Tooth Sealants

Tooth sealants are used as a way to protect against cavities. Sealants usually come in the form of a thin plastic substance which coats the chewing surface of your back teeth. The grooves of these back teeth make them prime targets for cavities and decay. Great oral hygiene maintenance sometimes can’t even protect against cavities arising within the grooves of these teeth. This is why sealants are so popular and have effectively battled this issue for dozens of years.

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Tooth Sealants tooth Sealants Dr. Aaron Wildung DDS Family Dental Phoenix General, Cosmetic, Restorative, Preventative, Family Dentist in Phoenix, AZ 85021

WHAT TO EXPECT

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Although they can last up to ten years, wear and tear can occur over time. At your 6-month checkups, the dentist will examine sealants to ensure they’re in good shape or in need of fixing. If a child ends up needing sealants on a baby tooth, the sealant, of course, will have to be replaced once the baby tooth falls out.

Sealants in Children

In some cases, children will need tooth sealants on baby teeth due to deeper grooves on the chewing surfaces. However, this isn’t an overly common occurrence. Usually, children receive tooth sealants as soon as their adult teeth come in. Adults are encouraged to have sealants and to keep up on them as they age.

HOW DENTAL SEALANTS WORK
Tooth sealants are usually applied with a brush as a liquid and then a special light is used to harden them. This liquid is a thin type of plastic that sinks down into the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This protects the teeth from food particles getting down into the grooves, causing decay or cavities. Brushing, rinsing, and flossing aren’t usually a reliable way of getting down into these grooves which is why sealants are utilized.

If you have questions about you or your family’s sealants, give us a call and we’ll be glad to assist you.