Preventive dentistry services offered by the family dentist in Pacific Beach, San Diego, and their team help prevent an array of dental problems. These services help avoid the onset, or progression of oral diseases like tooth decay, and gum disease to name a few. 

One such preventive measure, especially for tooth decay, is dental sealants. Let’s find out more about these protective shields, their uses, and benefits. 

Exploring dental sealants 

Dental sealants are defined as thin, transparent varnish that is applied on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth, namely the premolars and the molars. The sealants are in a liquid form, which, when applied, can effectively settle into the deep pits and grooves of the teeth, sealing them completely. 

Dental sealants find application in the following situations:

• Pits and fissures of deciduous and permanent teeth
• Pits and grooves of permanent teeth in adults 
• People with an increased risk of caries
• Incipient carious lesions in children, adolescents, and adults 
• Teeth that are not accessible to regular brushing and flossing

Discovering the benefits of getting dental sealants

Here are a few incredible benefits sealants offer:

• Sealants protect against plaque and food buildup 
• Sealants are suitable for all ages 
• They prevent the development of cavities
• They reduce deep grooves 
• The process is quick and painless
• They are long-lasting (last up to 10 years)
• It is easy to repair and maintain them
• Sealants are super affordable 
• Reduce the need for invasive dental treatments in the future

The process of application of dental sealants 

Applying dental sealants is simple and a painless procedure. It only takes a few minutes for the dentist to apply sealant to each tooth.

Your dentist will:

• Clean the teeth thoroughly
• Air dry your mouth and place a piece of gauze in the area to keep your teeth free from moisture 
• Paint or coat a small amount of acid etching solution on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of your teeth to roughen them up. This aids in good mechanical interlocking if the sealant to the tooth surface 
• Rinse and dry your teeth
• Paint the sealant onto your enamel to bond it directly to the tooth.
• Target a curing light on the sealant material to harden it. 

Final thought 

Dental sealants serve as highly effective and affordable preventive solutions, acting as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria that cause oral diseases like tooth decay. By significantly lowering the risk of conditions such as cavities, they promote optimal oral health and safeguard your teeth and gums.