When Do You Need Dental Sealants?
Did you know that the glossy white surface of your tooth is the hardest tissue in your body? Amazingly, it comprises 96% mineral; therefore, it is much stronger than your bones! That’s why you can trust your teeth to serve you for life.
But it takes diligence and care for your teeth to last that long. You will need help from our dentist in 07070 from time to time to ensure that they are healthy and robust. One of the services you might encounter is dental sealants in Rutherford, NJ.
Dental sealants have become an essential part of preventive dental care since they aid in keeping cavities at bay.
A Quick Review of Dental Sealants
Some people opt to wear raincoats to cover themselves whenever it rains. Dental sealants apply the same principle and are used to cover your teeth and protect them from the onslaught of destructive acids. Bacteria release these acids as they digest the food debris in the mouth. Tooth sealants can reduce the risk of dental cavities by almost 80%! Isn’t this awesome?
Dental sealants have come a long way, and there are various types that you can choose from. The common types of dental sealants are resin, glass ionomer and polyacid-modified resins.
Dental sealants are usually applied in liquid form to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. When they are left to cure, sealants solidify and become a protective layer to protect the back teeth from tooth decay.
When Are Tooth Sealants Recommended?
Kids and teenagers usually develop cavities more than adults. Therefore, youngsters seem to benefit more from sealants than adults. Kids and teenagers are still learning brushing and flossing techniques, so they are prone to cavities. What’s more, a lack of proper diet also leads to cavities since kids indulge in lots of candies and sweets, which so happens that these simple carbohydrates are the perfect feed for bacteria.
So, our dentist in 07070 recommends dental sealants in Rutherford, NJ, for kids and teenagers since these are the cavity-prone ages.
Some sealants release fluoride to the teeth, which will help your kid’s growing teeth become strong and healthy.
Although it seems that dental sealants are more beneficial to kids, adults can also reap the benefits. If you regularly have cavities or are at a higher risk of developing cavities, sealants can help protect your teeth from the damage caused by cavities.
How Are They Applied?
Applying tooth sealants is relatively fast and pain-free. This is how our dentist applies dental sealants:
- Our dentist commences the process by cleaning your teeth to remove plaque or tartar
- Next, our dentist will place an absorbent material around your teeth to keep them dry
- Afterwards, your teeth will be roughened using an acid solution
- Then, your teeth will be rinsed and dried
- Lastly, our dentist will apply the tooth sealant to the enamel and then cure it under a special light
Do They Have Any Side Effects?
No, they don’t! Tooth sealants do not have any side effects, so they are safe. That’s why our dentist can confidently recommend them for kids as well as adults. Some people report having allergies in very rare circumstances; otherwise, they are safe to use.
Benefits
Tooth sealants can help boost your oral health. Some of the benefits that using tooth sealants come with are:
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- Saves You Time and Money
Sealants are usually offered as a preventive measure. They are applied for one reason – protecting the teeth from cavities. This means that you don’t have to spend more money and time on restorative treatments. As you already know, it is more expensive to treat than it is to prevent dental issues from occurring.
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- Prevents Future Oral Issues
Cavities always compromise your tooth’s structural integrity. Therefore, your tooth’s functionality and appearance will deteriorate. In simple words, you will not have to deal with abscesses, stains, and even tooth loss.
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- Stops You From Experiencing Unnecessary Pain
Cavities will cause you immense pain because the pulp is exposed. But if you use sealants, your teeth will be protected from tooth cavities.
How Long Do They Last?
Tooth sealants are a wonderful investment because you can use them for several years before replacing them. If you are diligent and care for them, they can last for nearly a decade.
But from time to time, you will need to visit our dentist at Tailor-Made Smiles to check if they are okay. Contact us today for dental sealants.