Dental Sealants
Fort Worth, TX
If you or your child has a history of cavities or like to enjoy sugary treats, Dr. Guram at HomeTown Dental, Fort Worth (Sycamore) may recommend dental sealants for you.
A dental sealant is a thin film of BPA-free plastic that is applied to the surface of your back teeth. This coating has the ability to bind tightly to your teeth and adds an extra layer of protection for your enamel against cavity-causing bacteria.
Why Are Dental Sealants Recommended
Your back teeth consist of pits and fissures where food can get stuck. Since these grooves are deep and often narrower than the bristle of your toothbrush, they may not be easily cleaned. As a result, bacterial plaque may accumulate inside these cracks and the acid produced from it will dissolve your enamel, allowing the infection to get inside of your tooth.
Using dental sealants can help protect your teeth from decay. Dental sealants are placed on the chewing surface of the permanent molars once they have grown fully. They seal the fissures and offer a smooth surface to chew.
When used in combination with fluoride treatment, your teeth have more chances of remaining healthy, strong, and decay-free.
Candidates For Dental Sealants
Since children and adolescents often are not very responsible when it comes to keeping good oral hygiene and have eating habits that can cause decay, they are the most likely candidate for dental sealants. However, this treatment can also be performed as preventive measures for adults who want to reduce the chances of decay in their back teeth.
In some cases, dental sealants may also be placed on a child’s primary teeth if their grooves have deepened. Since the baby teeth play a very important role in the health of the adult teeth, it is important that they do not get lost prematurely or spread infection to the permanent teeth growing beneath them.
What To Expect During A Sealant Procedure
A dental sealant procedure is very simple and non-invasive. Since it is a painless procedure, it does not require any local anesthesia. Dr. Guram will first clean and polish the surface of your molar to get rid of any food debris or plaque. The tooth is then dried and lightly etched with a fine instrument so that it may hold the sealant tightly. The sealant is then applied to the surface of the tooth in layers with a fine brush. Ultraviolet light is applied to the sealant to allow it to quickly harden and bond to the tooth.
Once your sealant is in place, we will check if you can bite comfortably and make some final adjustments.
Dental Sealant Aftercare
Your dental sealant is effective in preventing food debris and plaque from being stuck to your teeth. However, this does not mean you can neglect your oral hygiene. Bacteria can attach your back teeth from the sides that are exposed as well. In addition, your remaining teeth do not have dental sealants on them and are still vulnerable to decay. Good oral hygiene is essential for the continued health of your teeth. At HomeTown Dental, Fort Worth (Sycamore), we encourage you to schedule regular dental checkup appointments with us so that we may ensure your teeth get the care they need.
If you are concerned about your dental health, call (817) 224-2251 to schedule a dental exam with us. We will check the health of your teeth and determine whether they will benefit from dental sealants.