Dental Sealants: How They Work

At Marvel Dental Practice, we believe that preventive care is the superhero of oral health! Dental sealants are one of our most powerful allies in defending your family’s teeth against cavities and decay.

Dental sealants are thin protective layers made from plastic or resin-based materials carefully applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, especially molars and premolars. These teeth contain deep grooves and fissures that often trap food particles and bacteria, making them vulnerable to cavities. Sealants create a smooth shield, effectively blocking plaque, bacteria, and food debris from settling into these vulnerable areas.

At Marvel Dental Practice, getting dental sealants is quick, comfortable, and painless. Here’s what you can expect:

• Cleaning: We first thoroughly clean and dry your teeth.

• Preparation: Next, we apply a gentle etching gel to slightly roughen the tooth surface, ensuring a strong bond.

• Sealant Application: After rinsing and drying the teeth again, our skilled dental professionals carefully paint the sealant onto the tooth enamel.

• Bonding: Finally, we use a special curing light to help the sealant quickly and effectively harden, providing immediate protection.

Dental sealants are most effective for children and adolescents, whose molars and premolars are particularly prone to cavities due to their deeper grooves. However, adults can also greatly benefit from sealants, especially if their teeth are cavity-free and have not previously been filled.

Dental sealants typically last several years, and at Marvel Dental Practice, we’ll routinely check their condition during your regular dental visits. If needed, sealants can be easily reapplied, keeping your smile protected for years to come.

We are committed to providing excellent preventive dental care. Sealants are just one of the ways we help you and your family fight tooth decay, keeping your teeth strong, healthy, and ready to smile confidently. Schedule your appointment today and join our fight against cavities!

Dental sealants are a preventive treatment designed to protect teeth from cavities and decay. They are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, specifically molars and premolars, which are most prone to cavities due to their deep grooves and pits. The sealant material bonds to the enamel, creating a smooth surface that prevents food particles, plaque, and bacteria from accumulating in these hard-to-reach areas.

Sealants act as a barrier, preventing acids from food and drinks from eroding the tooth enamel. They also provide a protective shield that makes it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface. This helps reduce the risk of tooth decay, especially in children and teenagers who are still learning proper brushing techniques.

The application of dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive. The procedure involves cleaning the teeth, applying an acid solution to roughen the surface for better adhesion, and then painting the sealant onto the teeth. A special light is used to harden the sealant. While they can last several years with proper care, sealants should be checked regularly during dental visits to ensure they remain intact and effective.

Dental sealants can be removed, though it is generally not necessary unless there is a problem with the sealant. If a sealant becomes damaged or starts to wear down over time, a dentist may recommend removal and replacement. In some cases, if a sealant has been in place for many years, it may begin to wear off naturally, particularly if it has been exposed to heavy chewing or grinding.

The removal of dental sealants is a straightforward process performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. They will use a special dental instrument, such as a handpiece or an ultrasonic scaler, to gently remove the sealant from the tooth surface. The procedure is painless and does not damage the underlying enamel. If the sealant is being replaced, the dentist will ensure that the tooth is properly cleaned and prepared before reapplying a new layer of sealant.

In general, sealants are designed to provide long-lasting protection, and removal is only necessary if there is a concern about decay underneath the sealant or if it is no longer functioning effectively. Regular dental checkups help ensure that sealants remain intact and continue to protect your teeth from decay.

Caring for teeth with dental sealants is simple and doesn’t require much effort beyond regular oral hygiene practices. The goal of dental sealants is to protect the tooth from cavities and decay, but maintaining proper care is essential to ensure their effectiveness and longevity.

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. While sealants protect the chewing surfaces, plaque can still build up around the edges of the sealant, so cleaning thoroughly is important.

• Avoid Hard Foods: Although dental sealants are durable, they are not indestructible. Avoid chewing on very hard foods like ice, hard candies, or other tough objects, as this can cause the sealant to crack or break.

• Avoid Sticky Foods: Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can pull on the edges of the sealant, potentially causing it to loosen or wear down faster.

• Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will inspect your sealants to ensure they are still intact and functional, and may recommend replacing them if necessary.

With proper care, dental sealants can provide long-lasting protection against cavities and help maintain good oral health. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. Our dental practice is conveniently located at 1113 Main Avenue, Suite A, Clifton, NJ 07011. We serve patients from Clifton NJ, Passaic NJ, Woodland Park NJ, Nutley NJ, Garfield NJ, Fairfield NJ, and BEYOND!