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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 going deep into pits and fissures in these teeth, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist’s say the sealant lines and shields 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 using traditional, resin-based sealants. The first three prepare the tooth to receive this material:

To help in provide an exceptional seal, Rancho Cucamonga Dentist’s and dental hygienists should first remove the plaque and food debris that may still be hiding in the pits and fissures of the teeth. To do this, they clean them with a brush and pumice paste. Drying and isolation come next.

Because resin-based sealant is only effective when applied to dry teeth, Rancho Cucamonga Dentists dry the surfaces with a little 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 encircling it with cotton rolls.

Etching is the third step, 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 When the etchant has done its job, the dentist rinses it off, dries the tooth and isolates it again with cotton rolls. Then comes applying the sealant itself. Sealant is a liquid that sets into a solid, plastic film on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist brushes the liquid onto the tooth’s surface and guides it to the pits and fissures.

Some sealants put by themselves in a few seconds, whereas others require a concentrated UV light. If the sealant sets under mild, the dentist shines the light for about 30 minutes — the final stage of the procedure.

Dental sealants usually last several years, but should be assessed at regular dental visits. Keep in mind that although dental sealants protect pits and fissures in teeth, they are not a replacement for a excellent oral care routine. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, are critical to preventing cavities with or without the presence 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 call for a different application method. Glass ionomer sealants adhere to wet surfaces, so there is not any 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 need to etch the tooth’s surface when applying glass ionomer sealants. Instead, dentists apply a conditioning agent. Some glass ionomer sealants set without light, but light-curing can decrease the setting time to as little as 20 to 40 seconds depending on the nature of your restoration, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Rancho Cucamonga Dentists quite often apply dental sealants to the teeth of children from ages six to 12, but older kids and adults can also benefit. The process costs very little and is over quickly. If you believe dental sealants might be the proper selection for you, feel free to talk with your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist.

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