What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are one of the best ways to help prevent cavities. Our toothbrush has a hard time cleaning the pits and grooves on the chewing surface of our posterior teeth. Dental sealants fill these pits and grooves to make the surface smooth so you can brush effectively as well as keep food and cavity-causing bacteria out of these areas. Once applied on the tooth, the sealant bonds quickly with the grooves and depressions of the teeth. This bonding forms a shield over your tooth enamel that serves as a protective barrier to safeguard your teeth from decay.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
The most common candidates for dental sealants are children with deep grooves on their teeth. Even adults who do not have fillings or decay in their molars can also benefit from dental sealants.
In children, sealants are usually placed on permanent premolars and molars. This way, the sealants can offer protection to the teeth during the years where cavities are most likely to form.
Dental sealants may also be applied to a child’s primary teeth (baby teeth), such as when there are deep grooves and depressions. Primary teeth play a vital role in creating and maintaining the right spacing for the permanent teeth. Therefore, the health of these teeth must be maintained so that the child does not lose them prematurely.
Applying Sealants
The process of applying sealants is simple and painless. Your Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Aurelio A. Bula and his team at Mighty Children’s Dentistry, Parkland, Florida, will take just a few minutes to complete the procedure. This is how it is done:
- Dr. Aurelio A. Bula will first clean the biting surface of the tooth.
- The tooth is then dried and isolated to maintain a dry state.
- The tooth is then etched enhancing the sealants bonding to the tooth.
- Thereafter, the tooth is rinsed and dried.
- The sealant is then painted onto the enamel where it makes a direct bonding to the tooth. The hardening is enhanced with a curing light.
How Long Will My Sealants Last?
Sealants can last up to ten years. Yes! If applied correctly, it can safeguard your teeth from decay for up to a decade. However, you’ll have to go to the your dentist in Parkland, Florida for regular checkups. Your Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Aurelio A. Bula, at Mighty Children’s Dentistry, will check for wearing and chipping. If the sealant needs replacement, your dentist will be happy to do it for you.
Will My Insurance Company Pay For My Sealants?
Yes! Most insurance companies pay for sealants. However, there are age limits, so give us a call, we will glady check with your insurance provider to verify coverage.
Can I Use Fluoride While Having Dental Sealants?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in most water sources and is safe to use on sealants. Sealants protect the chewing surface of the tooth while, fluoride protects the remaining surfaces by making the tooth enamel more resistant to the acid that causes tooth decay.
Make an Appointment Today! Your Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Aurelio A. Bula is ready to give you the smile you’ve always wanted!
