Protect Your Smile With Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are often recommended for patients at a much higher risk of developing tooth decay and can be utilized for both children and adults. Patients who suffer from regular cavities or have thin enamel may benefit from applying a sealant with Drs. Sina Reangber and Scott Koo of LifeTime Smiles in Gainesville and Haymarket, Virginia.
What Are Dental Sealants?
The molars in the back of the mouth are extremely strong, but they have many pits and grooves that make it easy for bacteria and food particles to become stuck and develop into cavities. The sealant is a plastic covering that smooths the chewing surfaces of the molars and makes them easier to keep clean.
What Steps Are Involved In The Dental Sealant Procedure?
Applying sealants is done quickly and easily right in the dental practice. It takes just a few minutes and requires the following steps:
- Preparation – our dental team cleans, rinses, and dries the surfaces of the teeth
- Roughen – an acidic solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to allow the sealant to properly bond
- Cure – the dental sealants are applied as a liquid and then cured using a specialized light
- Completion – once the sealant is cured, it provides a hard protective shield over the treated teeth
Understanding The Role Of Dental Sealants
Sealants are a preventive measure meant to offer an extra layer of protection for teeth. This cavity sealant minimizes the likelihood of patients developing cavities on teeth most susceptible to problems, such as the molars that are grooved and pitted. For some children, our team may recommend sealants for cavity-prone baby teeth. That is done because the baby teeth are placeholders for the adult teeth underneath and losing a primary tooth too soon can cause malformation of the dental bite and future issues for the individual.
Are Dental Sealants For Teeth Suitable For You Or Your Child?
If you are considering the benefits of sealing teeth to prevent cavities, we encourage you to talk to our Haymarket dentists, Drs. Sina Reangber and Scott Koo to learn more. Call (571) 202-7020 to request a visit at 15234 Washington St.