If your teeth are prone to cavities, our dentists and team may recommend dental sealants to help protect your teeth and prevent damage from decay. This simple preventive treatment can be provided quickly and comfortably during your regular dental visits, and lasts for several years to offer long-term protection for your smile.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment designed to protect the teeth from cavities and decay. They are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, which are the back teeth with deep pits and grooves. These deep fissures can be difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing, making them more susceptible to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities.
The application of dental sealants is a straightforward and painless process. Our dentists or dental hygienists will clean and dry the tooth’s surface before applying an etching solution to create a rough surface for better adhesion. After rinsing and drying again, the sealant material is painted onto the tooth and then hardened using a special curing light. Once in place, dental sealants act as a protective barrier, sealing off the deep grooves and making it more difficult for food particles and bacteria to settle in and cause decay.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are primarily recommended for children and teenagers who are at a higher risk of developing cavities due to the nature of their developing teeth. However, adults with deep grooves in their molars can also benefit from sealants as a preventive measure against tooth decay.
Children usually receive sealants on their permanent molars as soon as these teeth erupt, typically around the ages of 6 and 12. These sealants can effectively protect their teeth during the cavity-prone years. Additionally, some children with a history of dental issues or deep grooves in their baby teeth might benefit from sealants on their primary teeth.
Make An Appointment
Call Park Central Dental at 214-340-9696 today to learn more about dental sealants in Dallas, Texas, and make an appointment with Dr. Mazin Nakhleh, Dr. Laura Fisher or Dr. Shohreh Sharifi.