Do Adults Get Dental Sealants?
When we talk about preventative dentistry, we refer to everything that helps strengthen your teeth’ defenses, such as dental sealants. Preventative dentistry has a special place in our hearts because it can help patients, young and old, to prevent damage to their teeth and keep them smiling and happy.
Tooth decay is no joke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45.8% of all kids and teenagers under 19 years old in the US suffer from some type of tooth decay, and the NIH estimates that 90% of all adults in the US have had to battle tooth decay during their life.
These numbers are worrying because they mean that we are all susceptible to tooth decay, caries, dental infections, and other potential complications unless we pay close attention to our oral hygiene habits. Certainly, brushing your teeth, using dental floss, and visiting a dentist for regular checkups and deep professional cleanings are all critical in building up a strong smile.
Still, what are some of the treatments you can find here in Buckhead, GA, to keep your teeth strong and healthy? Let’s review together how Dr. Nia helps her patients with dental sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
In the most basic terms, dental sealants are a layer of resin that covers your teeth and prevents harmful bacteria from eroding the surface of each tooth. You might already be familiar with the enamel that makes up the exterior layer of each tooth. This enamel layer is highly-durable, but it’s not impenetrable. Given enough time, it may erode, which is why a dentist might suggest you get dental sealants.
Usually, a dental health professional will apply dental sealants over a child’s teeth to help complement their oral hygiene routine and keep their mouth healthy. We usually apply sealants over the molars, which are the teeth further back and where the toothbrush doesn’t reach or clean as easily.
How to Get My Dental Sealants in Buckhead, GA?
The good news is that getting your dental sealants is a pain-free process—and a quick one at that. We can get it all done in one simple appointment where we clean and dry your teeth so as to prepare the tooth’s surface for the protective agent.
In reality, we apply the sealant as a varnish. You can think of it as applying nail polish. Then, it’s just a matter of drying the protective layer, and you’re all done. We’ll do this for as many teeth as required.
As the best cosmetic dentist Buckhead residents can find, Dr. Nia prioritizes preventative dental care. After all, a healthy smile is a beautiful smile. Please get in touch with our office to set up an appointment. The process is extremely simple.
When Should a Child Get Dental Sealants?
Remember how we said children made for ideal candidates when it comes to getting dental sealants? Well, this is because there are fewer chances of having suffered tooth decay the younger a patient is.
We wouldn’t really recommend applying dental sealants to baby teeth, but once your kids are six or seven and begin to notice the eruption of permanent teeth, you should consider talking to a qualified dentist to apply dental sealants that keep cavities away.
Please, do not mistake our words as a dismissive comment that suggests baby teeth aren’t worth protecting. There are several reasons why you should teach your kid to take proper care of their primary teeth.
What Are the Types of Dental Sealants?
As with many other dental treatments, there are several options that will fit your budget and treatment goals better than others. Still, the two most common materials used for dental sealants are glass ionomers and composite resin.
Your dentist will share with you the specific advantages and drawbacks of each, so make sure you read carefully and write down any questions you have so you can clear any doubts when you come to an appointment with us.
Glass Ionomers
As an alternative, this material helps a lot when we plan treatment for younger patients who still need help protecting their primary teeth. There’s a bit more chemistry involved in the preparation and activation of the material, but the advantages are considerable.
The sealants will gradually release fluoride to strengthen and remineralize the tooth’s natural defenses. Likewise, they provide considerable protection against harmful bacteria, thus preventing the formation of caries.
Still, they are not as durable as other types of dental sealants, so you’ll have to ask your dentist how long they will last for you and what you should pay attention to when planning proper dental care that extends the useful life of your dental sealants.
Get Your Dental Care in Buckhead With Us
All the team at Buckhead Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is eager to welcome you to our office to start reviewing what you need for a beautiful and healthy smile. Fortunately, when you come through our main door, you won’t even have to worry about the effectiveness of a treatment or how you’ll feel about the results.
Our commitment is to life-changing experiences that make you love the idea of dental work. Get in touch with our office, set an appointment with our team, and request a review to check how we can use dental sealants to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful.