DENTAL SEALANTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
March 1, 2022

Dental sealants are thin transparent or white protective coatings. They are applied over pits and grooves found in molars and premolars. The sealants seal out food particles and bacteria from reaching these hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, plaque cannot form on the sealed part and lead to cavities. Dental sealants in Mississauga, ON, are suitable for both kids’ and adults’ teeth.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

The surfaces of our molars and premolars have pits and groove that aid in chewing. Food debris and bacteria get stuck in them forming plaque. A toothbrush or dental floss cannot adequately remove the plaque and bacteria. Therefore, they build up, erode the tooth enamel, and lead to cavities.

Dental sealants are made of plastic resin or glass ionomer coatings. They are applied in a quick and easy procedure by a dentist. Since the protective coatings are liquid, they flow easily into the deep grooves and pits. A special curing light is used to dry and harden the sealants.

Sealants form a protective barrier between teeth and plaque or acids, preventing cavities. As a result, they improve oral hygiene by making the rough surfaces smoother and easier to clean. In addition, they contain small cavities from growing bigger by sealing them from plaque and oxygen.

Are Sealants Bad for Your Teeth?

No, sealants are not bad for your teeth. The dentist in Mississauga, ON recommends them since they effectively prevent tooth decay. In addition, they help kids who have not yet learned to brush properly maintain good oral hygiene. Sealants also assist people with arthritis or disabilities in their hands by making cleaning teeth easier.

Are Dental Sealants Safe?

Yes, dental sealants are safe and well-tolerated by both kids and adults. Unfortunately, plastic resin sealants contain trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA). Therefore people think that they are unsafe. However, the amount of BPA in the sealants is too little to cause any harm to you or your kid.

You are exposed to a large amount of the compound from the environment than from sealants. Besides, the dentist can reduce the amount of BPA compounds from the mouth. After hardening the sealant, they will scrub and rinse your mouth. If uncomfortable with the plastic resin, your dentist can also use BPA-free dental sealants.

Does Getting Dental Sealants Hurt?

Getting sealants does not hurt. The process is quite easy and pain-free since it does not involve invasive methods. You may experience some discomfort during the dental cleaning but no pain. If you have dental anxiety, the dentist can use sedatives to help you relax.

The dentist will first thoroughly clean your teeth and examine them. Next, they will be assessed for signs of tooth decay. If any is found, suitable treatment is provided. Next, the dentist will dry each tooth carefully with the cleaning solution to promote bonding.

The chewing surfaces of the teeth to be sealed are conditioned to help the sealant stick to the teeth. Viscous sealant material is then applied to the grooved surfaces of these teeth. After, it’s hardened with a curing light. For a few days after treatment, you may feel as if your bite is off due to the layer of sealants. But you will get used to it.

Can Dental Sealants Be Removed?

Yes, dental sealants can be removed. The dentist near you in Mississauga removes them carefully, leaving a healthy tooth structure. However, they are not usually removed unless the dentist wants to:

  • Eliminate poorly placed sealants and replace them properly
  • Reseal the tooth with a different sealing material such as glass ionomers
  • Correct cracks or chips in the sealants
  • Expose and treat tooth decay in parts of the teeth that are unsealed

Are There Risks of Dental Sealants?

The only risk involving dental sealants is during the application. If the dentist applying them is not experienced or careful, they may seal undetected decay underneath the sealant. The dentist may also leave some parts of the tooth surface unsealed, exposing them to decay. To avoid such risks, you should get dental sealants near you in Mississauga, ON, from an experienced dentist.

For instance, our dentists at Millway Dental will examine your teeth for cavities, including hidden ones. The team uses state-of-the-art equipment and modern techniques to diagnose and treat cavities. In addition, they will perform routine dental exams to ensure that the sealants have not cracked or chipped. Contact us for new dental sealants or replacement of damaged sealants.

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