Dental Sealants Fort Collins, CO.

Dental sealants offer an effective solution in preventing tooth decay and maintaining optimal oral health. Acting as a protective shield, sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by sealing off the grooves and fissures on the chewing surface of the teeth where food particles and plaque often accumulate.

Here at Ray Dental, we strive to ensure our patients in the Fort Collins, CO, area have access to the most advanced dental care techniques. We take pride in offering dental sealants as part of our comprehensive oral health solutions aimed at preserving your beautiful smile.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that dentists apply to the chewing surface of the back teeth—premolars and molars. The sealant quickly bonds into the grooves and depressions of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the tooth enamel.

In essence, dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Their use in dentistry has significantly helped reduce the prevalence of cavities, especially among children and teenagers.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for young children and teenagers, who are at a higher risk of tooth decay. Specifically, sealants are ideal for the permanent molars as soon as they come through, typically around the ages of 6 for the first molars and 12 for the second set of molars.

However, dental sealants aren’t exclusive to children. Adults can also benefit from dental sealants, particularly if their molars have deep fissures or grooves. It’s also worth mentioning that sealants can be applied over areas of early stages of decay to prevent further damage.

Furthermore, dental sealants can be beneficial for baby teeth with deep depressions and grooves. Since baby teeth play a crucial role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it’s essential to keep them healthy to prevent them from being lost too early.

How Are Sealants Placed?

Getting dental sealants is a quick, painless process that involves the following steps:

• The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned
• Each tooth is dried, and an absorbent material is placed around the tooth to keep it dry
• An acid solution is applied to the tooth surface to roughen it up, which helps the sealant adhere to the tooth
• The teeth are then rinsed and dried
• Sealant material is painted onto the tooth surface, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden

What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?

Some of the key benefits of dental sealants include:

Long-Term Protection Against Decay

Dental sealants provide a physical barrier against cavity-causing bacteria, plaque, and food particles. They seal off grooves and fissures where brushing and flossing might not reach, particularly on the back teeth.

Cost-Effective Preventive Measure

In the long run, the cost of getting dental sealants is much less than getting fillings or crowns to fix cavities. According to the CDC, sealants prevent 80% of cavities for two years after application and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years.

Safe and Painless Application

The process of getting dental sealants is painless and safe. The sealant material used is BPA-free and has been endorsed by numerous health and professional associations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care. Regular check-ups are necessary to ensure the sealants are not chipped or worn away. However, keep in mind that while sealants are effective, they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings are still crucial.

Contact Ray Dental for Dental Sealants in Colorado

At Ray Dental, our team of dental professionals is committed to helping you achieve the best possible oral health. If you or your child are at a higher risk of tooth decay, contact us today to learn more about the benefits of dental sealants and schedule an appointment.