One in every four adults between ages 20 and 62 has at least one cavity. Is there a way to protect your teeth against them? Besides brushing and flossing, the best dentist in Knoxville, IL, suggests applying dental sealants on your teeth.
A dental sealant is a preventive dental treatment that will help preserve your teeth's integrity, structure, and strength. Preventing cavities is better than treating them later. How do sealants keep cavities away?
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The Role of Dental Sealants in Preventing Cavities
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are coatings applied on your back teeth (usually the premolars and molars) to prevent cavities. It comes in liquid form, but as soon as it is painted on the surface, it quickly bonds into the uneven grooves and ridges of your teeth, forming a protective barrier over your enamel.
Why Should You Get Sealants?
Flossing and brushing are effective methods for removing plaque, bacteria, and food debris, but they only work on the smooth surfaces of your teeth. Your home oral care routine cannot dislodge food and plaque from the nooks and crannies of your back teeth. These are the areas that are susceptible to tooth decay. Sealing your premolars and molars will keep your teeth strong and healthy.
What Are the Benefits of Sealants?
Everyone Can Have Them
One of the common misconceptions about dental sealants is that they are only useful in children. Anyone can benefit from dental sealants regardless of age.
Offers Protection Against Cavities
By acting as a barrier, sealants protect your teeth against erosion caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Since they cover the chewing surface of your teeth, bacteria cannot penetrate, sparing your enamel from acid attack.
Painless Procedure
Another thing to love about dental sealants is that they’re completely painless. Your dentist will not make any alterations to your teeth. Before applying the sealants, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure they are clear of plaque, bacteria, and food debris.
After cleaning your teeth, your dentist will dry them to prepare for the sealant. A tiny amount of gel is applied to your teeth to aid the bonding process. Another round of rinsing and drying is done before the sealant process begins.
The sealant is carefully applied on the crevices of your teeth; it will then be cured to secure it.
Long Lasting
Applying sealants will protect your teeth for many years. They can last longer than ten years if you maintain good oral hygiene. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly, so they can check your sealants and determine if they need repairs or re-application.
Save You Money
Applying dental sealants will safeguard your teeth against permanent damage, so you don’t need to spend on fillings, crowns, and dental implants to restore your smile and oral function.
Get Your Sealants From the Best Dentist in Knoxville IL
Dental sealants are a safe and non-invasive procedure. They are applied quickly and easily, and the process is painless. The sealant material bonds to the tooth surface and acts as a physical barrier that prevents bacteria and food particles from accumulating in the deep grooves and pits of the teeth, reducing the risk of decay.
Sealants are also durable and can last for several years. Although dental sealants are an effective preventive measure, they are not a substitute for brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. A sealant is also only effective in preventing cavities and not in pre-existing tooth decay.
At Smalltown Dental, we strive to make you feel comfortable and relaxed while getting the dental care you need. Contact us for a consultation.
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