with six-month checkups where we can make sure your sealants haven’t become damaged or chipped. Your Worth, IL dentist can easily repair damaged sealants.
Think your child or teen could benefit from dental sealants? We certainly think they could! If you want to protect your child’s smile from decay then let your Worth, IL dentist know that you’re interested in sealants when your child’s comes in for their six-month cleaning. All Smiles puts your family’s smiles first!