At Von Chan, D.D.S, we believe in preventative dentistry. One great way to prevent cavities is to use dental sealants. Sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted onto the chewing teeth’ fissures and grooves. Sealants are great for kids who may not have the best dietary habits or dental hygiene practices. And sealants are great for everyone else too. We invite you to meet Dr. Chan and her expert dental team in Petaluma, CA. We’ll help you learn how dental sealants and all the excellent dental treatments we offer can improve your health and beautify your smile.
What is a Dental Sealant?
Even if you have good oral hygiene, it’s still possible you’ll have an occasional cavity now and then. We can help you avoid cavities with dental sealants, just one of the cavity-prevention measures we offer.
A dental sealant is a non-invasive preventative dentistry treatment that acts as a barrier between your teeth and cavities. It’s a tooth-colored plastic resin that covers and seals the tooth.
We paint the sealant onto the tooth in a painless and simple procedure. It will improve your smile instead of standing out because it matches your natural tooth color.
Sealants Help With Your Dental Hygiene
Sealants improve dental health by providing a cavity barrier and other ways. Your toothbrush typically glides over your chewing tooth surface. This is where decay-causing plaque, germs, and acids concentrate in the dental groves. These grooves deepen over time and are where most cavities develop. When dental sealants fill in these grooves, they provide a smoother surface, making it easier for the toothbrush to clean.
What is the Dental Sealant Procedure?
Unlike other dental treatments, dental sealants require no drilling or shots and involve no pain. Sealants are fast and easy for Dr. Chan and her staff to apply. And sealants are entirely safe.
The application can take just a few minutes and will include the following steps:
- We will clean and dry the tooth or teeth.
- We’ll prepare each tooth surface for the sealant by placing a gel on the tooth.
- We’ll rinse the gel and make sure the tooth is clean and dry again.
- We’ll apply the liquid plastic sealant onto the tooth surface, allowing it to permeate the grooves.
- We may use a specialized light to harden the sealant material.
After the Sealant Application
Getting used to feeling the sealant material on your teeth may take some time. The sealant may feel strange at first. Patients typically become accustomed to it before too long. As soon as the sealant hardens, you can chew food normally shortly after application.
It’s important to remember that sealants help prevent cavities but that you are still vulnerable to them. You’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth as usual. You should also continue to avoid too many foods and drinks that cause cavities and visit your dentist about twice per year for checkups.
How Long Can My Sealants Last?
Sealants, like anything else, can wear out over time. However, according to some research, they can last several years for you or your child. Dr. Chan recommends that your dental sealants be checked regularly and have them reapplied approximately every two to four years.
Excellent Dental Sealant Service in Petaluma, CA
Come in for a consultation, and give us a chance to demonstrate our high-quality service in a comfortable setting. We’ll use state-of-the-art technology and adhere to the highest dental care standards. We’ll help you keep your teeth in the best possible shape. We look forward to helping you with dental sealants or any other dental option.
Call us today, and let us help you keep those cavities away.