Rancho Cucamonga dentists say that dental sealants is a thin plastic coating 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 using traditional resin-based sealants. These three stages prepare the tooth for receiving this material.
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists and Dental Hygienists need to first get rid of any food or plaque that might still be in the pits and fissures. This will help in giving a great seal. They clean the teeth with a toothbrush and pumice paste. Isolation and drying are important.
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists use a small air syringe to dry the teeth. This is because 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
Draining is the fourth step in this process. The Rancho Cucamonga Dentist After the etchant has completed its work, the dentist rinses it and then isolates the tooth with cotton rolls. Next comes the application of sealant. The sealant is a liquid that forms a hard, plastic film around the tooth. The dentist or dental hygiene professional brushes the sealant on the tooth’s surface, and guides 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 many years, they should be checked at every visit. Dental sealants aren’t meant to replace a great oral care routine. They protect teeth from pits and fissures, but they don’t cover all of them. To prevent cavities, it is important to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
When is it time to receive glass ionomer
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists can also seal teeth using glass ionomer sealing agents. These sealants are different than resin-based ones and require a different application process. Glass ionomer sealants can stick to wet surfaces so it is not necessary to dry them before applying them.
Glass ionomer sealants can also be a great choice for teeth that are difficult to maintain and dry, like molars that haven’t developed fully from gum disease.
Glass ionomer sealants do not require that the surface of the tooth be etched. Dentists instead apply a conditioning agent. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, some glass ionomer sealants can be applied without lighting. However, light-curing can reduce the setting time by as much as 20-40 seconds, 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 might be right for you.