Dental sealants in Burlingame, a common preventive treatment, are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They act as a shield, keeping out bacteria and food particles that can lead to cavities. These sealants are typically made of a plastic material and are safe, painless, and quickly applied by a dental professional in Burlingame. At Nest Dental, Dr. Jennifer Chew specializes in this treatment, ensuring patients can enjoy optimal oral health and a brighter, cavity-free smile.
Dental sealants are an excellent preventive measure, especially for children and adolescents who are more prone to cavities. The back teeth have deep grooves and depressions that can be tricky to clean thoroughly with regular brushing. Dental sealants fill these grooves, preventing food particles and bacteria from settling and causing decay. They’re a proactive step in oral health care, reducing the risk of cavities and the need for fillings or more intensive treatments later on.
Dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars!
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Dental sealants are a form of preventive care, aimed at stopping oral health problems before they start. By sealing off the deep grooves in your back teeth, they prevent food particles and bacteria from causing tooth decay. This proactive approach can save you from the discomfort and expense of dealing with cavities and more serious dental issues down the line.
Once applied, dental sealants can provide protection for several years. They withstand the force of regular chewing and, with proper care, can remain effective for up to 10 years. Regular dental check-ups will ensure your sealants are still doing their job and, if needed, can be reapplied to continue providing optimal protection.
The process of getting dental sealants is quick, simple, and painless. There's no drilling or removal of tooth structure, making it a stress-free procedure, particularly beneficial for children or anyone anxious about dental treatments.
The first step in the dental sealant process is a thorough cleaning of the teeth that will receive the sealants. This is to ensure that no plaque or food particles are trapped beneath the sealant, which could potentially lead to decay. Using special dental instruments, Dr. Chew will meticulously clean the grooves and pits of the teeth to prepare them for the next steps.
Once the teeth are clean, they're prepared with a special solution that helps the sealant bond to the tooth surface. This solution is rinsed off, and the teeth are dried. A mild acidic solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to create a rough texture, allowing the sealant to adhere more effectively.
The final step is the application of the sealant. Dr. Chew will paint the sealant onto the tooth surface, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. A special light may be used to help the sealant cure quickly. This process is quick and painless, providing long-lasting protection against decay, especially in the deep grooves and pits of the molars.