Dental Sealants San Antonio
Stop Cavities Before They Start
Cavities are the most common oral health problem; they affect the vast majority of people at some point in their life. Fortunately, modern dentistry has some ways to protect your smile from decay. Our San Antonio team might recommend that you receive dental sealants during your next preventive appointment. This simple and fast service can be a great way to stop cavities before they start!
What Are Dental Sealants?
As their name implies, dental sealants are meant to “seal” a tooth against decay. Basically, a sealant is a thin, protective barrier that we place on the chewing surface of a molar or premolar. It prevents bacteria and food particles from settling onto the enamel, where they might otherwise lead to plaque formation and decay. Sealants can be made of different materials, but very often, they are made of a resin that is similar to the material used for fillings.
Dental sealants are virtually unnoticeable once they are placed on the teeth, and they can provide years of effective cavity prevention.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
The dental sealant process is fast and comfortable! Here is an overview of how it works:
- First, we make sure the tooth is clean. Then we dry it and use cotton rolls or a rubber dam to help it stay dry while we apply the sealant.
- We apply a mild acid solution to etch the tooth’s chewing surface. This does not hurt the tooth; rather, it creates a slightly rougher surface that will help the sealant stay in place.
- We rinse off the etching gel and then apply the sealant. We might use a small brush to “paint” it on or carefully place it with a syringe.
- A special light is used to cure, or harden, the sealant in a matter of seconds.
- We check that the sealant will not interfere with your bite and then make any necessary adjustments.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are often recommended for kids and teens who are starting to get their permanent premolars and molars. Because many children have not yet mastered oral hygiene techniques, sealants can be a fantastic way to prevent cavities in the grooves on top of the teeth that are most often used to chew.
Of course, adults may benefit from sealants as well. If you have deep grooves in your teeth that make them difficult to clean, you may choose to get this service. Sealants can also be beneficial if you know you are prone to decay. Individuals with mobility issues or other special needs, who might find it difficult to brush their teeth, are another group that can benefit from sealants.
Would you like to learn more about dental sealants? Contact our San Antonio team — we will be happy to assist you!