Dental Sealant Treatment FAQs

Looking for information on dental sealant treatment? General dentists are the go-to dental professionals for patients who want or need this effective preventive treatment. Those who are thinking about getting dental sealants should first learn more about the process of placing sealants.

About dental sealants

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants are thin coverings that, when painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, can prevent cavities for many years. Patients do not experience pain when dentists place the dental sealants, so those who experience any type of dental anxiety do not need to worry. Once the sealants are placed, they will protect the patient's teeth for many years with proper oral care.

FAQs about dental sealant treatment

The list below includes some of people's more frequently asked questions about dental sealants.

Can anyone get sealants?

Yes. Children, teenagers, and adults can all choose to have dental sealants placed on their teeth to avoid experiencing problems with their teeth. Sealants are a preventive dental procedure to stop the decay that can lead to cavity formation. Since it tends to be more difficult for children and teens to take care of their teeth properly, these age groups are more likely to get sealants. In addition, adults who experience difficulty protecting their teeth from decay are also good candidates for undergoing this preventive dental procedure.

How are sealants applied?

A general dentist will first clean and dry the tooth. Next, they will apply an acidic gel to the tooth, which ensures that the dental sealant will properly bond to the tooth. The dentist will then rinse away the gel, requiring them to dry the tooth once again. The dental sealant is then carefully applied to the tooth using a special brushing tool. Dentists will then ensure the sealant sufficiently covers all of the tooth's pits and grooves. The dental professional will harden the applied dental sealant in the next and final step by using a special blue light.

How long do dental sealants last?

Dental sealants can last upwards of nine years, which is an impressive amount of time for a patient to enjoy the benefits of this popular preventive procedure. However, it is possible for sealants to fall off of a tooth, which is why it is so important for patients who have undergone sealant treatment to schedule regular check-up appointments and ensure their sealants are secure. If a dental sealant is lost or its integrity becomes compromised, the dentist will replace them using the same initial placement procedure. The reapplication is just as quick and painless as the original placement.

Got more questions?

Having read the above dental sealant information, patients of all ages can begin considering this procedure and learn more about the process. General dentists are more than happy to answer their patient's questions. Reach out today to find out more or to get started with an appointment. We are here to help you! 

Request an appointment here: https://drsykes.com or call Robert S. Sykes, DDS at (770) 873-7241 for an appointment in our Marietta office.

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