DENTAL SEALANTS IN LOS ANGELES

Dental sealants are a great way to preserve the health of your teeth if you are a good candidate!

Dental sealants, also known as pit and fissure sealants, are thin films of plastic painted onto the occlusal surfaces of the teeth to provide protection against bacteria and plaque that cause dental caries. If you seek additional enlightenment concerning the ideal candidates for dental sealants and the reasons they may be advantageous, continue perusing this exposition.

 

Typically, dental sealants are administered to the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth, specifically the pits and fissures that are especially prone to dental caries. These sealants act as a physical barrier, filling the occlusal grooves and fissures to impede the colonization and growth of bacteria that result in tooth decay.

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What is The Benefit of Dental Sealants?

Thorough brushing and flossing are effective in removing food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of the teeth. Nevertheless, these methods may not be sufficient in reaching and cleaning all the crevices and fissures of the posterior teeth, thereby leaving behind food and plaque residues.

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Fortunately, dental sealants offer a practical solution by serving as a barrier of protection for those susceptible areas, hindering the accumulation of plaque and food debris.

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Who’s The Best Candidate for Sealants?

Dental sealants are commonly administered after a child's permanent molars have fully developed. This preventive measure ensures that the deep crevices and fissures on the teeth's chewing surfaces are sealed before bacteria and other harmful substances cause any damage. By providing this protection to the molars early on, the risk of developing cavities and other dental problems in the future is significantly decreased.

 

Although it is more common for sealants to be applied during childhood, adults can also receive the treatment if they have not had it before. Additionally, sealants may be needed in cases where grooves have developed in teeth where they previously did not exist. Regardless of the age of the individual receiving the treatment, the procedure for applying dental sealants remains the same. The only difference lies in the extent of damage that existed before the sealant was applied.

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How Dental Sealants are Applied

Applying dental sealants is typically a painless procedure that does not require drilling or anesthesia. The following are the steps involved in applying dental sealants:

1. The dental hygienist starts by polishing the surface of the tooth using a pumice material to remove any plaque and accumulated food particles from the grooves of the teeth where the sealant is to be applied.

2. Next, the hygienist isolates and dries the tooth to ensure that no saliva covers the grooves and pit surfaces.

3. The hygienist then etches the surface of the tooth in the pit and groove areas, rinses off the etching material, and dries the tooth.

4. The dental sealant material is then applied to the tooth surface using a brush. Afterward, a self-curing light is used for at least 30 seconds to bond the sealant to the surface of the tooth.

5. Finally, the dental hygienist and dentist examine the dental sealant to ensure that it has properly sealed the tooth surface. When the sealant hardens completely, it will become a hard plastic coating, allowing you to chew on the tooth as usual.

It’s important to note that sealants won’t alter your bite in any way. They are so thin that they only fill the grooves and pits. In the first couple of days after application, they may feel a bit bulky, but everything will normalize after a few days of normal chewing.

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When Is The Best Time for Your Child To Get Sealants?

The most suitable time to have dental sealants applied is when your child is about six years old, as the first adult teeth start to grow in at around that age. However, your dentist may recommend applying the sealant earlier. It's important to follow your dentist's advice to ensure that no bacteria is trapped inside the grooves and pits of the teeth, and to prevent any decay from developing.

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Once dental sealants have been successfully applied, they require no special treatment. You should continue to practice proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and regularly flossing. Typically, dental sealants can last up to five years or longer, but they should be checked on a regular basis and reapplied whenever necessary.

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Compared to dental fillings, sealants are much better at protecting teeth from decay. Fillings can result in the loss of more tooth structure, and silver fillings usually last about six years before requiring replacement. Using sealants is not only cost-effective, but it also saves time. Therefore, it's advisable not to wait for fillings later when you can protect your teeth from decay with sealants now.

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Where Can You Have Dental Sealants Applied?

If you are in need of dental sealants or any other dental services, it is recommended that you visit a reputable general dentist who can provide you with the necessary advice and treatment. In the event that you do not currently have a family dentist, you may consider reaching out to Ghotanian Dental. Our dental practice offers a range of services that can help you maintain and improve your oral health. To learn more about our dental services, please click here.

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