Answers to Questions about Dental Sealants

Dental Sealant Linden, NJ

For extra protection against tooth cavities, dental sealants are an ideal option to consider. Dental cavities are one of the most common dental issues that affect both adults and children. Sometimes, brushing and flossing are not enough to protect the teeth from decay. Regular checkups are also important; during one of these appointments, the dentist might recommend and provide dental sealants. This article answers some of the questions patients often have about the procedure.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings applied over the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars to stop tooth cavities. It is essentially a covering for the tooth’s surface to keep out food particles that are sometimes hard to remove from the pits and fissures when brushing. The sealant is white, transparent or somewhat tinted. Therefore, it is indistinguishable on the teeth when the person speaks or smiles.

Is the process painful?

The dental sealant application is simple and causes no pain. The dentist will clean the tooth properly and apply a gel on the tooth’s surface for several seconds. The tooth is rinsed afterward and dried. Then, the sealant material is applied to the tooth enamel where it bonds directly and hardens. In some cases, the dentist may use a curing light to harden the sealant into a protective shield.

How long do dental sealants last?

Sealants are highly durable. They can survive up to 10 years with proper maintenance. Patients need to visit the dentist for regular dental checkups to prolong the lifespan of the sealants. If the sealants break, the dentist can reapply or replace the sealants.

Who is an ideal candidate for sealants?

Generally, dental sealants can serve preventative purposes for everyone. Kids who are developing teeth can get their teeth sealed to prevent early occurrences of tooth decay. Teenagers who are susceptible to cavities can also get sealants to cover their permanent teeth. Even adults can get a dental sealant, although they tend to ignore the importance of this preventative treatment. A decayed tooth affects more than just oral health–it impacts general well-being as well. Patients can discuss with their dentist to know if dental sealants would be beneficial for them.

Will dental sealants change the tooth?

The good part of sealants is that they blend in with the teeth. The layer is thin and does not change how the tooth feels. The dentist will check to make sure the bite remains the same. In the first few hours or days after getting the sealant, the tongue may feel the difference, but it will become familiar soon enough. There are no known side effects of using sealants, except allergic reaction, but even this is rare and not harmful.

Final note

The earlier you get dental sealants, the better. Undergoing the procedure now will prevent you from eventually having to get dental restorations to repair a decayed tooth. The sealants will work as a practical preventive measure to prevent dental issues. As they say, prevention is better than cure. If you have additional questions, book an appointment with the dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://dentistlindennj.com or call AC Dental of Linden at (908) 905-0747 for an appointment in our Linden office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Linden, NJ.

 

Recent Posts

How Long Is The Dental Sealant Procedure?

Brushing, flossing, using fluoride, and eating a healthy diet are all proven methods of fighting cavities. However, sometimes a dental sealant is needed to help prevent plaque from forming in the uneven pits and fissures that exist on teeth, particularly molars that are naturally rough and uneven. Sealants are a thin coating made of plastic…

Can Dental Sealants Be Used For Adults?

Dental sealants are an effective preventive treatment against tooth decay that are commonly associated with children and young adults. But what about adults? Continue reading to learn about dental sealants for adults and the purpose the treatment serves.Tooth decay and gum disease are the major causes of tooth loss in adults. The two conditions are…

Preventive Treatments From A Family Dentist

A family dentist spends most of their time performing preventative treatments that keep you and your loved one’s mouths healthy. The American Dental Association recommends getting preventative treatments like teeth cleanings at least twice a year. The data shows that it is an effective way to prevent the two most common dental issues: tooth decay…

5 Important Tips For Kids' Dental Care

Every parent wants the best for their kids, and the best should include a strong dental care plan. Simply stating the importance of oral hygiene is not enough. Parents need to have a plan in place and purposely work on creating healthy dental care habits. Intentions die a quick death when lives get hectic. It…

Recent Posts

Issues A Cosmetic Dentist Can Fix With Dental Veneers

4 Issues A Cosmetic Dentist Can Fix With Dental Veneers

Today, with increasing importance placed on dental aesthetics, there are many reasons why one may consider a trip to the cosmetic dentist. The desire for good-looking teeth is important as beautiful smiles are known to contribute to a person's overall well-being and positive self-image. There are many different avenues for fixing an imperfect smile. In…

Cosmetic Dentist Procedure Options For Your Smile Makeover

Cosmetic Dentist Procedure Options For Your Smile Makeover

If you find yourself hiding your smile due to imperfections on your teeth, a meeting with the general dentist for cosmetic dentist treatments can transform your smile. Whether you wish your teeth were straighter and whiter with no flaws, there are different dental procedures available to transform your smile. This article covers a few of…