Plaque, the sticky grime made up of microscopic food particles, acts as a food source for more than 25 different strains of oral bacteria that live in your mouth. As these bacteria multiply, they produce acids that erode dental enamel and create cavities, infections, and other forms of tooth decay. Fortunately, Dental Excellence offers dental sealants, an invisible shield that protects the dental surfaces from this damage.
Dental sealant is a plastic material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars to protect them from dental decay. Sealants are almost completely invisible, and actually help to fill in tiny cracks and crevices where food grime can collect. Sealants are especially helpful for children, since kids typically have a harder time brushing and flossing effectively, but they are also strongly recommended for adults.
Since sealants are considered preventive care, most dental insurance companies cover the procedure, making sealants a cost-effective way to protect your teeth from potentially expensive procedures in the future. Without insurance, dental sealants are still significantly less expensive than traditional dental repairs like fillings.
In addition to being completely clear and making it easier to keep teeth clean, dental sealants are also incredibly effective at preventing decay. The American Dental Association reports that dental sealants can help to prevent as much as 80% of cavities when they are properly applied. To top it off, dental sealants stay in place for as long as 10 years, offering long-term protection.
Because dental sealants contain plastic, many parents wonder whether or not sealants are safe for their children, since chemicals like BPA have attracted a lot of media attention over the past few years. Although some of the ingredients in dental sealants do turn into BPA when they come in contact with saliva, the levels are insignificant, which is why the American Dental Association considers sealants to be very safe. In fact, dental sealants only account for about .001% of a child's BPA exposure, while things like normal food and drink account for as much as 96% of your child's exposure to the chemical.
New forms of dental sealants are also designed to infuse your child's teeth with the proper amounts of fluoride, so that the teeth can stay healthy and strong underneath the covering. Since fluoride strengthens the molecular bonds present in dental enamel and naturally wards off oral decay, dental sealants that contain fluoride are a huge benefit to kids that have these protective coatings.
The application process of dental sealants is easy and comfortable. Dental sealants are applied topically, which means that there will be no need for anesthetic. After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, and dried, your dentist will paint a compound onto the teeth to improve the adhesion between the sealant and the tooth. When the teeth are ready for the sealant, the coating is either painted or dripped onto teeth, where it can start to cure. In some instances, a gentle UV light is needed to cure the compound to the teeth. After the sealant is completely cured, you can go about your day like normal.
As some of the best dentists in Independence and surrounding areas, we are excited to be able to provide this highly effective preventive dental treatment. Make an appointment for yourself or your child today!
