Creating Beautiful Smiles With
Dental Sealants for Cavity Protection
Dental sealant refers to a thin coat of a plastic or resin material painted onto the teeth of school-aged children. The sealant locks out moisture and saliva that contains bacteria. Bacteria accumulates on teeth as a biofilm called plaque. Plaque causes cavities and leads to gingivitis.
Pit-and-fissure dental sealants typically protect the back teeth, including the molars and pre-molars. The chewing surfaces of the back teeth are filled with grooves (fissures) that get filled with enamel-destroying bacteria. Those fissures are challenging to get thoroughly clean, and that’s where most kids get cavities. Dental sealants keep cavities from getting started. Children are the best candidates for sealants, but grown-ups with teeth that are not decayed or filled can also have their molars protected by dental sealants. Baby teeth are also candidates for sealing.
The process of applying dental sealants is simple and non-invasive:
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on treating issues that affect the way your teeth and smile look. Common concerns in this area include:
- All teeth to be sealed are thoroughly disinfected.
- The dentist applies an etching solution on the chewing surfaces of the targeted teeth which prepares the tooth surface for the sealant.
- The teeth are cleaned and dried.
- The sealant is brushed onto the pre-molars and molars.
- A special light shines on the treated teeth, causing a thermochemical reaction that hardens the sealant. The sealing process is quick and painless with no anesthesia needed.
Visit our dentist near you for Dental Sealants
Sealants can last for as long as 10 years. Your dentist at Town Center Dental Cedar Park will check your teeth during your regular visits for chipping and excess wear and tear. Worn areas can be replaced. After having sealants placed, don’t chew your nails or on other hard substances, including ice. Chewing on very hard substances wear out the sealants too rapidly. Insurance usually covers all or most of the cost of dental sealants in Cedar Park, TX for patients under 18. Make sure you check your dental insurance for policy specifics. Dental Sealants are a great way to make sure you’re not paying out lots of money for more expensive procedures later on down the road! If you’re looking for great dental care in Cedar Park, visit us at Town Center Dental Cedar Park.
