Most adults know that they need to brush and floss daily to prevent tooth decay, but it is challenging to clean every part of your tooth. Especially the molars that are tucked in the back of the mouth. Molars have small bumps and dips in the enamel which makes it nearly impossible to clean them completely. Further, if it is challenging for adults, it is nearly impossible for children. That is why Dr. Diem and the Smile in Style team in Marrero, LA, offer dental sealants. This quick and pain free procedure can help prevent cavities for many years.
About dental sealants
Dental sealants help prevent cavities by providing a barrier between the food and drinks you consume and the enamel of your teeth. Sealants are a thin, protective coating that is applied to the tooth enamel. Sealants are used on the chewing surface of the back teeth and have been shown to reduce the risk of cavities by 80 percent.
The dental sealant procedure
Having sealants applied is an easy and non-invasive dental procedure that even the most dentist-adverse patients tolerate very well. First the teeth must be carefully cleaned, removing all food particles and bacteria. Next, an acidic gel will be placed on the teeth to ensure a strong bond between the tooth’s enamel and the dental sealant. Finally, the sealant is placed, and a light is used to ensure that it dries and becomes hardened. The sealant is clear and invisible to an untrained eye.
Who can receive dental sealants?
Dental sealants can be administered to both children and adults. However, dentists agree that the sooner they are placed the better as the tooth can remain free from cavities. Children typically cut their first set of molars around the age of 6 and the second set of molars around age 12. During a regular dental checkup, the dentist will advise if the teeth are ready for a sealant. In some cases, a sealant can be placed over a small amount of tooth decay to prevent further damage.
For more information about keeping your mouth healthy and prevent tooth decay, call the team at Smile in Style, Diem Do DDS at (504) 340-9400.
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