The chewing surfaces of molars & premolars have deep pits & grooves which can trap food particles & germs. This leads to tooth decay. In addition to regular cleanings & fluoride treatments, dental sealants are an important preventive measure for kids.

Dentists recommend sealing permanent molars as soon as they erupt, usually around age 6. This protects the teeth through the cavity-prone years.

Prevents Tooth Decay

Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most tooth decay occurs. They’re plastic coatings that fill in the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent plaque, bacteria & food particles from getting trapped & causing cavities. The procedure is quick, painless & requires no drilling or removal of tooth enamel.

Plaque buildup can lead to the formation of early stages of tooth decay, but dental sealants thompson’s station create a protective barrier that stops bacteria from penetrating deep into the grooves of molars. This makes brushing and flossing easier & more effective, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Children and teenagers are especially prone to cavities in their permanent molars & premolars, but sealants provide an extra layer of protection during these formative years when good oral hygiene habits are still developing. Sealants are an affordable & effective preventive treatment that can help reduce the need for more invasive & costly dental treatments in the future.

Prevents Stains

Sealants offer a long-term physical barrier against the absorption of food pigments that cause tooth discoloration. This adds an extra layer of protection against staining compared to other preventive treatments like fluoride and varnish. Studies show that sealed teeth exhibit significantly less staining compared to un-sealed teeth.

Dental sealants thompson’s station are most effective when they are placed on children’s teeth as soon as their permanent molars come in, but adults can also benefit from them. It is more cost-effective to seal molars rather than treating them with fillings once they are symptomatic of tooth decay.

Placing sealants is a quick and painless process. The dentist will thoroughly clean the chewing surface of the teeth & then dry them before applying the liquid sealant material directly onto the tooth. After the sealant has been applied, the dentist will shine a curing light over the surface to harden it. Combined with routine cleanings, diligent at-home hygiene & consistent use of fluoride, sealants help patients maintain healthy teeth.

Prevents Bacteria from Penetrating

A sealant is a preventive treatment that adds an extra layer of protection to your teeth. It is a thin coating that your dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of your molars after cleaning them. The liquid resin sticks to the tooth surface, effectively sealing the tiny pits and fissures that can collect food debris and bacteria.

The bacteria in these crevices produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel, eventually creating holes, which are known as cavities. Sealants are a quick and painless treatment that can protect your child's teeth from decay for many years.

The CDC reports that brushing alone is not enough to protect against tooth decay. In addition to brushing, flossing, rinsing and regular dental visits, kids should receive sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they erupt in order to prevent tooth decay. Sealants are safe and effective, and they can be applied by your child's dentist or hygienist in dental offices or school-based programs.

Prevents Damage to the Roots

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth from plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities. Typically, this preventive dental treatment is applied to children?s teeth after their molars and premolars have erupted, but adults can also benefit from it.

The process of applying dental sealants thompson’s station is quick and painless. Before proceeding, the dentist will thoroughly clean and dry each tooth that is to receive the sealant. Then, they will use an acidic solution to roughen the surface of the tooth and allow it to absorb the sealant quickly.

Once the teeth are cleaned, the dentist will paint on the sealant and use a curing light to harden it. The procedure only takes a few minutes per tooth and will help to prevent dental decay for several years. However, the sealants will eventually wear off, so it is important to have regular checkups where the dentist can assess their condition and reapply them if necessary.