Dental sealants are a simple, yet highly effective treatment our dentist and team offer to protect your teeth from decay. These thin, plastic coatings cover your back teeth where plaque often gets into the grooves of the chewing surfaces. Talk to Dr. Tina Foss to see if you need a dental sealant in Mesquite, Texas.
How Do Sealants Work?
The grooves and depressions on the surfaces of your molars and premolars are prime targets for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria. By covering these susceptible areas, dental sealants block out food particles and prevent acid and bacteria from settling on your teeth — factors that can cause cavities.
Who Benefits from Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are especially beneficial for children and teenagers, as they are in the most cavity-prone years of their lives. However, adults can benefit from sealants as well to help protect their teeth from decay. We recommend sealants for patients who are at higher risk for dental cavities, including those who have deep grooves in their teeth or a history of dental decay.
The Sealant Application Process
Applying dental sealants is a straightforward and painless procedure that our team can complete in just one visit. Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect:
- Tooth Cleaning: First, we clean the teeth designated for sealants to remove any plaque or food particles.
- Drying: Each tooth is dried, and we place cotton or a similar absorbent material around the tooth to keep it dry.
- Conditioning: We then apply a mild acid solution to the surfaces of the teeth to roughen them, which ensures a strong bond between the tooth and the sealant.
- Rinsing and Drying: After conditioning, the teeth are rinsed and dried again to prepare for the sealant application.
- Sealant Application: The sealant material is then applied to the tooth enamel, where it adheres directly and is hardened, sometimes using a special curing light to set the sealant.
Our efficient process ensures that each step is performed with the utmost care, making sure that your comfort and dental health are prioritized.
At North Mesquite Dental Group, we are committed to providing preventive dental care in a comfortable, friendly environment. Our team of dental professionals is experienced in dental sealant application and dedicated to ensuring that your visit is stress-free and effective. We believe in using our expertise to protect your smile today and prevent future dental issues.
Interested in learning more about how dental sealants can benefit you or your family? We invite you to call us at 972-686-6477 to schedule an appointment. Protect your teeth and maintain your healthy smile with the help of dental sealants.