Dental Sealants Smyrna GAPeople vulnerable to cavities should consider getting dental sealants. These enamel coatings are beneficial to both kids and adults. Our dentists at Reich Dental Center will apply dental sealants onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth, where they provide a barrier against acids and other elements that wash away and damage the enamel. What Are Dental Sealants?The CDC says that enamel sealants are capable of preventing up to 80 percent of cavities within a period of 24 months among the back teeth. It's in these back teeth where we find about 90 percent of cavities arising. A fantastic preventive step is the application of dental sealants - which are a plastic shield that we paint onto the surface of molars to serve as a barrier between your teeth and bacteria. Our molars are naturally designed with deep grooves and fissures that can be difficult to clean, and an easy place for food debris, plaque, and germs to hide. Trapped germs doesn't always mean that the patient is a bad brusher, some of these grooves and crevices can be so narrow that the bristles of a toothbrush can't penetrate them, but decay causing germs can. By applying sealants, we are providing a layer of protection and smoothing the occlusal surface, making it much easier to brush away debris. Additionally, we are sealing the tooth from harmful bacteria. Sealants prevent the acid that is produced by bacteria from creating cavities in the enamel of our teeth. Studies have shown that sealants have reduced the incidence of decay causing cavities by 80%, with many of our young patients reaching adulthood without ever experiencing a cavity or needing a filling. Who Qualifies For Dental Sealants?Dental sealants can be applied to patients of all ages, though they are predominately suggested for children, youth and teens. This is because the younger age group is still learning good hygiene habits and tend to suffer from the development of decay more often. At Reich Dental Center, we generally recommend sealants be placed as soon as the molars and premolars erupt above the gumline in our young patients. Applying sealants early can safeguard your child's oral health, while helping establish a strong foundation of good oral hygiene habits that will follow them into adulthood. Dental sealants are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices. Good brushing and flossing habits are still necessary. Though we advocate for all children, youth and teens to have dental sealants, adults can also benefit from them, especially adults who are at greater risk for developing tooth decay. We can discuss this during your cleaning appointment. General risk factors for advanced development of tooth decay include
Good Oral HygieneDeveloping a proper brushing and flossing routine is the best way to reduce your child's risk of developing tooth decay. We understand that this can be long and difficult to establish. Additionally, the prodding can take years. We ask that all of our patients brush their teeth at least twice a day, morning and night. Flossing should be done at the end of each day to remove any debris that has settled between the teeth. This can be a crucial part of your child's oral health. How Are Dental Sealants Applied?Dental sealants are generally applied following a dental cleaning.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?Dental sealants do contain small traces of bisphenol A or BPA substance. The chemical is found in plastics and there have been concerns over its use in sealants. However, the American Dental Association has reported that no evidence exists to indicate that exposure to BPA found in dental sealants poses any damaging health effects in patients. Again, bisphenol acid lasts only three hours once the sealants are painted on the enamel. Therefore, sealants are generally safe and commonly used in pediatric dentistry. What Are Dental Sealants Made Of?Tooth sealants are commonly fabricated of composite resin material. This tooth-color material allows the sealants to take the shade of the teeth. It protects the enamel from elements that contribute to tooth decay and damage such as acids in the mouth and food debris. Dental sealants may also be fabricated from polyacid resin material or a glass ionomer. How Effective Are Dental Sealants?Enamel sealants are very effective in protecting teeth. Their effectiveness is more pronounced during the first two years of application. They are able to prevent nearly 80 percent of cavities within this period. After that, their effectiveness begins to go down. You may have to replace the sealants after about five to 10 years since they will most likely have been worn out and not as effective as they used to be. Moreover, sealants are just like any other preventive care procedure and therefore, they should not be considered to be the final solution for tooth decay or a substitute for the same. A patient is required to brush normally and clean between their teeth using floss. Patients should also use mouthwash containing fluoride to rinse their mouths. Regular check ups and exams are paramount in monitoring your oral health including cavities in teeth. Do Dental Sealants Hurt?You do not need to be numbed for dental sealants to be applied. It is a process that is quick and painless. Therefore, it will not hurt. A dentist cleans the teeth and places a gel on the chewing surfaces for a couple of seconds. Once the sealant material cures, the tooth is rinsed and dried. Ask Your Smyrna, GA Dentist About Dental Sealants Today!Consult our Smyrna, GA dental office to see if dental sealants are right for you. Visit Reich Dental Center or call 770-435-5450 to get more details regarding the application of sealants on back teeth. We will give you all the information you might need regarding these protectant dental materials. |
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Reich Dental CenterRobin Reich, DDS | Stacey Wingad, DMD | Megan Reich Rihan, DMD Andrea Vita, DMD Call or Text Smyrna Location: 770-435-5450Call or Text Roswell Location: 770-992-3353Call or Text Tucker Location: 678-534-1010Smyrna, GA
Roswell, GA Tucker, GA |
