Your children brush twice a day — so why do they still get small cavities? Brushing and flossing cleans most of the surfaces of their front teeth, but getting to the crevices in the back molars and premolars is nearly impossible for little, untrained hands. Those tiny dips and pits are perfect for trapping food and bacteria, which often results in the formation of cavities in young, vulnerable teeth.
What Are Sealants?
Fortunately, your local Bourne family dentist can include sealants in your child’s dental plan: a noninvasive, preventive tooth-decay treatment that protects teeth and keeps them healthy while they mature and strengthen. Dental sealants are made from a resin material that is used to coat the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is painted on and seals the nooks and crannies in the teeth so that food and other plaque-causing materials that cause cavities are kept out.
The Procedure
At Bourne Dental Associates, the procedure for applying sealants is simple, painless, fast, and takes only one visit. First, your Bourne dentist will remove decay from your teeth and thoroughly clean and dry them. Next the sealant material is painted on the chewing surface. It will naturally bond to the tooth on its own; however, a special light may be used to speed the process, helping the sealant to harden in just a couple of minutes.
FAQ
Are sealants only for children?
Though pediatric dentists most often use dental sealants as a protective tooth-decay treatment for children, they are also perfect for adults who don’t have cavities or fillings in their molars. Talk to your Cape Cod dental professional about adding them to your existing dental plan.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants are incredibly strong and can withstand the force of chewing. They have been found to reduce the rate of decay by over 70%, and they last over a decade.
Do I still need to brush and floss twice a day with sealants?
Sealants only protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from cavities. Brushing and flossing regularly is the only way to make sure all of your teeth, as well as your overall oral health, stay in excellent condition.
The team at Bourne Dental Associates Cape Cod office is happy to answer your questions about sealants and cavity prevention. Call 508.759.2724 to find out more or to set up an appointment.