Summit Dental Excellence provides dental sealants in Oconomowoc, WI to help protect teeth from cavities and prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants are a simple, noninvasive preventive treatment that can provide an additional layer of protection against plaque, food particles, and bacteria.
Sealants are made from a tooth-colored resin material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars. These teeth contain natural grooves and pits where food and plaque can easily become trapped, making them more difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing.
What to Expect During the Sealant Procedure
One of the biggest benefits of dental sealants is that the procedure is quick, comfortable, and noninvasive. In most cases, no anesthesia is necessary. Applying a sealant typically takes only a few simple steps:
- Clean and prepare the tooth: The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried to remove plaque and debris. It is kept dry throughout the procedure to ensure the sealant bonds properly.
- Prepare the tooth surface: A mild conditioning solution is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth. This creates a slightly textured surface that helps the sealant adhere securely.
- Rinse and dry: The tooth is rinsed and carefully dried again.
- Apply the sealant: The dental sealant is painted into the grooves and pits of the tooth’s chewing surface, where it flows into areas that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush.
- Harden the sealant: Depending on the type of material used, a special curing light may be used to quickly harden and set the sealant.
Once the sealant has hardened, it creates a protective barrier over the tooth’s vulnerable grooves and surfaces.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers, particularly as their permanent molars and premolars come in. The deep grooves and pits in these teeth can make them difficult to clean effectively, increasing the risk of cavities.
Sealants can provide an additional layer of protection during the years when children are developing consistent brushing and flossing habits. Protecting these teeth early can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future.
Adults can benefit from dental sealants as well. Patients who are particularly prone to cavities or have deep grooves and pits in their teeth may be good candidates. Sealants can help protect these vulnerable areas and complement regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and dental examinations.
Our team at Summit Dental Excellence can evaluate your teeth and recommend dental sealants when they are appropriate for your individual oral health needs.
