Stop Decay and Maintaining a Healthy Smile with Dental Sealants
Professional cleanings at Olmos Park Dental and at-home oral hygiene offer an excellent defense against cavities. However, sometimes, you may need extra protection with dental sealants. These colorless, coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth to provide an additional defense against decay-causing bacteria and plaque. Expertly placed by Dr. Brandi Lindsey, dental sealants in San Antonio, Texas, are a simple preventive measure that saves you from costly and invasive dental treatments.
What are dental sealants?
Run your tongue through your molars and premolars, and you’ll feel pits and fissures in these posterior teeth. These grooves help grind food, but they can make cleaning harder with regular brushing and flossing, no matter how long (or hard) you clean your teeth. Food debris can accumulate in these hard-to-reach spaces, leading to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Dental sealants effectively protect these vulnerable areas. Sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the grooves of the teeth, creating a smooth surface that blocks bacteria and food particles from getting trapped. By sealing off these deep pits and fissures, patients can significantly reduce their risk of developing cavities.
Fissure sealants are especially beneficial for children whose teeth are still developing and who may not have mastered proper brushing techniques. However, adults with deep grooves in their teeth can also benefit from dental sealants as part of their preventive dental care. This simple, painless treatment can help maintain healthier teeth by providing an added defense against decay.
What can I expect from the dental sealant procedure?
Applying dental sealants is simple and painless—no drills or injections are involved. The dentist starts by professionally cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and other unhealthy deposits. Next, the dentist will dry the teeth and apply a conditioning gel to create a rough bonding surface for the sealant.
After drying your teeth, the dentist will carefully apply the dental sealants on your teeth’ chewing surfaces, covering all the pits and fissures. Next, we’ll use a curing light to harden the sealant in minutes. The hardened sealant provides immediate protection and can last many years with proper maintenance. However, when you notice signs of wear and tear, don’t worry. Dental sealants are easy to repair and even replace to protect the tooth underneath.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
This quick and painless procedure is a simple yet highly effective way to boost preventive dental care. Here are the benefits of dental sealants.
- They are suitable for patients of all ages
- The procedure is quick and painless
- Dental sealants help with teeth sensitivity
- They can save you costly and painful dental treatments
- They are long-lasting
Dental sealants are low-maintenance. They don’t need special cleaning skills or products—just diligent flossing and brushing. Remember to visit your dentist twice yearly for regular cleanings and check-ups.
Ready for dental sealants?
Combine sealants with regular check-ups and cleanings for a comprehensive approach to keeping your teeth healthy. Please schedule your appointment today, and let us help you safeguard your smile for years! Call us at (210) 767-3525 or book online.
