Dental Sealants in Columbia, SC
I think we can all agree that properly brushing and flossing our teeth are the best ways to prevent cavities, but it can be a task to reach every single nook and cranny of your teeth, especially your teeth in the main back-the molars. Your molars have rough and uneven surfaces. They also have deep grooves and fissures that are hard to reach, providing the perfect hiding spots for bacteria. Depending on your oral health, our experienced dentist near you at Premier Smile Center may recommend the application of sealants in Columbia, SC, to further protect your teeth or your child’s teeth.
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars, helping to prevent cavities while halting the formation of tooth decay. Sealants are helpful in people of all ages, but they are especially beneficial in children who are still developing their molars. The first molars show up at age 6; the second molars show up by age 12. Applying sealants to your child’s molars as soon as they erupt can prevent cavities from the start, saving you precious time and money in the future. Dental sealants for adults are a preventive treatment involving the application of a thin, protective coating to the grooves of molars to shield them from decay and cavities.
How Do Sealants Work?
A cavity is formed when bacteria on your teeth and gums produce an acid that strips your tooth’s protective enamel. A sealant can provide a protective coat on your teeth, preventing cavities and acids from sticking to your teeth and settling there.
How are Sealants Applied?
Dental tooth sealant application is generally quick and painless. Our dentist in Columbia, SC, will first clean your tooth before applying an acidic gel onto your tooth. This gel is used to form a strong bond between your tooth and the sealant so that it sticks well. The sealant is then applied onto your tooth and hardened via a blue light.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants generally have a lifespan of several years. When you go to your regular dental appointment, Dr. Glenn Smith will check the sealant and reapply it if needed.
Let’s stop those cavity-forming bacteria in their tracks! For more information about front tooth sealant for you or your child or to schedule an appointment with the most trusted dentist near you – Dr. Glenn Smith, call Premier Smile Center in Columbia, SC, today.