Dental sealants protect your teeth against decay. If you already have had cavities, they can help prevent further decay of your tooth enamel. Dental sealants are made of plastic resin and harden in the grooves of your teeth. Once the tooth is sealed, these grooves become smooth and do not accumulate as much plaque. When you come to Lovett Dental Sharpstown for dental sealants, it becomes much easier to effectively brush your teeth.
Are Dental Sealants Effective?
Sealants greatly reduce the likelihood of getting cavities. They are durable, not needing to be reapplied for several years after first being used. This is especially important when it comes to the dental health of children. Sealants can help children by ensuring their first set of teeth, and permanent teeth stay strong and healthy. At Lovett Dental Sharpstown, we practice protective dentistry that can improve your entire family’s oral health. School-age children without sealants have significantly more cavities than those with sealants.
If you have questions about sealants, contact our staff to make an appointment for a consultation.
How Sealants Work
When you go out in the rain, you should wear a raincoat to protect your skin. Similarly, sealants protect your teeth from leftover food particles. Food particles produce acid that can create holes in your teeth. Applying dental sealant prevents food from accumulating in the crevices of your teeth and reduces the bacteria that cause cavities.
For children with baby teeth or permanent teeth, sealants can improve dental health and prevent cavities. Isn’t it worth the investment to give your family a healthy smile for up to four years?
Who Can Get Sealants?
As part of our protective dentistry practice, Lovett Dental Sharpstown recommends sealants for children and adults. Our experienced dental team includes general and pediatric dentists with a gentle touch and calm demeanor to help you feel confident during your visit.
Even though both adults and children can take advantage of dental sealants, we recommend that children get them early to prevent cavities. Kids get their first molars around their sixth birthday, and additional molars start to break at age 12. Sealing molars as soon as they erupt can prevent cavities. This can save you money and prevent dental health issues in the future. Ask your dentist when you should consider sealants for your family.
How We Apply Sealants
There’s no need to be anxious when you come to the dentist. Applying dental sealants is a noninvasive, pain-free process that can protect your teeth for years to come.
First, the dentist cleans and dries the tooth before applying the acidic gel. We use this to rough up the tooth to form a strong bond with the sealant. The dentist rinses off the gel after a short period, then dries your tooth again. Finally, the dentist places dental sealant over the grooves of your tooth, using blue light to harden it.
What If You Already Have a Cavity?
If you already have a cavity, it depends on how serious it is. Dental sealants applied over early decay can effectively prevent additional damage. Some sealants are clear, allowing the dentist to keep an eye on the tooth. However, the dentist may not apply a sealant over advanced decay. If you are considering sealant, speak with the dentist about which teeth can benefit most from this service.
What Side Effects Should I Know About?
There are no side effects from dental sealings unless you have an allergy to the materials used to create the seal.
Schedule Protective Dentistry Now at Lovett Dental Sharpstown
Dental sealants can prevent cavities from forming or getting worse. Learn more about our protective dentistry services and make an appointment for a dental sealant consultation today. Contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown at 281-975-5560 for information on our general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and specialists.
