SEALANTS

What Are Dental Sealants?

Brushing and flossing are necessary to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and prevent cavities. However, the molars or back teeth have many pits and fissures where bacteria and food particles can hide, even with daily dental care. The longer oral debris remains on your teeth and around your gum line, the more vulnerable you become to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Dental sealants are a plastic or resin coating that creates a protective shield on the chewing surface of molars and the spaces between them. They’re an effective barrier that prevents bacteria from settling on and around hard-to-reach teeth. With the Simple Dental team’s expert dental sealant application methods, the protection will last for years. 

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Our dental sealants in Crowley, TX, offer several benefits to patients. The treatment is:

• Quick
• Safe
• Painless
• Long-lasting

When you seek our sealant services, you can expect the treatment only to take a few minutes to coat each tooth thoroughly. The process requires no drilling or anesthesia, and it will last for at least three years before another application is necessary.

What Is the Procedure for Receiving Sealants?

The first step in our sealant application procedure is to clean and dry your back teeth. Then, we’ll use a small brush to carefully coat the chewing surfaces of the molars, ensuring that each tooth has a solid barrier against oral bacteria. After applying the sealant, we use a curing light to harden the material and keep it in place. 

Preparing for Sealants

Preparing to receive dental sealants is relatively straightforward. The steps are as follows:

• Consultation: A dentist will examine your teeth and surrounding tissues to check for early signs of decay. 
• Imaging: If decay is present, the dentist will take x-rays to determine the extent of the damage. 
• Treatment: Finally, the dentist will determine if sealants are the best course of action to prevent further cavities and arrange treatment. 

Maintaining Sealants

Dental sealants are not a reason to forego brushing and flossing; both steps are imperative to good oral health, and everyone should do them at least twice a day. The sealants will only protect the chewing surface of back teeth and the spaces between them. 

Once you or your child receive the treatment, it’s necessary to continue practicing good oral hygiene. You can brush teeth with sealants using the same toothpaste and brushing techniques as you would without the treatment. 

Dental sealants will last for years with proper care, but they may wear down or crack over time. The skilled dentists at Simple Dental will carefully examine the coating during routine appointments to ensure that the teeth still have adequate protection. If reapplication is necessary, we will quickly apply a new coat of sealant at that time.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Dental Sealants in Crowley, TX?

Children, and some adults, struggle to clean the back of their mouths and consume foods and beverages with a lot of sugar. As a result, their mouths become prone to bacteria. 

Though children often receive dental sealants, there is no age restriction for the treatment. Anyone who wants or needs to protect their teeth from cavities may receive dental sealants. However, there are specific groups that benefit the most from the procedure, including:

• Children with gaps between their primary teeth
• Children prone to cavities, usually between the ages of 6 and 14
• Adults without teeth fillings or other damage

If you or your child are ready to combat tooth decay with dental sealants in Crowley, TX, put your trust in Simple Dental. Our team of dental professionals is well-trained and educated to meet our patients’ dental needs, including preventative care and dental emergencies. Schedule your appointment today by calling (817)865-5333.