Maintaining a healthy smile is more than just brushing and flossing every day. While these are crucial steps, sometimes our teeth need extra protection to keep them from decay. With the extra protection that dental sealants in Farmington, Utah, provide, you can protect your smile from oral concerns like cavities. At Station Park Dental, dental sealants are one of our most popular and effective preventative treatments, especially for our younger patients and adults prone to cavities.
With the exceptional care from Dr. Ryan Allen, Dr. Elizabeth Wilcox, and Dr. Rebecca Scheider, your smile can receive the preventative care necessary to ensure a healthy, sparkling smile.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, or molars, where decay occurs most. These areas are most susceptible to cavities because they are harder to clean, and food particles can get stuck in the grooves. Sealants are made of a clear or tooth-colored resin material that bonds into the depressions and grooves of the tooth, forming a protective layer over the enamel of each tooth.
Who Should Consider Dental Sealants?
While children and teenagers are obvious candidates for sealants, adults can benefit from them too. The typical age for applying sealants is between 6 and 14 years old, as this is when children get their molars. However, if you are an adult without fillings or decay in your molars and wish to protect your teeth from future cavities, dental sealants might be an excellent option for you.
With our children and family dentistry services, anyone of any age can get this excellent preventative dental procedure.
Dental Sealant Process
Getting sealants is quick and pain-free, making it an ideal preventative measure for individuals of all ages. At Station Park Dental, the procedure involves a few steps:
- Cleaning: Dr. Allen, Dr. Wilcox, or Dr. Scheider will clean the tooth, ensuring the removal of all food particles or plaque.
- Preparation: The tooth is then dried, and a solution is applied to the tooth’s surface to help the sealant bond properly.
- Rinsing and Drying: The tooth is rinsed and dried again.
- Application: We will apply the dental sealant to the tooth’s surface, where it will bond directly to the tooth and harden. Sometimes, we will use a curing light to help the sealant harden.
Dental Sealant Aftercare
Aftercare for dental sealants is straightforward. You can eat and drink immediately after the procedure. However, it’s essential to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups will help ensure the longevity of your sealants, which can last for many years before we need to reapply.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
The benefits of dental sealants are profound. Advantages of dental sealants you can expect include:
- Cavity Prevention: Dental sealants act as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating in the grooves and pits of the teeth where cavities commonly form.
- Long-lasting Protection: Once applied, dental sealants can protect against cavities for many years, helping maintain the teeth’ health and integrity over time.
- Cost-effective Solution: Dental sealants are a cost-effective preventive measure compared to treating cavities and other dental issues that may arise without proper protection. Investing in sealants can save both time and money in the long run.
- Pain-free Application: Dental sealants are quick, painless, and non-invasive, suitable for patients of all ages, including children who may be at a higher risk of developing cavities.
- Promotes Oral Health: By reducing the risk of cavities, dental sealants contribute to overall oral health and hygiene, helping to preserve the natural structure of the teeth and prevent the need for more extensive dental treatments in the future.
Dental Sealants in Farmington, UT
At Station Park Dental, we’re committed to providing you and your family with the best preventative care to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dental sealants are just one of our many services to help protect your teeth and prevent decay. If you or your child could benefit from dental sealants, we encourage you to contact us today!