Answers to Questions about Dental Sealants

Dental Sealants Baton Rouge, LA

For extra protection against tooth cavities, dental sealants are an ideal option to consider. Dental cavities are one of the most common dental issues that affect both adults and children. Sometimes, brushing and flossing are not enough to protect the teeth from decay. Regular checkups are also important; during one of these appointments, the dentist might recommend and provide dental sealants. This article answers some of the questions patients often have about the procedure.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings applied over the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars to stop tooth cavities. It is essentially a covering for the tooth’s surface to keep out food particles that are sometimes hard to remove from the pits and fissures when brushing. The sealant is white, transparent or somewhat tinted. Therefore, it is indistinguishable on the teeth when the person speaks or smiles.

Is the process painful?

The dental sealant application is simple and causes no pain. The dentist will clean the tooth properly and apply a gel on the tooth’s surface for several seconds. The tooth is rinsed afterward and dried. Then, the sealant material is applied to the tooth enamel where it bonds directly and hardens. In some cases, the dentist may use a curing light to harden the sealant into a protective shield.

How long do dental sealants last?

Sealants are highly durable. They can survive up to 10 years with proper maintenance. Patients need to visit the dentist for regular dental checkups to prolong the lifespan of the sealants. If the sealants break, the dentist can reapply or replace the sealants.

Who is an ideal candidate for sealants?

Generally, dental sealants can serve preventative purposes for everyone. Kids who are developing teeth can get their teeth sealed to prevent early occurrences of tooth decay. Teenagers who are susceptible to cavities can also get sealants to cover their permanent teeth. Even adults can get a dental sealant, although they tend to ignore the importance of this preventative treatment. A decayed tooth affects more than just oral health–it impacts general well-being as well. Patients can discuss with their dentist to know if dental sealants would be beneficial for them.

Will dental sealants change the tooth?

The good part of sealants is that they blend in with the teeth. The layer is thin and does not change how the tooth feels. The dentist will check to make sure the bite remains the same. In the first few hours or days after getting the sealant, the tongue may feel the difference, but it will become familiar soon enough. There are no known side effects of using sealants, except allergic reaction, but even this is rare and not harmful.

Final note

The earlier you get dental sealants, the better. Undergoing the procedure now will prevent you from eventually having to get dental restorations to repair a decayed tooth. The sealants will work as a practical preventive measure to prevent dental issues. As they say, prevention is better than cure. If you have additional questions, book an appointment with the dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://dentistrybatonrouge.com or call Elizabeth H Guerrero DDS at (225) 360-3914 for an appointment in our Baton Rouge office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Baton Rouge, LA.

Recent Posts

Are Dental Sealants A Good Preventative Treatment?

Dental sealants are an excellent preventive treatment to protect the teeth against decay. The dentist will recommend the treatment if patient is particularly prone to cavities or if the child is still learning to take care of their teeth. This article covers the functions of dental sealants as a preventative treatment.Dental sealants are plastic-like coating…

Anyone Can Get Cavities

Dental sealants can cover up biting surfaces of teeth to prevent further decay, which can lead to cavities. Dental sealants only take one appointment to apply and do not hurt the patient. Call us for more information.Dental SealantsAt Elizabeth H Guerrero DDS in Baton Rouge, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs…

Who Needs Prevenitve Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is for anyone interested in protecting their long-term dental and overall health. It is a branch of dentistry that focuses on treatments that help keep teeth healthy, such as teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Preventive dentistry also includes simple things that you can do on your own to keep your teeth…

Get Information On Comprehensive Dental Care From Our Office

When evaluating your dental care at home, you may be able to see some discoloration or noticeable conditions. However, it is difficult to see the damage that bacteria can cause between teeth and around the gum.  Your smile may look healthy, but a dentist may find unseen causes for concern. This is just one of…

Recent Posts

How A General Dentist May Decide Whether To Pull Or Save A Tooth

How A General Dentist May Decide Whether To Pull Or Save A Tooth

A general dentist is a great resource to utilize when struggling with an unhealthy tooth. They have the training and experience to know how to handle just about any type of damage, whether it be a loose or infected tooth. When it comes to a general dentist pulling a tooth or saving it, there are…

Aftercare Tips For Implant Crowns

4 Aftercare Tips For Implant Crowns

Implant crowns are a long-term solution to tooth loss that are easy to care for, but the process of receiving the new and beautiful replacement teeth is not always pleasant. To make the aftercare process following the placement procedure go as smoothly as possible, it is helpful to learn some aftercare tips from a dental…