Dental Sealants in Buffalo, NY
Experienced Amherst Dentist Providing Affordable Dental Sealant in WNY
Dental sealants are a great way to fortify your teeth against tooth decay, cavities, and other related dental conditions. When brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day are not enough, you may be tempted to investigate other options.
Of course, no one should stop brushing or flossing, and regular visits to a dentist are important in the battle against plaque, but when daily oral care is not effective at completely preventing cavities, there are alternatives available.
Although they are used far more often as preventive measures in pediatric dentistry, tooth sealants can benefit individuals of all ages. Once applied, a tooth sealant fortifies the teeth against tooth decay, cavities, and other related dental conditions.
In order to “seal” a tooth, a dentist applies a plastic coating to the tooth’s surface. This coating can be made from glass ionomer cement or a synthetic composite resin, and it is most effective when placed in the small indentations on the premolars and molars. These teeth provide an evolutionary advantage to mammals—the shape of molars and premolars is ideal for grinding food into smaller particles during chewing —but this comes at a cost. The grooves on the exteriors of molars and premolars can promote the growth of acid-producing bacteria, making these teeth especially susceptible to plaque buildup. The application of a dental sealant can help protect these harder-to-reach teeth from decay; when the sealant is placed in these grooves, the tooth’s surface becomes more level, making it more difficult for bacteria to congregate and attack the enamel.
Dental sealants are a popular choice in pediatric dentistry, as early intervention can protect newly erupted permanent teeth from decay and other complications. Nevertheless, sealants are also recommended for adults, as age does not affect their potential effectiveness. Deciduous (baby) teeth are not usually sealed, but a dentist may suggest using a dental sealant under certain conditions. Sealants are non-toxic and typically remain on the teeth’s surfaces for only 3 to 5 years, though remnants can linger for a decade or longer. Unfortunately, dental sealants are only effective when they are undamaged and intact, so it is important to ensure during your dental appointments that any sealants on your teeth are still intact. Gradual wear and tear can weaken the sealant, allowing bacteria to access the enamel and increasing the risk of infection.
The application process for dental sealants is simple. First, your dentist will locate and repair all cavities and other sites where decay has occurred. Then, once the teeth have been cleaned, your dentist will dry them, apply the sealant to each tooth you have selected to protect, and allow it to dry and solidify. The procedure varies in length depending on how many teeth you choose to seal, but it should last less than an hour. Once the sealant has crystallized on the surface of your teeth, you will have a protective coating against the wiles of bacteria for years to come. To learn more about dental sealants, contact our office to schedule a consultation with an experienced Buffalo dentist.