Preventive Dentistry in St. Paul, MN
Do you find it difficult to get your back teeth completely clean no matter how well you brush? Do you have children who may not be cleaning their teeth as well as they should? One way to protect teeth and prevent tooth decay in those hard-to-clean places is Dental Sealants.
Some patients’s teeth have deep grooves that are hard to keep clean, especially the back molars. Additionally, children who are old enough to brush their own teeth may not always do such a thorough job. Sealants help protect tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Your back molars have deep grooves on the chewing surface that help break down food when you eat. Food particles can get stuck in these grooves, and it is not always easy to remove them, even with thorough brushing. Over time, leftover food particles that remain on teeth will cause tooth decay. Sealants applied to teeth fill in the grooves, making them easier to clean and keep healthy.
Sealants are made of a biocompatible material that is “painted” onto the chewing surface of the teeth that are most vulnerable to tooth decay, usually the back molars. The material fills in the grooves on the chewing surface of teeth and hardens as it dries. Once completely dry, it creates a permanent, smooth surface, making it much easier to clean those teeth and keep them clean.
- Sealants are extremely effective at preventing tooth decay in children. According to the CDC, dental sealants on back molars prevent 80% of cavities in 2 years.
- Sealants are great for children, adolescents, and adults alike. It is most common for parents to get dental sealants for their children, but they are very effective at preventing tooth decay in adults as well.
- Sealants are a quick, non-invasive treatment. The procedure for placing sealants on back teeth is quite simple and completely painless. It takes only a few extra minutes after your dental cleaning to apply them.
- Sealants provide up to 10 years of protection against cavities and can be easily reapplied if desired.
- The combined durability and effectiveness of dental sealants makes them one of the most cost-effective preventive dental treatments available.
If you are concerned about your teeth or you want to know more about sealants for your child, contact Highland Dental to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Brooks, St. Paul’s most experienced dentist.
