Dental Sealants

Dental Sealants 

A thin, plastic coating is applied over the biting surfaces of teeth, mainly the back teeth (i.e., premolars and molars). This coating is known as a dental sealant, which helps prevent tooth decay. The sealant bonds swiftly to the teeth' grooves and depressions, providing a protective covering over each tooth's enamel.  Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove plaque and leftover food debris, they cannot always reach all of the crevices of the rear teeth. By "sealing out" plaque and food, sealants protect these sensitive areas from tooth decay.

Who Should Get Sealants? 

Children and teenagers are obvious candidates for sealants due to the risk of decay developing in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars. Adults without decay or fillings in their molars, on the other hand, can also benefit from sealants. Sealants should be applied to children's permanent molars and premolars as soon as they emerge. Dental sealants can thereby protect teeth from cavities during the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.  Sealants can be used on baby teeth in certain situations, such as if a child's teeth have deep depressions and grooves. Since baby teeth are so vital for maintaining proper spacing for permanent teeth, it's critical to keep them healthy, so they don't fall out too soon.

How are Sealants Applied? 

The sealant application is a straightforward and pain-free procedure. A sealant will be applied by our dentist in a matter of minutes. Following are the steps that will be followed by our dentist:  

*The teeth that will be sealed are first cleaned thoroughly. 

*Each tooth is then dried and wrapped in cotton or some other absorbent material to keep it dry. 

*The chewing surfaces of the teeth are roughened with an etching solution that aids the sealant's bonding to the teeth. 

*After that, the teeth are cleaned and dried. 

*The sealant is then applied directly onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds and hardens. A specific bright white light called "curing" light is utilized to help the sealant harden.

What are the Benefits of Sealants? 

Dental sealants help to prevent cavities and decay by functioning as a covering and protective layer over sensitive areas on our teeth. The procedure for sealant application is quick and saves you from multiple visits to the dental office. Dental sealants can last for several years if properly cared for. It adds additional protection to your teeth and helps you in taking better care of your teeth.

Please reach out to our dental practice in Bakersfield, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Warren Barr. Please call us at (661) 834-9900 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.