Important Questions Related To Dental Sealants - Bright Horizons Dental

Taking good care of your oral health helps prevent your teeth and gums from potential threats. However, while brushing and flossing regularly can keep plaque and tartar away, they can’t entirely protect your teeth from cavities and decay. That’s when dental sealants come into play. Dental sealants ensure your teeth are protected from decay for the long haul. If you are interested, you can check out this list to learn more about sealants.

Q. What are dental sealants?

Dental or fissure sealants are one kind of dental treatment for teeth. When placed on teeth, they act as a protective layer and protect them from decay. Teeth have grooves called fissures. These grooves are the most vulnerable parts of a tooth because they are the most hard-to-clean areas. As a result, food and bacteria may end up depositing there, causing decay. Dental sealants create a smooth surface for you to clean your teeth.

Q. What are the types of dental sealants?

Teeth sealants can be classified into two types: glass ionomer & composite resin:

Glass Ionomer

Dentists generally mix two components to create an acid-base paste. The paste is then applied and bonded to the teeth. The mixture then slowly releases fluoride ions to help strengthen the tooth’s enamel. Although this type of sealant isn’t as durable as the composite resin, it provides better preventative care. Glass ionomer materials also blend with natural teeth shade, readily giving your teeth a natural appearance. 

Composite Resin

Composite resin dental sealants bond the teeth with a dental curing light. The dentist applies resin on teeth first and dries it using the special light. Unlike glass ionomers, these dental sealants won’t release fluoride, so the composite resin doesn’t have additional benefits for wearers but can mimic the natural shade of your teeth and is more durable than glass ionomers. 

Q. Why are dental sealants placed on teeth?

The surfaces of the teeth, especially premolars and molars, have grooves or ridges known as fissures. And because of the uneven surface, food and bacteria can get trapped in the areas resulting in cavities. To prevent your teeth from falling prey to cavities and further decay, you should consider dental sealants. The fluoride from the sealants helps prevent tooth decay and protect teeth enamel. 

Q. How long does a dental sealant last?

Many studies claim that sealants are effective in helping prevent decay on occlusal surfaces. With proper oral care, sealants can last for a very long time. If your sealant wears off, you can get a replacement.

Q. Are dental sealants safe?

They are safe. There are little to no side effects of using sealants. With that said, if you have an allergic reaction, you should talk to your dentist immediately.

Q. Do you need fluoride if you have dental sealants?

Yes, you still need to use fluoride. If you have a composite resin sealant, it won’t secrete fluoride. While glass ionomers do secrete fluoride, you should still use fluoride separately.

Conclusion

These are some basic yet essential questions you need to know. If you are looking for a dentist in Delray Beach and the Boca Raton area, Bright Horizons Dental has you covered with services ranging from General Family Dentistry to the most advanced Cosmetic Dentistry procedures. Call us at 561-989-0107 to know more about sealants.