Dental sealants are increasingly gaining popularity as an excellent method to protect tooth enamel and avoid tooth decay and cavities, resulting in thousands of dollars in dental surgery and treatment expenses. Dental sealants are a thin layer of plastic covering the surface of your teeth and creating a barrier between the enamel and bacteria lingering inside your mouth.
Your dentist may recommend getting dental sealants for various reasons and in a number of situations. At the end of the day, whether you get sealants or not is your decision, but your dentist can help by examining the condition of your teeth. To know whether your teeth need sealants, visit an Uptown Phoenix dentist today.
Situations where your dentist may recommend dental sealants
- When there is a risk of cavities.
If your dentist suspects a risk of cavities, they may recommend you get dental sealants. Some people are at an increased risk of developing tooth decay than other people, and anyone who is more prone to cavities should consider sealants. Bacteria can eat away the enamel, an extremely important part of your teeth. Once you lose your enamel, it does not come back. Dental sealants are the best, most cost-effective way to save your teeth.
- When there is tartar and plaque formation.
Plaque and tartar formation are two surefire signs that a cavity is going to form soon. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash are some of the best ways to avoid plaque and tartar. Despite a person’s best efforts to clean their teeth and gums, plaque and tartar can form at the back teeth. This is because brushing and cleaning the teeth at the back is often difficult, especially when they are crooked or overcrowded.
- Teeth discoloration.
Teeth discoloration is a highly concerning sign, and immediate medical steps should be taken. Teeth discolorations happen when you stain your teeth, and they turn yellow. This usually happens due to ineffective brushing and eating foods and beverages with highly pigmented ingredients. However, sudden and unusual discoloration of teeth can be a concern. The decaying tooth may have dark spots; sometimes, they appear light and white.
Applying dental sealants
The procedure of applying dental sealants is quite simple and painless. People with the busiest schedules can make an appointment and get it done quickly without any downtime. The dentist first cleans your teeth, roughens the surface using an acidic solution, and finally applies the sealants. Your dentist will then use a special light to cure the sealant.
