Dental Sealants at Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, liquid coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (premolars and molars). Once applied, a dentist cures and hardens the sealant material to create a protective shield against harmful, cavity-causing bacteria.
What Are Dental Sealants Made Of?
Sealants are made from different materials, including:
- Resins: These can be either plant-based or synthetic.
- Glass Ionomers: Made from glass powder combined with a water-soluble acid.
What Is the Purpose of Sealants?
The primary purpose of dental sealants is to protect teeth from disease-causing bacteria. The deep grooves in your back teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to tooth decay over time. Sealants coat these areas, preventing bacteria from reaching the enamel and causing cavities.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are beneficial for both children and adults. They are particularly recommended for:
- Children and Teenagers: Ideal for sealing permanent molars and premolars as soon as they come in, protecting teeth during the cavity-prone years (ages 6 through 14).
- Adults: Those without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants to prevent future cavities.
- Children with Baby Teeth: In some cases, sealants may be applied to primary teeth with deep grooves to protect these teeth, which play a crucial role in holding space for permanent teeth.
How Common Are Sealants Sealants in Marietta & Decatur?
Sealants are among the most common preventive dentistry treatments. In the U.S., about 42% of children aged 6 to 11 and 48% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have sealants on their permanent teeth. Sealants in Marietta & Decatur.
Procedure Details
Preparation for Sealants
No special preparation is needed for dental sealants. They can be applied during a routine dental visit. Before application, your dentist or hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure no bacteria are trapped between the sealant material and your tooth surfaces.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
Applying dental Sealants in Marietta & Decatur is a quick and painless process:
- Clean the Teeth: Thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any debris.
- Dry the Teeth: Dry the teeth and place cotton gauze to keep the surfaces dry.
- Etching: Apply an acid etching solution to the chewing surfaces to roughen them up, helping the sealants bond properly.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse off the etching solution and dry the teeth again.
- Apply Sealant: Paint the sealant material onto the enamel where it will bond directly to the tooth.
- Cure the Sealant: Use a curing light to harden the sealant material.
Risks / Benefits
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?
- Prevents Cavities: Sealants shield vulnerable areas from cavities by sealing out bacteria, plaque, and food particles.
- Easy and Painless: The application process is quick, non-invasive, and pain-free.
- Long-Lasting Protection: Sealants provide long-term protection against tooth decay, especially in the deep grooves of the back teeth where brushing and flossing may not reach.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry. We are dedicated to providing top-quality dental care and preventive treatments to keep your smile healthy.