When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, prevention is key. That is why we at Integrative Holistic Dentistry offer dental sealants in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, NC as part of our preventive and pediatric dentistry services to keep our patients' oral health in tip-top condition.
Teeth sealants are a simple yet powerful tool in our oral health arsenal, designed to stave off cavities and tooth decay. But what exactly are they, and how do they serve to protect our pearly whites? Let's dive into dental sealants' purpose and unravel how they work and why they might just be the protection your teeth need.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that your dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth — the premolars and molars. These areas are notorious for being hard to clean and are often where decay occurs most frequently. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of your teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth against harmful, cavity-causing bacteria.
What are Dental Sealants Made Of?
If you're concerned about the safety of dental sealants, you might find yourself googling, "What are dental sealants made of?" Dental sealants are typically made from two main types of materials: composite or plastic resin and glass ionomers.
Composite resins are a plastic material that hardens under a special curing light and adheres to the teeth's chewing surfaces. They blend well with the natural tooth color and are popular for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Glass ionomers, on the other hand, are made from a blend of acrylic acids and fine glass powders. They bond chemically to the tooth, offer a similar color to natural teeth, and release fluoride, which helps strengthen the teeth. However, they are less wear-resistant than plastic resins.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Teeth surfaces (especially the molars and premolars) have grooves that can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to the formation and accumulation of plaque. Bacteria in plaque produce acids from sugars in the food particle, which erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
Dental sealants work by forming a barrier that shields these vulnerable areas from the destructive activities of plaque and acids. They fill in the grooves, smoothing out the tooth surface and making it harder for plaque to accumulate. By preventing food particles and bacteria from settling in these crevices, sealants effectively stop the decay process before it starts or is allowed to continue.
What are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?
You might wonder, "What is the purpose of dental sealants?" and "What benefits do they offer beyond cavity protection?"
Dental sealants offer several benefits, particularly in maintaining oral health. Their key advantages include:
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving: Compared to the cost of treating dental cavities, dental sealants are an affordable preventive measure. By preventing cavities and other dental problems, they can save money on future dental treatments and reduce the time spent in the dentist's chair for treatments.
Easy Application: The process of applying sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It doesn't require drilling or removing tooth structure, making it a simple and straightforward procedure.
Long-Lasting: Teeth sealants can last several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular dental visits, Dr. Ralph K. Mensah, our holistic dentist and pediatric dentistry service provider in Chapel Hill, NC will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary.
Suitable for Children and Adults: Although they are most commonly used in children, who are typically more prone to cavities, teeth sealants are also beneficial for adults at risk of tooth decay.
Protection for Hard-to-Clean Areas: The back teeth (molars and premolars) have grooves and depressions that can be difficult to reach or clean thoroughly with regular teeth brushing. Dental sealants cover these grooves, thereby reducing the risk of decay.
Helps Maintain Overall Health: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. By preventing oral diseases, sealants can contribute to the maintenance of good general health.
Supports Early Prevention: When applied as soon as the permanent molars erupt, sealants can protect your child's teeth through their most cavity-prone years.
Important: While teeth sealants offer significant benefits, they are not substitutes for regular dental care, including proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. So, use them as a part of your comprehensive preventive oral health care approach.
Are Dental Sealants Safe and Painless?
If you are considering this preventative dentistry option but wondering, "Are dental sealants safe and painless?" don't despair. Our Chapel Hill, NC dentist has got you covered.
Our dental sealants in Chapel Hill are generally considered safe and painless. The process of applying this protective coating on your teeth is non-invasive, involving no drilling or removal of tooth structure. Since patients do not experience any discomfort during application, this makes it suitable for children and people with dental anxieties.
Moreover, sealants are typically made of materials deemed safe by numerous dental associations. However, rare allergies to these materials can occur, so informing your dentist of any known allergies is important.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
"How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?" is a common question that people often ask our holistic dentist. However, the truth is that dental sealants' durability depends on the material used in manufacturing them and patients' oral health maintenance culture.
Plastic resin sealants, renowned for their durability, typically last 5 to 10 years with proper care, while glass ionomer sealants last around 4 to 5 years. Whichever sealant material you choose, you must visit your dentist regularly to monitor your sealant integrity and reapply it when necessary to ensure continuous protection against cavities.
Why Should I Use Dental Sealants for My Kids?
Dental sealants provide a protective barrier over your child's teeth, significantly reducing the risk of cavities. Pediatric dentists recommend teeth sealants because children are more prone to cavities due to their developing oral hygiene skills.
When kids get sealants at our holistic dental practice, our dentists often initiate conversations about the importance of good oral hygiene with them, leading to better lifelong dental care habits. Moreover, this preventative dentistry option is also a cost-effective way to avoid tooth decay, saving time and money on future dental treatments.
At What Age Should a Child Have Dental Sealants?
Dr. Mensah often recommends teeth sealants for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The first set is usually applied when the first permanent molars appear, around age 6. The second set is often applied when the second permanent molars emerge, typically around age 12.
Early intervention with sealants can be instrumental in maintaining long-term oral health for children. However, each child's dental development varies, so assessing your child's teeth is essential to personalized treatment.
What To Expect During Teeth Sealant Procedure At Our Holistic Dental Practice
The teeth sealant procedure at our holistic dentistry practice is straightforward, pain-free, and typically completed in one dental visit. Dr. Mensah begins by thoroughly cleaning the teeth that are receiving the sealants. Next, he'll dry the teeth and place an absorbent material (like cotton) around them to keep them dry.
The tooth's chewing surface is then roughened slightly with an acid etching solution, which helps the sealant bond effectively. After rinsing and drying the tooth again, Dr. Mensah will paint the sealant — a liquid plastic material — onto your enamel. He will allow it to flow into the grooves and depressions of your tooth, where the protection is mostly needed.
Next, he'll shine a special light on the sealant material to quickly harden it. Once hardened, it becomes a strong, protective layer over your teeth, shielding them from decay. The process usually takes only a few minutes per tooth.
After the procedure, normal eating and drinking can resume immediately. However, regular dental check-ups are required to ensure the sealant remains intact.
Get Quality Dental Sealants from a Holistic Dentist in Chapel Hill, NC
At Integrative Holistic Dentistry, we offer quality dental sealants in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, NC to prevent tooth decay and keep your oral health in tip-top condition. We use resin composite sealant material that is also fluoride free.
Dr. Mensah and his team of dental care professionals also provide other effective holistic and regenerative dentistry services in Raleigh and Chapel Hill to keep your smile bright and maintain your oral and overall health. Book an appointment today for a quick and painless approach to preserve your family's dental health with our preventive dentistry services.