Prevent cavities with dental sealants in Prescott, WI
Everyone knows that brushing and flossing prevent cavities, but it is not always enough. Dr. Jay and the team at Scenic Bluffs Dental offer dental sealants for kids and adults to protect molars from cavities.
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How dental sealants protect your teeth
Each tooth in your mouth serves a different function, and your molars have cusps and valleys that grind your food into smaller bits for easier digestion. Between each cusp, there are tiny grooves that may be too small for your toothbrush to reach consistently. These grooves allow bacteria to feed and create acids that attack your tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities.
Dental sealants act as a protective coating for your teeth, and they are applied to the chewing surface of your molars to block out bacteria. Sealants can also help decrease sensitivity in your teeth, so you can enjoy hot drinks and cold foods without any discomfort. Dental sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities for two years and provide continued protection for up to five years. Studies have shown they are especially helpful in preventing tooth decay in younger patients. Children without dental sealants have three times as many cavities, and they are a simple way to protect your child’s oral health.
What to expect during your appointment
Dental sealants can be applied directly after your routine hygiene appointment, and the process typically takes a few minutes per tooth. Once your teeth are cleaned, our team will place an absorbent barrier to keep your teeth dry to prevent bacteria from getting beneath the sealant. Next, we will use acid to prepare the surface area to bond to the sealant. The sealant will be applied with a brush on the chewing surface of each tooth, and we will use a dental light to help the sealant dry in place rapidly.
Dental sealants are not a free pass to skip brushing and flossing, but with proper hygiene, they can prevent cavities and save you money and time on your dental visits. Dr. Jay will monitor your sealant for wear and tear at each hygiene check and let you know when it is time to reapply. Patients in Prescott, WI, and surrounding cities such as Ellsworth, River Falls, and Hastings, MN, can contact our office today at (715) 953-0499 to set up an appointment to learn more about how we can help preserve your teeth.
