Understanding Dental Sealants: What They Are and How They Work in Englewood, NJ

Dental health is vital to overall well-being, and preventive measures are an essential part of maintaining the health of teeth and gums. One of the popular preventive treatments in Englewood, NJ, is the use of dental sealants as explained by a dentist in Englewood, NJ. In this blog, I will be explaining what dental sealants are, how they work, their benefits, and who could benefit from them.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, particularly molars and premolars. Molars and premolars have grooves and pits that easily trap pieces of food and bacteria, making them prone to cavities. It helps to seal these grooves, preventing food and bacteria from getting into the grooves to cause tooth decay.

How do dental sealants work?

The process of applying dental sealant is a quick and painless one, usually done by a dentist or a dental hygienist. Here is how they work:

• Cleaning the Tooth: The tooth is first cleaned to eliminate any plaque and food particles. This ensures that the sealant adheres properly to the enamel surface of the tooth.
• Preparing the Tooth: An acidic solution is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth where the sealant is to be applied; the solution slightly roughens the surface for better bonding.
• Applying Sealant: The sealant, a liquid plastic resin, is painted on the chewing surface of the tooth. It flows into the pits and fissures and gets set completely to cover them.
• Curing the Sealant: The sealant is hardened using a special curing light. Once set, the sealant forms a protective shield over the enamel of a tooth.

Benefits of dental sealants

Effective Cavity Prevention

The best way to prevent cavities is with protective sealants which create a strong barrier by covering the most vulnerable regions of the teeth and shielding them from plaque and bacteria.

Long-Lasting Protection

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, sealants can survive many years. They protect against tooth decay for a long time.

Cost-Effective

Sealants are a cost-effective measure compared to the price of treating cavities. They are able to save patients money by minimizing their fillings crowns or other invasive treatments.

Safe and Reliable

Dental sealant on kids and adults is safe to use. Biocompatible and nonreactive materials are used to create them.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Sealants?

Children and Teenagers: The main candidates for dental sealants are children and teenagers. Their newly erupted permanent molars and premolars are particularly vulnerable to cavities and sealants can be an important preventive measure.

Adults: Adults who have no fillings or cavities in their molars can have sealants too. People who have deep grooves and pits in their teeth are especially good candidates.

People Who Have Had Cavities: Sealants add extra protection for people who have had cavities in the past or are at high risk of getting cavities.

Orthodontic Patients: Maintaining oral hygiene is challenging among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Sealants can help keep teeth decay-free during this time.

Dental sealants are an effective preventive measure against tooth decay that lasts for many years, protecting children, teenagers, and adults. Dental professionals in Englewood, NJ are trained to offer this viable service to the patient that can help to keep your teeth clean and free from cavities. If you or a family member are susceptible to cavities, talk to your dentist about whether dental sealants can be part of your overall oral health. Sealants can be an essential part of your preventive dental care plan when you properly maintain sealants with good oral hygiene and consistent dental visits.