Dental Sealants in Palmdale, CA – Protect Your Smile at Dr. Markarian’s Dental Practice
At Dr. Markarian’s Dental Practice, we believe in the power of preventive dentistry to maintain optimal oral health. Dental sealants are a cornerstone of our preventive approach, offering a simple yet effective method to protect teeth from decay, especially for children and teens.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. These sealants quickly bond into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. They are typically clear or slightly tinted, making them virtually unnoticeable.
The Importance of Dental Sealants
The primary benefit of dental sealants is their ability to prevent cavities. The chewing surfaces of molar and premolar teeth have deep fissures that are difficult to clean, making them vulnerable to decay. Sealants fill these fissures, preventing food particles and bacteria from getting trapped. Studies show that sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers because they are at a higher risk of developing cavities. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. Dr. Markarian can assess the suitability of sealants for you or your child during a routine dental visit.
The Application Process
- Cleaning: The teeth that will receive sealants are thoroughly cleaned.
- Drying: Each tooth is dried, and absorbent materials are placed around the tooth to keep it dry.
- Acid Solution: An acid solution is applied to the chewing surfaces to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
- Rinsing and Drying: The acid is rinsed off, and the teeth are dried again.
- Applying the Sealant: The sealant is then applied to the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly and hardens. A curing light may be used to help the sealant harden.
Effectiveness and Longevity of Sealants
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the use of sealants and notes their safety and effectiveness in various studies.
Post-Treatment Care
Sealants do not require any special care beyond normal dental hygiene. Continue brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Dr. Markarian for regular dental check-ups and cleanings. These practices will help extend the life of your sealants and ensure ongoing oral health.
Why Choose Dr. Markarian for Sealants?
Dr. Markarian is dedicated to providing comprehensive preventive dental care. His expertise in applying dental sealants ensures that each patient receives the highest quality treatment designed to prevent dental decay effectively.
Dental sealants are a smart choice for anyone looking to prevent dental decay, particularly in molars and premolars. At Dr. Markarian’s Dental Practice, we are committed to using this effective preventive tool to help our patients maintain excellent oral health throughout their lives. Schedule a consultation today to learn how sealants can benefit you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment where a plastic material is placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This material quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective barrier over the enamel of each tooth to help prevent cavities.
How do dental sealants work?
Sealants work by filling in the grooves and crevices on the molars and premolars where food particles and bacteria are prone to collect. By creating a smooth surface, they prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck and reduce the risk of tooth decay. The American Dental Association provides comprehensive information on how sealants prevent tooth decay.
Who should get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent molars and premolars come in. This ensures these teeth are protected during the cavity-prone years. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends sealants for school children.
Are dental sealants visible?
Sealants are typically clear or slightly tinted and only placed on the back teeth, making them virtually invisible when you talk or smile.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. If needed, they can be replaced. The longevity of sealants and their effectiveness is supported by research in the Journal of the American Dental Association Journal of the American Dental Association.
Can sealants be placed over cavities?
Sealants are applied to healthy teeth without decay. If a small area of decay is present, Dr. Markarian may decide to place a sealant over it to prevent further damage. This approach is supported by findings in the Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, which suggest that sealants can arrest the progression of minimal tooth decay.
How are dental sealants applied?
The application is a quick and painless process. The teeth are first cleaned and dried. Then, an acidic solution is applied to roughen the surface, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth. The sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
Are there any side effects?
There are no significant side effects associated with dental sealants. They are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities. The safety of materials used in sealants has been confirmed by numerous health and dental organizations, including the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
References
- American Dental Association
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Journal of the American Dental Association
- Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research