Dental sealants are always a good preventative choice for you or your children to act as protection against decay for teeth. If your teeth are susceptible to decay or your children are still learning proper oral hygiene practices, we encourage you to explore dental sealants as an extra preventative measure. Continue reading to learn more as our Brooklyn dental office answers questions concerning dental sealants.
Dental sealants are plastic-like coatings that we place on the chewing surface of the molars the patient uses the most. Dental sealants form a hardened shield over teeth and act as extra protection against cavities.
No, the process is actually very simple. First, we clean and dry the teeth and then apply cotton around them so they stay dry. We will then apply a chemical solution that will gently roughen the surface of the teeth for an easier and more secure dental sealant application. Once the solution has done its job, we will apply the dental sealant in a liquid form that allows it to seep into every crevice of the patient's teeth. We will then allow the sealant to harden before the patient leaves. After this quick process, the dental sealant will be securely in place for up to 10 years. When it wears off, we can easily reapply a dental sealant.
It is best for children to get dental sealants when their first permanent molars come in. This normally occurs between ages five and seven. You can receive more dental sealants as more molars come in around 11 or 12 years of age. Adults and teens can also opt for dental sealants as a preventative measure if their teeth are prone to getting cavities.
In some cases, it is a good idea to apply dental sealants to baby teeth. Baby teeth often have deeper crevices that are more prone to decay. Baby teeth hold space for future permanent teeth, so it is important to protect these teeth as well.
Patients should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. Most water has fluoride in it, which is important to drink. If water is not fluoridated, we can provide you and your children with a fluoride treatment to help protect their teeth. Fluoride will still work even if dental sealants are present. Fluoride is a great preventative measure because it helps your teeth rebuild and remineralize more quickly. It can also repair small cavities before they turn into bigger cavities that need fillings.
If you are interested in receiving dental sealants for you or your child's teeth, or you would just be interested in learning about the process and how it can help you, call our Brooklyn office at (718) 416-6444. We will provide you with a variety of necessary preventative dental services to help you maintain healthier teeth and gums for life.
Cavities are one of the most common problems dealt with by dentists. Anyone can get a cavity, even small children and they can be very painful if left untreated. Untreated cavities can also lead to an abscess and even nerve infection, along with significant discomfort and loss of teeth. Luckily, cavities can be prevented from…
As a dentist in Brooklyn, we can provide you and your children with dental sealant treatment and fluoride treatment to help you fight cavities more powerfully. Both of these preventative dentistry techniques are affordable, easy to fit into a dentist visit, and can offer your teeth extra protection.Reasons for Dental Sealant Treatment and Fluoride TreatmentBoth…
Preventive dentistry focuses on the prevention and early detection of oral health concerns to help ensure they do not develop or progress to a more severe stage that is harder to treat. One of the primary goals of preventive dentistry is to help patients care for their teeth between check-up visits, which should include proper…
Preventative dentistry is a branch that focuses primarily on keeping dental issues at bay. Preventing dental issues is cheaper than treating them, and you do not have to deal with the pain and discomfort that comes with oral problems when you stop them from developing in the first place.Preventive dentistry starts with educating patients about…
Dental veneers are a popular way to transform your smile and a common cosmetic dental service offered by general dentists. These thin, shell-like porcelain or composite resin covers go directly over the front of natural teeth after a quick preparation process. Because of their ability to make teeth appear uniform in shape, size, and color…
When was your last dental checkup? Read on to learn about the importance of sticking to regular dental appointments. The American Dental Association recommends getting a dental checkup at least two times per year. These visits are crucial to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, two of the most common issues dentists treat.A dental…