Dental sealants are a non-invasive preventive treatment and do not take long for dentists to apply. Understanding the dental sealant process can help you feel more confident and comfortable with the procedure. This guide offers an overview of what you can expect during the placement of dental sealants.
Most dentists follow a similar process for dental sealants. The five steps involved with placement are to clean and dry the teeth, application of an acidic solution, rinsing the teeth, applying the sealant to the chewing surfaces, and hardening the sealant with a curing light.
The first step the dentist will take is to thoroughly clean each tooth that is receiving the dental sealants. This helps prevent any issues after the procedure is complete and helps with the effectiveness of the sealants. After cleaning, each tooth is then dried. Cotton (or another absorbent material) is then placed around each tooth to keep it dry.
The next step in the dental sealants process is to apply an acidic solution. This is used to help the sealant coating bond to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. The application of the solution should not cause any discomfort. It also does not affect the dental enamel in any way, so the tooth will still look natural after the sealant material wears away, which is generally between five and 10 years after application.
The tooth is then once again rinsed off thoroughly and dried to ensure the tooth is adequately clean and ready for the dental sealant to be applied. This is easy with the use of non-invasive dental devices and takes less than a few minutes.
The next step in the process after the tooth is thoroughly rinsed and dried and has been roughened up with the acidic solution is to paint the sealant over the enamel. This coating is a thin layer that is just enough to add a layer of protection over the enamel without compromising the appearance of the teeth in any way. This step in the process does not cause any discomfort and does not take much time at all to complete.
The last step is to harden the dental sealants with a curing light. This allows for a strong and durable hold and reduces the risk of any early complications that require a reapplication of the sealant material. The curing light is generally considered to be safe and non-invasive, as well.
Dental sealants are recommended for people of all ages, including children that still have their primary teeth. If you are interested in dental sealants to protect you or your child’s molars and premolars from acidic attacks that lead to cavities, then schedule a visit with our dental team.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Lilburn, GA.
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