Dental sealants are a terrifically thin plastic coating that we paint onto the chewing surfaces of your molars or back teeth.
If you look closely at your back teeth, you'll notice that the chewing surfaces aren't completely smooth. They have small grooves and crevices where food and bacteria can collect. Even if you're careful about brushing and flossing, these areas can be difficult to keep clean. Dental sealants give those teeth an extra layer of protection against cavities.
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating that's applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars and sometimes your premolars. The material settles into the tiny grooves of the tooth and is then hardened, creating a barrier that helps keep food particles and bacteria out. It's a simple procedure that doesn't require drilling into a healthy tooth.
Sealants are especially useful for children whose permanent back teeth have recently come in, although adults can benefit from them as well. They don't take the place of brushing, flossing, or regular dental visits, but they can help protect areas that are otherwise more likely to develop decay.
At Northside Dental, we'd much rather help you prevent a cavity than have to treat one later. During your visit, we can examine your teeth or your child's teeth to see whether sealants would be beneficial. We'll also explain how the procedure works, answer any questions you have, and discuss the cost before moving forward. We want you to feel comfortable with the care you're receiving and understand why we're recommending it.
If you'd like to learn more about dental sealants, call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
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Benefits of Dental Sealants are for All
At Northside Dental, we will often recommend dental sealants for:
- Children – We recommend dental sealants for children above six years of age who have permanent molar and premolar teeth and too often rush through their brushing.
- Baby Teeth – In some cases, where we see very deep grooves on your child’s primary molar teeth, we may suggest dental sealants.
- Adults – Occasionally, if we believe you are at a higher risk of developing cavities and decay, we may recommend dental sealants for moms and dads as well.
The very smallest of food particles can easily become trapped inside the deeper ridges on the chewing surfaces of the molars. Whether you are a child or an adult, these areas can be incredibly difficult to clean. Especially with a naturally impatient youngster. At Northside Dental, we can help prevent any buildup by sealing these ridges. By eliminating these areas, we lower the risk of cavities.
The straightforward conclusion is that anyone of any age will benefit from the application of a dental sealant.
How Long Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants have been used successfully since the 1970s. With proper care, you can expect dental sealants to help protect your teeth from cavities for up to four years. Even though dental sealants are an excellent addition for the prevention of cavities, they are not a substitute for your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. The dental industry strongly suggests that you or your child brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and to complement that effort with flossing at least once a day. This simple preventative good habit keeps the buildup of damaging plaque in check on the other surfaces of your teeth. We also suggest that you schedule preventative dental examinations twice a year at Northside Dental to continue to allow us to monitor the condition of your teeth and gums. The dental sealant has just added for you, or your youngster, another level of protection. That is all you need for enjoying perfect dental health.
Child Mind Getting Dental Sealants?
The short answer is no. In fact, when it comes to dental anxiety with your child, this is a nice procedure to introduce them to a little more dental chair time. The process is quite fast, amazingly easy, and not uncomfortable. There is no invasive preparation, and the dental sealant itself does not cause any irritation or smell funny. It is such an easy way to prevent cavities for your active child.
The Dental Sealants Procedure
The application of dental sealants is a quick, totally pain-free, and simple, straightforward procedure. First, our team will clean your molars and premolars very well, and then we place an acidic gel on those biting surfaces. This acidic gel will create small, microscopic pores that will enhance the bonding of the dental sealant gel onto the surface of the tooth. After just a few seconds, we will rinse away the gel and then completely dry the teeth. Finally, we will brush on the dental sealant in the grooves of the teeth and then harden the sealant by using a special blue light.
Will You Feel the Dental Sealant on Your Teeth?
We have found that you or your child cannot even notice the sealant has been applied. You certainly cannot see the sealant because it is completely clear. If you do run your tongue across your back teeth, you might be able to notice a slight difference because the surfaces will be smoother, but there is absolutely no discomfort in any way. In fact, your teeth may feel like they do after you have them professionally cleaned at your six-month check-up with Northside Dental.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.