Dental Sealants
Tigard, OR
 Your adult teeth are irreplaceable, underscoring the importance of proper oral hygiene and care. At our Lincoln Center Smiles practice in Tigard, we prioritize family dentistry and preventive treatments. This includes the application of dental sealants, to safeguard your oral health against cavities and other problems from arising. We can certainly treat any cavities with dental fillings, but would prefer to protect your teeth against the development of tooth decay. This can easily be solve by the quick, easy, and painless application of dental sealants.
Preserving Oral Health with Dental Sealants
Preventive dentistry is a proactive field aimed at preserving oral health by thwarting cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues before they arise. Instead of merely reacting to oral health problems after they have already developed and started causing problems, this approach focuses on prevention through regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and consistent at-home oral care routines.
Dental Sealants Combat Tooth Decay
Dental sealants are a cornerstone of preventive dentistry, as they offer some of the most robust protection against tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, the areas where cavities most commonly occur. The applications of dental sealants form a thin, protective coating over the teeth and shield them from the development of tooth decay.
Dental sealants target the high-risk areas of molars and premolars, which feature deep grooves and pits. These teeth are especially prone to plaque and bacteria accumulation as food and plaque can easily collect and hide in these areas of the teeth. By creating a smooth surface over the teeth, dental sealants cover these pits and fissures, and facilitate easier teeth cleaning. This results in a reduction of cavity risk.
While dental sealants provide formidable protection, their effectiveness is enhanced when combined with regular oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups remain crucial for comprehensive oral care. Regardless of any existing dental restorations you may have, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is paramount to your overall health.
Children Should Get Dental Sealants Early
Encouraging early intervention for children is pivotal. Applying dental sealants as soon as permanent molars erupt establishes a foundation for reduced cavity risk throughout life. This proactive approach instills positive oral hygiene habits in children and mitigates dental issues in adulthood.
Dental Sealants Preserve Oral Health
In addition to cavity prevention, dental sealants help maintain the natural tooth structure by forming a protective barrier against acidic bacteria-producing substances.
The preventive nature of dental sealants reduces the need for restorative dental procedures, such as dental fillings to treat cavities, and root canals to treat infected tooth pulp. In this way, dental sealants preserve both oral health and the integrity of natural teeth.
For children, dental sealant application serves as an introduction to preventive dental care, fostering positive habits and encouraging proactive oral health maintenance.
The Dental Sealant Procedure
The procedure for applying dental sealants is simple and painless, offering proactive defense against cavity development. The process begins with thorough cleaning and drying of the teeth to ensure proper sealant adherence. A mild acidic solution is then applied to roughen the tooth surfaces, enhancing sealant bonding. After rinsing and drying, the sealant, usually a clear or tooth-colored liquid, is meticulously painted onto the teeth's grooves and pits. Some sealants are cured using a special light, while others self-cure, ensuring secure bonding to the tooth surface.
You can eat and drink after your dental sealants are applied. However, be cautious of hard, sticky, or chewy foods, as they can damage your new dental sealants.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
The primary advantage of dental sealants lies in their preventive nature. Dental sealants create a physical barrier on tooth chewing surfaces and shield against bacterial infiltration and cavity formation.
Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay, particularly in molars and premolars since these teeth are especially susceptible to cavities due to the intricate grooves and pits on these teeth.
Compared to the cost of treating cavities and undergoing restorative procedures such as dental fillings, crowns, or root canal, dental sealants offer a cost-effective preventive measure, saving both money, time, and potential discomfort associated with cavity treatment.
Dental Sealants Are Not Just for Children
While commonly applied to children's permanent molars to prevent the development of cavities, dental sealants also benefit adults, especially those at higher risk of developing cavities in tooth pits and fissures.
Denal Sealant Care
Maintaining sealant effectiveness is easy and only requires regular dental check-ups with us. Although durable, dental sealants may require replacement over time due to wear and tear or chipping. The need for dental sealant reapplication can be determined during routine dental cleanings and examinations.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential for sealant maintenance. Smoking and frequent alcohol consumption hinder sealant efficacy, emphasizing the importance of avoiding these practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings complement dental sealants in the preserving of your oral health.
Dental Sealant Longevity
Dental sealants are renowned for their longevity, lasting several years on average and providing enduring cavity protection. Regular dental check-ups allow for monitoring and replacement if necessary, while good oral hygiene practices contribute to sealant longevity.
Research consistently demonstrates sealant effectiveness in reducing cavity incidence. Professional organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) endorse dental sealant application as a preventive measure against caries.
Dental sealants are one of the most effective and easiest procedures in preventive dentistry, offering a proactive defense against tooth decay and preserving oral health for a lifetime. This preventive measure ensures vibrant, confident smiles resilient against tooth decay, representing an investment in long-term oral health.
Dental Sealants in Portland OR
Healthy smiles for healthy families start with professional family dentistry. At Lincoln Center Smiles, your bright, healthy smile is our top priority. Whether you just need a regular check-up, or more sophisticated dental treatment, Lincoln Center Smiles will strive to understand your needs and surpass your expectations. We look forward to brightening your smile. For inquiries, please contact our office at (503) 598-0898. |
