Dental sealants are an easy, painless, and very effective method of preventing cavities and decay in the teeth and in particular molars. When you are considering the idea of having dental sealants placed either on yourself or your child, it is but natural to be curious about what the process entails, and for the same you need to consult a dentist near you.
This step-by-step instructional guide will make you know what to really expect during a dental sealant treatment appointment in order to be prepared and feel confident before your first appointment. To be professionally handled and guided, a dentist in Grande Prairie or a dentist whom you trust can turn the experience into a fast, painless, and healthy outcome of long-term oral health care.
Step 1: The Initial Examination
Your dentist is going to carry out a comprehensive oral examination before using dental sealants. This is to make sure that the teeth that are getting the sealants are clean, healthy, and devoid of decay. In this step, the dentist might check up on the grooves and pits of your back teeth (molars and premolars) more carefully because these will be the most sensitive to the accumulation of plaque and cavities.
This test takes a short time, and it is painless. The dentist will also determine the type of teeth that can use sealants—in children permanent molars are generally used, and in high-risk-of-decay situations a premolar or adult tooth may also be used.
Step 2: Cleaning the Teeth
After picking the teeth, the dentist or the hygienist will polish them using a special polishing brush and toothpaste-like gel. This step is meant to eliminate any food particles on the tooth surface, plaque, or debris on the tooth surface.
It is also necessary that a clean surface should be used since any residue is likely to keep the sealant away instead of being bonded to the enamel. Once cleaned, the teeth are rinsed with water and dried with a gentle stream of air. The teeth are then kept dry by placing cotton rolls or small dental pads around them to dry them.
Step 3: Etching the Tooth Surface
A weak acidic solution referred to as etching solution is put on the chewing sides of teeth to make the sealant stick well. This coarse gel slightly roughs up the enamel, which makes the sealant material have a greater hold.
It only requires 15-30 seconds to etch each tooth. Then the gel is thoroughly rinsed out and the teeth are again dried to set up to have the sealant applied.
Step 4: Applying the Dental Sealant
The dental sealants are then used after the teeth are etched and dry. The sealant is a clear or tooth-colored thin resin that is brushed carefully over the surface of the grooves and pits of all the teeth. This liquid very fast drains into the small crevices where bacteria and food particles tend to be.
In others, your dentist can implement a small light (curing light) to cure the sealant material. This should require only a few seconds, and it should result in the sealant creating a very strong protective coating.
Step 5: Final Check and Bite Adjustment
Once the sealant is dried, your dentist will examine it and make sure that it has fully enclosed the areas of concern and that your bite is also natural. Assuming that the sealant is somehow elevated or lumpy, the dentist can make it smooth to such an extent that chewing does not feel any different.
When eating or talking, you will find that the sealant does not alter the feel of your teeth. The treatment is fast, painless, and not at all invasive; no needles or drilling are needed.
Step 6: Aftercare and Long-Term Benefits
When used, dental sealants near you can last several years in case of proper care of the mouth. Eating and drinking can be done immediately after your appointment, but sticky or hard foods are not advised within the next several hours. Having a proper brushing and flossing schedule and having frequent checkupsat the dentist will make sure that the sealants will last as long as possible.
Sealants serve as a protective layer that does not allow the bacteria and food particles to be trapped in the tooth surface. This helps a great deal to avoid cavities, particularly among children or teens, although they may also be useful to adults.
Conclusion
One of the most convenient and efficient methods of preventing tooth decay as well as keeping oral hygiene at high standards is to have dental sealants in Grande Prairie. At Bear Creek Dental, we have a well-trained staff that will make sure every sealant treatment is painless, effective, and personal. In case you are willing to protect your smile, book an appointment with our pleasant dental team at this moment.
For easy protection of your teeth, make an appointment at Bear Creek Dental and have the skills of an expert near your home!