Dentists In Rancho Cucamonga say that dental sealants are thin plastic coatings dentists apply over teeth that may be at severe risk of decay, like newly emerged molars in kids. By moving deep into pits and fissures in these teeth, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist’s say the sealant lines and protects them from the bacteria and acids that cause cavities. Sealing teeth is a seamless and painless process.
Preparing The Tooth
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists and dental hygienists can generally seal teeth in a single visit. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains there are six stages to sealing teeth with traditional, resin-based sealants. The first three prepare the tooth to receive this material:
To help in give an exceptional seal, Rancho Cucamonga Dentist’s and dental hygienists should first get rid of the plaque and food debris that may still be hiding from the pits and fissures of the teeth. To do this, they clean them with a brush and pumice paste. Drying and isolation come .
Because resin-based sealant is only effective when applied to dry teeth, Rancho Cucamonga Dentists dry the surfaces with a tiny bit of air syringe that blows a soft stream of air. To protect the tooth from saliva, they then isolate it from the rest of the mouth, typically by surrounding it with cotton rolls.
Etching is the next measure, and provides the slightly rough surface that aids resin-based sealant bond well with the tooth surface.
Applying The Sealant
Fourth in this procedure is rinsing. Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga whenever the etchant has done its job, the dentist rinses it off, dries the tooth and isolates it again with rolls. Then comes applying the sealant itself. Sealant is a liquid that puts to a solid, plastic film on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist brushes the liquid on the tooth’s surface and guides it to the pits and fissures.
Some sealants set by themselves in a few seconds, whereas others require a concentrated UV light. If the sealant sets under light, the dentist shines the light for about 30 minutes — the final stage of the process.
Dental sealants usually last several years, but needs to be checked at regular dental visits. Keep in mind that although dental sealants shield pits and fissures in teeth, they are not a replacement for a good oral care regimen. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, are critical to preventing cavities or without the existence of a sealant.
When to Obtain Glass Ionomer
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists may also seal teeth with glass ionomer sealants, which are different from resin-based sealants and require a different application method. Glass ionomer sealants stick to wet surfaces, so there is no need to dry the tooth before applying them.
In addition, glass ionomer sealants are often the best decision for teeth that are hard to keep by themselves and stay dry, like molars that haven’t fully developed from the gum.
Furthermore, there is also no requirement to etch the tooth’s surface if applying glass ionomer sealants. Instead, dentists apply a conditioning agent. Some glass ionomer sealants set without lighting, but light-curing can lower the setting time for as small as 20 to 40 seconds depending on the nature of your restoration, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists very often apply dental sealants to the teeth of children from ages six to 12, but older children and adults can also benefit. The process costs very little and is finished quickly. If you think dental sealants could be the correct selection for you, feel free to talk to your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist.