Sealants Create Barrier to Dental Caries

March 15, 2007, Beverly Hills and LOS ANGELES ( L.A. ) - Our teeth are a three-dimensional map of pits and grooves that leave us susceptible to dental caries . Fortunately, there is a process that will smooth these topographical features.

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings your dentist paints onto the surface of your back molars to fill in any potholes. This coating serves as a physical barrier to decay. The amount of protection is determined by the specific sealant's ability to adhere to the original tooth.

Whether clear, white or slightly tinted, it's virtually impossible to detect coatings.

PROCESS

Treatment begins with a thorough cleaning and rinsing of the tooth surface to free it of any decay. Your dentist then will rub a special cleansing liquid on the tooth. Finally, the sealant is applied, usually on the chewing surface of the back teeth. The process is pain free and takes just five minutes per tooth, including the time required to harden.

QUALIFICATION

You may wish to consider sealants if you're at high risk for dental caries. Even children can benefit from this procedure. The best time for this pediatric treatment is directly after molars have erupted -- roughly from six to eight years old -- before teeth have a chance to decay.

CHILD SUSCEPTIBILITY

The chewing surface of a child's teeth is particularly susceptible to decay because it's more difficult for them to clean the tiny grooves and pits of some teeth. Fluoride is of some use, but it still can't reach all the nooks and crannies.

Even if your child brushes and flosses diligently, food and bacteria will still build up in these depressions.

SEALANTS VS. FILLING CAVITIES

Sealing your teeth will greatly improve your ability to avoid cavities. Approximately three-fourths of sealed teeth remain cavity free after the procedure. As a result, sealants can save you time and money, not to mention the pain of more invasive procedures.

Some research even reveals sealants stop cavities when applied to slightly decayed teeth.

SEALANT LIFESPAN

Dental sealants , on average, last up to 10 years. You can improve this lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly and avoiding such hard objects as hard candies.

LEARN MORE

Call top cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser today at 1.310.550.0383 or email us to schedule an appointment and learn if dental sealants are for you and your child.