970-506-1122You may already know that applying dental sealants to children’s teeth help prevent cavities, but did you know that sealants can also help adult’s teeth, as well? Read today’s blog on why sealants can benefit patients of all ages.
First, the material used in dental sealants is a plastic that is applied to the tooth’s enamel and then a blue light is used to “cure” or bond the material to the surface of the tooth, hardening the plastic. The sealants are normally reserved for premolars and molars, where cavities form more, due to their position and difficulty in cleaning and flossing them.
Dental sealants are painless and take very little time to apply – usually only about 15 minutes. They can help prevent decay from forming in these areas, by ensuring food and plaque can’t gather in depressions and grooves on the surfaces of teeth and allow strong acids to penetrate the enamel. Dental sealants also leave bacteria with no place to grow, so it further protects the teeth. The benefits of sealants include, decreased future cost, less dental chair time, pain and discomfort, and possibly even saving your teeth from unnecessary cavities.
Dr. Nicholas A. Jamison II, our skilled dentist, can determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental sealants, when you contact our office at 970-506-1122.
Process of Applying Dental Sealants
The application of dental sealants is straightforward and simple and includes:
– Cleaning the tooth’s surface and drying it
– Applying an acidic gel that roughen the tooth surface briefly, which helps adhere the sealant to your natural tooth
– The dental hygienist will then rinse the gel and dry the tooth shortly after the sealant has been placed
– The sealant is then applied, with a blue light to solidify it onto the tooth
Dental sealants can be affective for about ten years, before they need to be reapplied. Contact us at the office of Nicholas A. Jamison II DDS to learn more about dental sealants in Greeley, Colorado. We look forward to your call soon!