Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a type of thin coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to help prevent decay. Dental sealants are most often applied to the premolars and molars, which is where decay tends to happen most.

 

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are typically recommended for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent teeth come in.
In addition to children and teens, adults can also benefit from dental sealants. However, sealants can only be applied to teeth that don’t show signs of extensive decay and don’t already have filings.

 

Dental Sealants and Baby Teeth

Dental sealants are typically applied to permanent teeth only. However, in some cases, sealants can benefit a child’s baby teeth, too.
If the baby teeth have particular grooves and depressions that make them more susceptible to decay, sealants may be recommended to make sure the child doesn’t lose his or her teeth too early.

 

Dental Sealants: Easy Application by Your Local Dentist in Pearl River NY

One of the benefits of dental sealants is that they have a quick-and-easy application process that only takes a few minutes and can be done in your local dentist’s office.
As a qualified local dentist in Pearl River NY, at Bruce L. Rothschild, DDS & Associates, P.L.L.C.. we carefully apply dental sealants with the following application process:

  1. 1. The tooth or teeth that are to be sealed are cleaned thoroughly.
  2. 2. Each tooth that is to receive a sealant is dried completely, and the area is prepped with cotton to keep the tooth dry during the following step.
  3. 3. The tooth is prepped with a special acidic solution that that helps the sealant bond to the tooth. The teeth are rinsed of the solution and dried again.
  4. 4. Dental sealant is applied to the tooth enamel, bonding to the tooth directly.
  5. 5. The sealant is allowed to harden, sometimes with the use of a curing light.

What are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?

The best way to prevent cavities is daily brushing and flossing. But sometimes—especially with premolars and molars, which can be difficult to see and to reach—it’s not possible to clean every surface of the tooth. When these nooks and crannies are left untouched, they become a hiding spot for the kind of bacteria that causes cavities.
Dental sealants act as a safety net that help prevent cavities even if you miss a spot. While they’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, sealants add extra protection that can be just what your child needs to avoid tooth decay.
The CDC reported that dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth, which is where almost all cavities occur.
Some types of sealant are also clear, which means your dentist can keep an eye on the condition of the tooth underneath.

 

Low-Cost Solution

Dental sealants are relatively low cost, and they may be covered by your insurance. Best of all, this low-cost solution can save you money down the line in fillings and other extensive dental work.

Visit A Trusted Local Dentist In Pearl River NY

If you’re looking for dental sealants from a local dentist in Pearl River NY you can trust, Bruce L. Rothschild, DDS & Associates, P.L.L.C. is the one to call. Make an appointment today!