Cavities are second only to the common cold in prevalence in the United States. While it may seem that they are almost inevitable, you can keep your teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free. Today’s dentistry offers many preventive treatments to protect your teeth from the permanent damage of decay and cavities. Dental sealing is one of these preventative treatments. Our Los Angeles dental sealants experts can help you decide if sealants would be are right for you.
Dental sealants are specially made plastic coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They form a barrier between the teeth and oral bacteria to protect the deep grooves and fissures from plaque and other debris. These grooves can often be narrower than the bristles of your toothbrush, which makes them difficult to clean. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate and erode the enamel, and a cavity will develop over time, which will permanently destroy tooth structure. Our expert in dental sealants in Los Angeles can place a sealant to prevent this from happening and protect the tooth.
Dental Sealants Los Angeles
The sealant can be placed in about half an hour during a single appointment. The sealant creates a smooth, easy-to-clean surface through which bacteria cannot penetrate. Our Los Angeles dental sealants expert first cleans the teeth to be sealed and gently roughens them using a special conditioning liquid. Then the sealant is painted onto the teeth. The sealant is clear and will not be visible once it is in place. A special light cures the sealant to harden it.
Our expert in dental sealants in Los Angeles can place sealants as soon as the permanent teeth erupt to protect them. In some cases, sealants can also be used on primary teeth, particularly if they have deep fissures. Although sealants are generally associated with children, adults can also benefit from sealants, particularly if they are at a high risk of developing cavities. Sealants may periodically need to be replaced.
Although sealants can protect the chewing surfaces, they do not eliminate the need for healthy dental habits. You will still need to brush, floss, and visit us periodically for cleanings and checkups. Call us today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with our dental exam dentist in Los Angeles.
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