Dental Fissure Sealants
Moggill Village Dentist
Pit and Fissure Sealants
In spite of good oral hygiene, children and adults alike may still be at risk for tooth decay.
Dental Fissure Sealants are more preventative than restorative, so we cannot use it as a substitute for dental fillings after tooth decay has already set. Molars and premolars are at a higher risk, as they are more prone to wear and tear, and therefore, tooth decay. Moreover, children are at even greater risk for cavities, as they tend to eat sugary foods and have inadequate brushing and flossing habits. However, Dr. Manju and her team specialize in using dental sealants to help protect you from additional tooth decay.
Anyone can benefit from dental fissure sealants, regardless of their age. Here’s everything you need to know about dental sealants in order to decide if they are right for you.
Protects teeth from decay...
A dental sealant protects teeth from decay. Chewing and biting erodes enamel and forms cavities often when the chewing surfaces of teeth are exposed. A dental sealant can benefit anyone, whether they are an adolescent, an adult or a senior.
What are dental fissure sealants?
An additional layer of protection for your teeth is provided by dental sealants, which offer a protective shield for hard-to-clean fissures and grooves on the chewing surfaces. It prevents bacteria from accumulating deep inside your teeth that can produce the acids that cause dental decay.
A dental sealant is a plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent enamel loss. Dental sealants are most commonly placed on premolars and molars, as these teeth are the most susceptible to wear and tear.
Despite the fact that dental sealants do make it more difficult for cavities to develop, it is still important to continue fluoride treatments and practice good oral hygiene to fully prevent cavities. You should remember that they cannot substitute for the necessary daily oral hygiene routine. However, flossing and brushing do not always reach the tiny nooks and crannies of the teeth that are in the back of your mouth.
Who are dental sealants for?
The sealants are most commonly applied to children, leading people to believe that they cannot be applied to adults.
Adults, however, can benefit from dental sealants as much as kids, although the need for them is generally not as great as it is for kids. Almost all children can benefit greatly from dental sealants as a preventative measure, but most adults only receive these treatments if there are other concerns, such as developing caries, deep grooves and fissures.
What the sealant process involves
It takes only a few minutes to apply a dental sealant, which is easy and painless. The first step is to thoroughly clean the tooth and ensure no decay needs to be filled. After the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, a weak acid solution is used to etch the tooth, which will aid in the bonding of the sealant. After the sealant is applied, it dries naturally, or it can be hardened by using a specialized blue light.
The sealed tooth will set you free
Use of fissure sealants is a great way to prevent tooth decay. The procedure is relatively simple and quick for the dentist to perform, and they last for a long time. It’s no surprise that fissure sealants drastically reduce the risk of tooth decay since four out of five cavities occur in the grooves of teeth. Consult your dentist about fissure sealants so that you can protect your child’s teeth.
Definition of Dental Terminology
Pit and Fissure Sealants
Pit and fissure sealants form a protective finish over the chewing surface of molars, sealing off bacteria.
Permanent Molars
Permanent molars erupt into place between ages six and 12 and the primary molars generally fall out between these years.
Preventive dentistry
Preventive dentistry involves a combination of techniques and habits that limits the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Decay
Essentially, tooth decay is the breakdown of enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. It can affect children, teens, and adults.
Caries/Cavities
Dental caries or cavities, are the result of bacteria on teeth that breakdown foods and produce acid that destroys tooth enamel.
Dental Checkup
General Dental Check Up includes checking teeth for tooth decay. The dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What are dental sealants?
Basically, dental sealants are tooth-coloured or clear-colored plastic (resin) materials that are applied and bonded to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to fill in the pits and grooves, making the teeth easier to clean (by making the grooves less deep and smooth) and preventing tooth decay.
Q. Are Dental Sealants Only for Kids?
Children and adults can both benefit from dental sealants. Due to the fact that children do not lose their baby molars until they are twelve, it is paramount to protect these teeth from cavities and problems that can negatively affect the development of their adult teeth. The dietary habits and poor oral hygiene habits of adolescents predispose them to tooth decay, and sealants can prevent decay occurring in the grooves of the teeth, which are usually passed over by a quick brush. Sealants can benefit adults as well, making it easier to clean out food and plaque, as well as giving them an extra line of defense against tooth decay.
Q. How long do sealants last for?
Dental sealants typically last several years before they may need to be reapplied, depending on what type of material was applied, what type of food is eaten and how well the sealant is taken care of.
Services at Moggill Dental
General Dentistry
At our General and Family Dentistry practice, we strive to keep your teeth healthy and functional.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Our cosmetic dentistry services also include teeth whitening, veneers, invisible braces and white fillings.
Restorative Dentistry
We are passionate about helping patients with missing teeth to preserve the most youthful look possible.
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07 3492 9090