Sealants: Sealing Out Tooth Decay

While regular brushing and flossing are effective in keeping your breath fresh and clean, this may still not be enough to make your teeth perfectly healthy. The molars, especially the ones at the back of your mouth, have natural ridges and depressions that can also store food particles. If you do not clean your teeth right, there may still be leftover food trapped in your mouth, making you vulnerable to bacteria build up.

To avoid this, consider taking extra precautions like dental sealants to defend your teeth from all the hazards. This simple dental procedure has been proven to reduce the risk of tooth decay by 80%. According to a research, children who do not have sealants have three times more chance of developing cavities. Read on below to find out more about this:

What are sealants?

It can be a real challenge to reach the nook and crannies of your teeth, which is why some people go to extra lengths to protect their chompers with sealants. Dental sealants are protective plastic coatings that dentist’s place on the occlusal surface of your back molars, which are basically the teeth you most use for chewing.

How do they work?

These back molars and premolars are the ones that are susceptible to more damage. Sealants cover the fissures and grooves, resulting to a smoother surface that will be easier to clean and brush. They basically act as raincoats, protecting your molars from cavity-causing bacteria. As you know, leftover food particles produce acids that can destroy teeth.

Can anyone get sealants?

Both children and adults can get dental sealants. Physicians advise to get it as early as you can so that the teeth are already protected. Usually, this is done when a child’s primary teeth have erupted during their early teen years. It is less common for adults to get sealants but this can still be done if there are molars that need extra protection.

How are they placed on teeth?

This is a quick and painless process that doesn’t require drilling or anesthesia. First off, your teeth will be cleaned and polished to remove leftover dirt. Then, the sealant material is applied to surface of the tooth. It is then cured with special light so that the sealant will be bonded to your tooth’s enamel. Your dentist will evaluate if the bond has hardened and if there are adjustments that need to be made. Once the sealant is properly placed and checked for durability, you will receive instructions on how to care for your teeth to maximize the longevity of the sealant. This procedure is just one of many offered in a general dentistry services overview, aimed at maintaining optimal oral health. Regular check-ups and preventive treatments are essential to ensure your teeth remain strong and cavity-free.

There is no pain involved in this simple dental procedure and you can expect to be out of the dentist office in just a couple of minutes. Because it is non-invasive and quick, even children can get the procedure done.

How long does it last?

A properly applied dental sealant should last you many years. Of course, proper oral hygiene still needs to be practiced to extend the lifespan of the sealants. While this is considered to be a long-lasting procedure that effectively protects teeth, there is still a great risk of ruining the sealant-covered molar if you neglect your teethoral hygienet the back of your mouth, have natural ridges and depressions that can also store food particles. If you do not clean your teeth right, there may still be leftover food trapped in your mouth, making you vulnerable to bacteria build up.

To avoid this, consider taking extra precautions like dental sealants to defend your teeth from all the hazards. This simple dental procedure has been proven to reduce the risk of tooth decay by 80%. According to a research, children who do not have sealants have three times more chance of developing cavities. Read on below to find out more about this:

What are sealants?

It can be a real challenge to reach the nook and crannies of your teeth, which is why some people go to extra lengths to protect their chompers with sealants. Dental sealants are protective plastic coatings that dentist’s place on the occlusal surface of your back molars, which are basically the teeth you most use for chewing.

How do they work?

These back molars and premolars are the ones that are susceptible to more damage. Sealants cover the fissures and grooves, resulting to a smoother surface that will be easier to clean and brush. They basically act as raincoats, protecting your molars from cavity-causing bacteria. As you know, leftover food particles produce acids that can destroy teeth.

Can anyone get sealants?

Both children and adults can get dental sealants. Physicians advise to get it as early as you can so that the teeth are already protected. Usually, this is done when a child’s primary teeth have erupted during their early teen years. It is less common for adults to get sealants but this can still be done if there are molars that need extra protection.

How are they placed on teeth?

This is a quick and painless process that doesn’t require drilling or anesthesia. First off, your teeth will be cleaned and polished to remove leftover dirt. Then, the sealant material is applied to surface of the tooth. It is then cured with special light so that the sealant will be bonded to your tooth’s enamel. Your dentist will evaluate if the bond has hardened and if there are adjustments that need to be made.

There is no pain involved in this simple dental procedure and you can expect to be out of the dentist office in just a couple of minutes. Because it is non-invasive and quick, even children can get the procedure done.

How long does it last?

A properly applied dental sealant should last you many years. Of course, proper oral hygiene still needs to be practiced to extend the lifespan of the sealants. While this is considered to be a long-lasting procedure that effectively protects teeth, there is still a great risk of ruining the sealant-covered molar if you neglect your teeth.

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Picture of Dr. Alex Marose

Dr. Alex Marose

Dr. Alex Marose is a highly skilled and dedicated dentist who graduated in the top 10% of his class from the prestigious NYU College of Dentistry. With a meticulous eye for detail and a genuine passion for advanced dental techniques, he specializes in a wide range of services, including cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry.

His commitment to staying at the forefront of dental innovation allows him to provide his patients with the highest level of care and the most effective treatment options tailored to their individual needs.

Dr. Marose believes in fostering a welcoming environment where patient comfort and satisfaction are paramount, ensuring that each visit to his practice is a positive experience.

Picture of Dr. Alex Marose, DDS

Dr. Alex Marose, DDS

Dr. Alex Marose is a highly skilled dentist who graduated in the top 10% of his class from NYU College of Dentistry. With a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for advanced dental techniques, he specializes in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry.

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Our offices are located in Silverado Plaza at the intersection of Jeronimo & Los Alisos, in Mission Viejo, CA across from Sonic.

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