Rancho Cucamonga dentists say that dental sealants can be thin plastic coatings that dentists apply to teeth at high risk of decay.
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists will go deep into the pits and fissures of these teeth to apply sealant. This protects them against the bacteria and acids that can cause cavities. It is painless and seamless to seal your teeth.
How to Prepare Your Tooth
Rancho Cucamonga Dental Hygienists and Rancho Cucamonga Dentists can usually seal teeth in one visit. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, there are six steps in sealing teeth with traditional resin-based sealants. These three stages prepare the tooth for receiving this material.
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists and Dental Hygienists must first get rid of any food or plaque that might still be in the teeth’s pits and fissures. This will help to seal the mouth. They clean the teeth with a toothbrush and pumice paste. Next comes drying and isolation.
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists use a little bit of air to dry the teeth. Resin-based sealant can only be applied to dry teeth. They then seal the tooth with cotton rolls to protect it from saliva.
Etching is the final step. It creates a slightly rough surface to aid in the resin-based sealant bond with the tooth surface.
Applying the Sealant
The fourth step in this process is rinsing. The Rancho Cucamonga Dentist After the etchant has completed its work, the dentist rinses it and then dries it. Finally, the dentist isolates the tooth with cotton rolls. Next comes the application of sealant. Sealant is a liquid which sets into a hard, plastic film on the teeth. The dentist or dental hygiene professional applies the sealant to the tooth’s surface. They then guide it to the fissures and pits.
Some sealants can be applied by themselves within a matter of seconds. Others require the use of a concentrated UV lamp. The final stage of the procedure is completed when the sealant has set under mild.
Although dental sealants can last for several years, they should still be checked at regular visits. Dental sealants aren’t meant to replace a good oral hygiene routine. They protect teeth from pits and fissures, but they don’t cover all. To prevent cavities, it is important to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
How to Get Glass Ionomer
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists can also seal teeth using glass ionomer sealing agents. These sealants are not as strong as resin-based sealants and require a different method of application. Glass ionomer sealants stick to wet surfaces so you don’t need to dry them before applying them.
Glass ionomer sealants can also be a good choice for teeth that are difficult to maintain by themselves, such as molars that are still developing from the gum.
Glass ionomer sealants do not need to be etched onto the tooth’s surface. Dentists instead apply a conditioning agent. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, some glass ionomer sealants can be set without the use of light. However, light-curing can reduce the time it takes to set depending on the nature of the restoration.
Rancho Cucamonga dentists often apply dental sealants on children ages 6-12, but adults and older children can also benefit. It is very cost-effective and quick. Talk to your Rancho Cucamonga Dentist if you think dental sealants may be right for you.