Dental Sealants
Routine dental visits and daily hygiene are great ways to prevent tooth decay. At Pristine Smiles in Knoxville, TN, family dentist Dr. Z offers dental sealants as a highly trusted ally in the valiant war against cavities. Dental sealants act like raincoats for your teeth. Naturally, bits of food, bacteria, and their acids occur in the mouth, and dental sealants help keep them dry and protected during the storm (of tooth decay).
Are dental sealants right for me?
Preventive measures are typically preferred to restorative work—and sealants shine as a minimally invasive, inexpensive, and simple preventive treatment. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report highlighting the importance of dental sealants in school-aged kids. A comparative CDC study states, “school-age children without sealants have almost 3x more cavities than children with sealants.”
Individuals around six and up (yes, adults, too) can benefit from dental sealants. The molars are highly susceptible to tooth decay, and proactively sealing them as soon as they erupt can help keep them cavity-free from the start. Potentially saving money, time, and discomfort in the long run.
You might be wondering, “What if I already have a cavity? Can I still get a dental sealant?” The answer question is it depends on the severity of tooth decay. Moreover, dental sealants can prevent further decay in an early cavity. But, if the decay is too far gone, Dr. Z will suggest a reliable restorative dentistry treatment based on needs.
Procedure Expectations
Generally, a dental sealant is a convenient, pain-free dentistry option. First, Dr. Z will clean and dry the tooth. Then, she will brush on an acidic gel to dental surfaces, lightly eroding it and strengthening the bond between tooth and sealant. After a moment, Dr. Z will rinse and dry the tooth again. Finally, she will apply the dental sealant and harden it with blue light.
Treatment Maintenance
When applied correctly, a dental sealant is a long-lasting solution. Furthermore, they often survive for several years before warranting reapplication. At routine dental wellness checks, Dr. Z will keep a close eye on your dental sealants and reapply as needed.
Seal the Deal with Dental Sealants at Your Next Dental Cleaning
Dental needs are often overlooked, but Dr. Z and her Pristine Smiles team elevate basic dental cleanings by providing optional (yet affordable) preventive treatments, like dental sealants. Take your first step to better dental health by scheduling dental sealants in Knoxville, TN. Call (865) 693-9474 or message us online.
