“Seal” Your Teeth Against Cavities
When patients visit our office for an oral hygiene examination and cleaning, one of their main concerns is whether we find signs of tooth decay. Decay in the rear teeth is very common due to the deep grooves found in these teeth. It can be difficult to clean them properly, leaving food and bacteria to sit for prolonged periods of time, eventually turning into decay. Thankfully, there is a simple treatment that can help protect your teeth. Read on to learn more.
What are Dental Sealants?
The rear molars are typically more difficult to brush and clean properly, especially for children. This makes them more prone to tooth decay and cavities. To help prevent decay, dental sealants are a treatment option that we offer to our adult and child patients. A dental sealant is a clear coating that is brushed on the chewing surface of the teeth and hardens as it dries. Dental sealants are beneficial because they create a smooth surface on the rear molars of the teeth and prevent harmful food and bacteria from lingering in the deep grooves and causing decay.
Is the Treatment Difficult?
Dental sealants are one of the easiest dental treatments we offer. The process for applying sealants is quick and free of discomfort. It is typically completed after a cleaning. After the teeth are cleaned and dried, an acidic solution is then applied to roughen the surface, ensuring that the sealant will adhere to and remain on the teeth. The sealant is then brushed on the back molars, where the grooves are the deepest. The sealant is cured and hardened with a special light. Be sure to follow our recommendations after treatment.
If you would like to consider sealants for yourself or your child, please feel free to contact us with any questions. We want to make sure you have the information you need to make the best choices for your dental health in Meridian, ID. We look forward to seeing you soon!