If you are concerned with preventing tooth decay and sensitivity, the dentists at Madison Dental in Windsor offer dental sealants.
What is a Sealant?
A dental sealant is a plastic material used in dentistry to protect the surfaces of the teeth. Dental sealants are applied to decay-prone surfaces of the teeth, usually the back molars and pre-molars. Sealants come in the form of a liquid which quickly hardens to form a shield over these chewing surfaces.
Sealants keep out germs and food that can cause tooth decay. Food and germs can get stuck in certain areas because toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away. Food germs in the mouth change the sugar in food to acid which can start a cavity in the tooth. Sealants prevent decay from ever starting.
Who should get Sealants?
Children can benefit from sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in, before decay has a chance to attack the teeth.
Sealants also play an important role in the oral health care of adults since they can get dental decay, too. Patients afflicted with dry mouth, which affects about one-third of the adult population, can also benefit from sealants. Furthermore, sealants can protect worn and sensitive surfaces on adult teeth.
How are sealants applied?
First, we clean the teeth thoroughly so that the surface is a little rough. This makes it easier for the sealant to bond. Next, we rinse and dry the tooth again. Finally, the sealant is applied and allowed to harden.
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