Dental Sealants – St. Albans, VT
Extra Protection for Hard-to-Clean Teeth
The molars can be very tricky to clean due to their shape as well as their location in the mouth. As such, these teeth tend to be at a higher-than-average risk of developing cavities. This is especially the case for those who have difficulty brushing thoroughly. Our team can take a simple preventive measure to protect our patients’ smiles from decay: placing dental sealants in St. Albans. If you think you or your child might benefit from dental sealants, call St. Albans Dental today.
Why Choose St. Albans Dental for Dental Sealants?
- Adults and Children Welcome
- Caring Team That Respects Your Time
- Welcoming, Relaxed Dental Practice
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a special coating composed of medical-grade resins or glass ionomers. It is meant to be applied to the chewing surface of the teeth to act as a barrier against the bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
The chewing surfaces of the molars tend to contain many pits and crevices where bits of food and bacteria can become trapped. This is a major reason why cavities commonly occur in these teeth. By covering them with dental sealants, our team can give the molars an added layer of protection.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
Placing a dental sealant is a quick, noninvasive procedure. Step one is to clean and dry the teeth in question. Then the sealant material is carefully applied to the enamel. The sealant will be exposed to a special light, which will harden it in a matter of seconds. It will generally take our team around half an hour to apply dental sealants to all four molars.
There are no special steps to follow to take care of dental sealants. That being said, good oral hygiene practices (such as brushing twice a day and visiting the dentist every six months) are essential for helping them last as long as possible.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are typically recommended for children who are between the ages of 6 and 14. It takes time for your little one to reach the point where they can brush their entire smile as thoroughly as possible; until they do, dental sealants can help reduce their risk of developing cavities.
Of course, dental sealants aren’t just for children; some adults may benefit from them too. They can be a particularly good option for individuals who are at an unusually high risk of developing cavities or tend to have a hard time brushing due to limited dexterity. If you suspect that dental sealants may be the right choice for your smile, don’t be afraid to ask our team.