Dental Sealants in Simi Valley & Moorpark, CA
Effective Cavity Prevention in Simi Valley
Dental sealants are a very effective tool in the prevention of cavities. Dental sealants are a thin plastic film or coating that is applied to the surface of teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier between the tooth and food, bacteria and plaque; all of which can cause cavities. Sealants successfully prevent bacterial formation that causes tooth decay and other damage.
The Dental Sealant Procedure Process
The dental sealant procedure takes a few minutes for each tooth. The dentist cleans the tooth and paints the plastic sealant on to the enamel. This coating works like a barrier to prevent plaque from attacking the enamel. A special light may be used to speed the hardening and bonding process. As long as the sealant remains intact and in good condition, the surface of the tooth will remain protected.
Dental Sealants for Both Children & Adults
Combined with good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing, sealants are extremely effective in preventing cavities. Sealants can help both adults and children, and may need to be re-applied every few years.
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When are cAVITY pREVENTION Sealants Used?
Dental sealants are applied to premolars and molars as a way to prevent tooth decay. You can consider each tooth that has dental sealant applied to it as having a shield to keep debris and bacteria from accumulating in the deep grooves of the chewing surface. The sealant shields and protects that part of the tooth. Ideally, dental sealants are applied before a tooth develops decay. Professional dental organizations recommend sealants for all premolars and molars as soon as they erupt.
Are Dental Sealants Really Necessary for Baby Teeth?
It’s not uncommon for parents to question the merit of various dental treatments for baby teeth. These early teeth will fall out beginning sometime around age six. However, tooth decay can develop long before that. Dentists routinely place fillings in baby teeth. Some are even treated with crowns if they’ve been badly damaged. If we can apply restorative treatments to repair damage, why not consider preventing that damage altogether? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association both recommend dental sealants as a leading way to prevent cavities in baby teeth as well as permanent teeth.
Can Everyone in My Family Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are often recognized as a great way to prevent childhood cavities. The benefits of this treatment extend to teens and adults, as well. If anyone in your family is cavity-prone, they should be getting dental sealants. Studies have shown that teens may be most at risk of unexpected tooth decay, so this is one of the largest groups to benefit from preventive sealant treatment. That said, most people we meet, patients of all ages, prefer to take whatever steps they can to avoid the pain and stress that comes with cavities.
Does the Dental Sealant Procedure Hurt?
The fact that the dental sealant procedure is completely painless is one of the many benefits of this treatment. The process involves cleaning and drying each tooth that will receive a sealant, then applying a mildly acidic gel to the surface that will be treated. The purpose of the gel is to gently “etch” the surface of enamel so the sealant material can stick to it. After rinsing the gel off the tooth and drying it, the dentist applies the clear, liquid sealant and bonds it to the tooth using blue light. It’s that simple!
How Long do Dental Sealants Last?
It’s possible for dental sealants to last up to 10 years. There are several factors that may contribute to the longevity of the material, including the presence of tooth clenching and grinding, the types of foods you eat, and other factors. At each of your dental check-ups, your dentist will evaluate your sealants to ensure they are structurally sound and continue to provide the optimal level of protection against tooth decay. Sealants can be re-applied as needed.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Yes. Dental sealants are made of a resin material that is very similar to what is used to make tooth-colored fillings. There are no known side effects of dental sealant treatment, nor is any special care required to maintain these invisible shields.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Call (805) 584-1194 or fill out a Contact Form here for any questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Casey Patterson in Simi Valley, California for a tooth sealant. We proudly serve patients from Simi Valley and surrounding areas, including Chatsworth, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Northridge.
