Prevent Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants
The deep crevices and grooves of molars are more susceptible to tooth decay. Even careful brushing and flossing habits may not be sufficient to remove plaque and tartar from hard to reach areas in the mouth. To help our Dearborn, MI, patients prevent cavities, Dr. Mark Luria and Dr. Rena Allswang offer dental sealants. Once a dental sealant is placed, the thin layer of plastic serves as a cavity-preventing barrier between the tooth and bacteria. Dental sealants can be used as a preventive dental option for children, teens, and adults.
The Proven Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants can help lower the risk of developing cavities by 80 percent, according to the American Dental Association. For children, teenagers, and individuals who are at higher risk of developing cavities, the treatment can significantly lower the need for cavity treatments.
The sealants used at Dearborn Family Dentistry are made from a durable, plastic-based material that prevents tartar and plaque from building deep in the grooves of your molars where cavities are most likely to develop. Once the protective barrier is placed, acid-producing microbes will not be able to reach the surface of those vulnerable areas.
Patients who have dental sealants placed benefit from:
- Reduced risk of developing tooth decay
- A reversible and non-invasive procedure
- An affordable treatment that may be fully or partially covered by dental insurance
- Immediate protection from tooth decay
- Minimal risk of side effects
- Placement of a biocompatible material
- Longterm cost-savings
Are You a Candidate for Dental Sealants?
Anyone is a potential candidate for dental sealants. If you have risk factors for tooth decay, dental sealants are an affordable treatment that can lead to long-term cost savings. Children are especially vulnerable to tooth decay. Other risk factors include weak enamel, advanced age, and a history of tooth decay. Candidates for this preventive treatment often have:
- Dry mouth
- A desire to reduce long-term dental costs
- Deep grooves on their molars
- A desire to take a preventive approach to oral health
A member of our dental team may discuss dental sealants during your routine dental cleaning and exam.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
Your dental sealants can be placed during your regular dental cleaning and checkup. During your visit, one of our doctors will determine if any of your teeth could benefit from dental sealants. Typically, these are the molars. When you undergo the dental sealant procedure, the surface of the teeth that require treatment will be cleaned and prepped. A special etching compound will be used to ensure that your dental sealants form a strong bond to the surface of your teeth.
Our sealants are made from a durable, plastic-based material that prevents tartar and plaque from building deep in the grooves of your molars.
Once your tooth is prepped, a member of our dental team will color match the sealant so it blends with your smile. Then, the protective material will be brushed over the surface and into the grooves of your teeth. The liquified plastic will then be hardened using a special light. The last step involves ensuring that the sealants do not interfere with your bite. There is no recovery time associated with this procedure, but we ask that patients refrain from eating for 30 minutes following the procedure.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
Dental sealants are a convenient and affordable treatment that can prevent tooth decay. To schedule your next visit or talk to a member of our team about one of our dental procedures, call Dearborn Family Dentistry at (313) 265-2303 or contact our office online.
