Sealants in Tulsa, OK
Common Areas For Cavities
Because the chewing surfaces on the back teeth are rough, these are common areas for cavities to form. if you do a quick test and run your tongue over those teeth you can feel they are not smooth like other areas of your teeth. We call these grooves pits & fissures, which common trap food and bacteria. Isn’t brushing your teeth suppose to reach these areas too? Often, bristles on a toothbrush can’t reach all the way into these crevices, creating the perfect conditions for tooth decay. Looking for more information about Sealants in Tulsa, OK? Request more information about our sealants through our Tulsa office.
Why Do Children Get Cavities More Frequently?
A child’s newly erupted permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth. As we age, so does the enamel, which causes it to harden in turn it becomes stronger and more resistant to cavity development. Fluoride, found in toothpaste, some water sources, and in dental treatments, can strengthen enamel. Because these areas cans till be hard to treat with fluoride, the solution is dental sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are invisible plastic resin coatings that smooth out the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them resistant to decay. A sealed tooth is far less likely to develop a cavity, require more expensive dental treatment later on, or, most importantly, cause you pain or discomfort.
How Are Sealants Placed?
Here is how it goes. First, the tooth or teeth to be sealed are examined, and if any minimal decay is found, it is removed. The tooth is then cleaned and dried. Then a solution that will slightly roughen or “etch” the surface is applied, to make the sealing material adhere better. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again. The sealant is then painted on the tooth in liquid form and hardens in about a minute, sometimes with the help of a special curing light.
Are There Any Risks With Dental Sealant Products?
A 2012 study that received wide press coverage raised concerns that trace amounts of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) found in some (but not all) dental resins might contribute to behavioral problems in children. The study authors noted that while they had found an association, they had not actually proven that BPA in dental sealants causes these problems. In fact, BPA is far more prevalent in food and beverage packaging than in dental restorative materials. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association have since reaffirmed their support for the use of sealants.
How Do I Take Care of My Dental Sealants?
Sealed teeth require the same dental hygiene as unsealed teeth. Continue to brush and floss daily and have regular professional cleanings. Check for wear and tear on the sealants, though they should last for up to 10 years. During this time, you will benefit from a preventive treatment proven to reduce decay by more than 70 percent.
For more information on Sealants in Tulsa, OK area call Charles Calhoun DDS at (918) 250-8861 today! Learn more about Cosmetic Dentistry.