Dental Sealants – Jackson, MS
There is an array of dental treatments available to repair damage and restore the strength and health of the smile. However, the true goal of professional dental care is to maintain the health of the teeth so that these types of services are not necessary. Preventive dentistry treatments protect the teeth and gums from bacteria, plaque, and tartar, to preserve oral health. Aside from routine dental exams and cleanings, one of the most common preventive services is dental sealants. Sealants bond to the teeth and create a barrier that literally blocks out bacteria so that it cannot destroy healthy tooth enamel. Dr. Danny O’Keefe routinely offers dental sealants to his Jackson, MS, patients who may be vulnerable to tooth decay and other oral health complications.
Sealant Candidates
Dental sealants are applied using a non-invasive technique that is safe for virtually any patient. While dental sealants can be applied to patients of any age, they are typically offered to pediatric dental patients and teens. These patients tend to be the most at risk for dental cavities and more advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental sealants are a great way to protect the teeth of patients who are still learning proper brushing techniques and oral hygiene habits, or those who have other conditions that put them at a higher risk of dental complications.
Placing Dental Sealants
Any time that an additional dental treatment is recommended, patients are likely to feel a little nervous about what to expect during the procedure. Most patients are happy to learn that dental sealants are placed using a quick and pain-free process. Sealants are composed of a plastic resin. The resin starts out as a liquid that is brushed over the biting surface of the teeth. Most commonly, sealants are placed on the back teeth, which are more difficult to keep clean. After the liquid is applied, the sealant material is hardened with a dental ultraviolet light. The hardening process strengthens the dental sealant and helps it bond to the tooth to create a secure barrier that blocks out bacteria. The entire dental sealant procedure can typically be completed in under an hour.
Dental Sealant Benefits
Dental sealants are a preventive dentistry treatment that can greatly benefit patients who are prone to tooth decay. Following are some of the many advantages that dental sealants provide:
- Dental sealants significantly minimize the risk of tooth decay
- Dental sealants fill in crevices and grooves on the teeth that tend to trap food particles and bacteria
- Dental sealants are typically white or clear, so they blend in with the natural tooth structure and do not compromise the appearance of the smile
- The dental sealant procedure can be completed quickly and pain-free
- Dental sealants are an affordable treatment that can prevent the need for costlier restorative dentistry treatment in the future
Learn More
Tooth decay is a condition that can compromise any patient’s oral health. Fortunately, dental sealants can prevent decay to preserve tooth strength. If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants, and how they can benefit your smile, contact us at your earliest convenience.
