Prevent Cavities With Dental Sealants
Tooth decay can be a real problem for even the most meticulous brusher, often requiring the services of a family dentist in Marietta. But with the help of dental sealants, you can build an added defense against cavities in those difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth. At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry in Marietta, Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala helps patients maintain their oral hygiene with a simple and painless dental sealant treatment. If you want to guard against tooth decay, dental sealants could be a good treatment option.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin gel coating that is applied to the surface of the teeth. This coating hardens to form a protective seal against bacteria. With this simple procedure your teeth can remain protected for many years.
Because the molar and premolar teeth at the back of the mouth contain fissures and pits that can trap food as you chew, bacteria can settle into these grooves and gradually cause tooth decay. Even with brushing your teeth after each meal you can often miss trapped bacteria. Many people look to dental sealants as a support for their oral health. Using dental sealants, you must still come in for regular dental cleanings and oral exams.
Dental Sealants for Kids and Adults
At Shining Smiles, we use dental sealants to protect the teeth of both children and adults. Children can benefit from sealants, as their teeth won’t have developed the strong enamel surface that becomes more durable with age. Additionally, children often won’t have signs of tooth decay, so a dental sealant creates the perfect foundation for long-lasting dental care as the molars come through.
Adults can also benefit from a dental tooth sealant, even if they have some signs of decay. By sealing the cavity, bacteria no longer has the conditions in which it can thrive.
How a Dental Sealant Is Applied
First, the teeth are examined for decay, then gently cleaned before a solution is applied. This solution prepares the surface of the teeth to assist in bonding between the sealant and each tooth. When the solution is rinsed off, the teeth are dried in preparation for the sealant application. The sealant is painted on in a thin layer and then hardened using a blue curing light.
Dr. Mohip is a caring and considerate dentist, providing a stress-free and comfortable environment in our Marietta dental office. When you visit us for sealant treatment, you can be assured of an efficient and pain-free procedure.
Common Questions About Sealants
Do I still need to use the same level of oral hygiene with a dental sealant?
Yes. It is important to maintain high standards of oral hygiene with dental sealants. Stick to your routine of brushing, flossing and routine dental visits to keep your teeth in the best shape. With the added benefit of sealants, you can maintain your healthy smile for years to come.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants usually last around 3–10 years, but they should be checked for signs of damage. During your oral exams with Shining Smiles, Dr. Mohip will monitor your sealants to ensure they are in great condition.
Why get dental sealants for healthy smiles?
While age doesn’t matter regarding sealants, the use of dental sealants is quite common in children and teenagers because of their ability to fight tooth decay, and even prevent cavities in some cases.
In fact the CDC found that children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. So, if you have a child between the ages of 6–12, it is vital to bring them to our kids’ dentist at Shining Smiles so we can set them up for a future full of healthy, happy smiles!
Contact Us for Dental Sealants in Marietta
Dr. Mohip-Chahwala and our experienced team provides exceptional family, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments from our dental clinic in Marietta. For help with dental sealants and other dental treatments, contact Shining Smiles Family Dentistry today by calling (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment now.