Dental Sealants: The Unsung Hero of Preventive Dentistry
Are you troubled by tooth decay? Dental sealants in Monroe, Michigan, are a highly effective preventive measure against cavities. These thin plastic coatings form a protective shield on your teeth, keeping them healthy and strong. Applying dental sealants is simple and noninvasive, but the benefits last many years.
Ready to protect your teeth with dental sealants? Schedule an appointment with McMullin Dental Care today!
What are dental sealants?
No matter how diligently you brush your teeth, reaching every tooth surface can be challenging—and it’s not necessarily about your brushing technique. The natural structure of your teeth, particularly your molars, plays a significant role.
Molars and premolars often have small pits and grooves (fissures) that run across their chewing surfaces. You can feel these pits and grooves by running your tongue over your back teeth. These tiny crevices are so narrow that the bristles of your toothbrush can’t clean them effectively.
Unfortunately, these areas can easily trap food particles and plaque, creating the perfect environment for decay-causing bacteria. That’s why you need dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin, plastic, or resin-based coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. They work like a shield, sealing off those hard-to-reach grooves that trap food debris and bacteria.
How are dental sealants applied?
The procedure takes a few minutes and doesn’t cause pain. First, we’ll clean your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and debris. Then, we’ll dry off your teeth and apply a gel to create a strong bonding surface.
Next, we’ll dry your teeth and apply the dental sealant to the chewing surfaces. It’s crucial to dry the sealant quickly to ensure it stays in place. That’s why we use a specialized curing light, which hardens the sealant in seconds, creating a strong, protective barrier for your teeth!
Are sealants only for children?
Tooth decay doesn’t discriminate—it affects both children and adults. While many people assume that fissure sealants are only for kids, that’s not true. Yes, children need sealants the most because their developing teeth are prone to cavities. However, dental sealants are an excellent preventive measure for patients of all ages.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
Dental sealants are an effective preventive measure against tooth decay. Here are the benefits of dental sealants.
- It’s an affordable, preventive measure
- Application is quick and painless
- Dental sealants can last many years with proper maintenance
- They are ideal for patients of all ages
- Dental sealants are easily repairable
It’s important to note that dental sealants offer protection against tooth decay—they aren’t substitutes for brushing and flossing. Even with sealed teeth, you should brush twice daily and floss daily. Also, visit your dentist at least twice every year.
Do you need dental sealants near Monroe?
Dental sealants have several benefits, no matter your age. If you are interested in dental sealants, call (734) 868-5115 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria McMullin and the team. Remember, once decay forms, it can’t be reversed. Take proactive steps to protect your teeth today!
