Has your family dentist mentioned dental sealants as a potential treatment option? If so, you’re not alone. Dental sealants are a common, non-invasive preventative dental treatment that can prevent tooth decay and the development of cavities.
What are dental sealants and how are they applied?
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is painted on the surface of the teeth. While it’s most common for your dentist in South Oakville to apply a dental sealant to the back teeth, they can be applied on any of your teeth. Once applied, the sealant bonds to the tooth almost instantly, filling in any grooves, cracks, and depressions to create a protective barrier over the tooth enamel.
The application is simple and painless, and only takes a few minutes.
Here are the steps you can expect:
- Your dentist in South Oakville will thoroughly clean the teeth being sealed
- The teeth will be carefully dried and wrapped in cotton or gauze to keep the tooth dry
- The dentist will use an acid-based solution to roughen the surface of the teeth being treated to help the sealant bond to the teeth
- The teeth will be rinsed and dried
- Your dentist will paint the sealant onto the tooth enamel
- The sealant will dry almost instantly, and you’ll be able to go home with stronger teeth that have an added layer of protection!
Who are the best candidates for dental sealants?
Children and teenagers are the most common candidates for dental sealants because of the increased likelihood of developing tooth decay in the premolars and molars through the ages of 6 to 14. Children will often get sealants on their adult molars as soon as they come in.
Sealants usually protect the teeth from decay for about 10 years, so adults with especially deep grooves and depressions in their teeth are also candidates for dental sealants. While sealants are durable and long-lasting, it is important to have them checked regularly for any chips. This is something that can be done at your regular dental visits. If your dentist notices any chips or areas of wear in the sealant, they can replace the material as needed.
Sealants can be used to prevent decay, but they can also be applied over areas where decay has already started to develop. In these cases, the sealant can prevent the decay from worsening.
Call our team at Trafalgar Village Dental in South Oakville today if you’re interested in learning more about dental sealants. We’ll schedule an appointment to assess the current state of your oral health and work with you to develop a treatment plan that will meet your unique needs. Our dental office is conveniently located across from Oakville Go Train Station and is always welcoming new patients.