What Are Sealants?
To help protect your teeth against cavities, your dentist may recommend something called a dental sealant. A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that’s applied to the top of your back teeth to safeguard against bacteria and plaque. While anyone can get dental sealants, they’re especially beneficial for children. For more information about preventative tooth care, contact the friendly team at Red Bank Smiles.
What Are Dental Sealants?
The back teeth, also known as premolars and molars, are more susceptible to cavities. Bacteria can hide and accumulate inside the deep grooves of these teeth. To help protect them from decay, it’s important to brush and floss regularly. In addition, fluoride treatments and dental sealants offer an extra layer of protection. Dental sealants bond to the top of the teeth, acting as a kind of barrier to keep plaque out.
Dental sealants are typically recommended for kids as soon as their molars come in because they can prevent the formation of cavities. In fact, the CDC reported that school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. And while they’re most often recommended for children, adults can also benefit from dental sealants, especially those at a high risk for cavities. Sealants may be applied to any teeth that do not already have fillings.
What to Expect
If you or your child are getting dental sealants, rest assured that the team at Red Bank Smiles makes the process quick and easy, about 60 seconds per tooth. Here’s what to expect:
- Teeth are cleaned and dried
- An acidic gel is placed on the teeth to rough them up, so that the sealants can bond correctly
- The gel is rinsed off after a few seconds
- Your teeth are dried again
- The sealant is painted on the back teeth
- A special blue light is used to harden the sealant
The entire process is painless, so there’s no need to worry about discomfort. They can be done by your hygienist at your exam and maintenance visits, so there is no need for an additional appointment. Dental sealants can be white, clear or slightly tinted, although clear sealants are preferred when early stage cavities are present. This allows the dentist to monitor the tooth over time. Once the process is complete, sealants will last for several years, at which time your dentist may recommend reapplication.
Gingivitis Treatment at Red Banks Smiles
Unlike periodontitis, gingivitis is easily reversible. If you notice any signs or symptoms of gingivitis, schedule an appointment at Red Bank Smiles in NJ. We’ll review your dental and medical history, examine your teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis and perform other tests as needed to determine whether or not you have gingivitis. With a professional dental cleaning from Dr. Benjamin Klayman and his team, we’ll help restore your smile. Call us today at 732-741-1052 to make an appointment.
