Dental Sealants

Q: What Do Dental Sealants Look Like?

A: A dental sealant is a layer of thin, tooth-colored acrylic that is applied on the surface of your tooth. During the rather simple procedure, Dr. Swan will paint the sealant on your chosen tooth or teeth. They will ensure that once it has been applied the sealant won't even be noticeable. Once the acrylic has been set you then will have gained a strong, shielded, seal around your tooth that is amazingly resistant to cavities!

Q: Who Is A Candidate For Dental Sealants?

A: Adults, adolescents and children can all enjoy the benefits of dental sealants in Shawnee. Because the first set of primary chewing teeth appear when children are about six years old. This is usually the earliest age for your kids to get dental sealants. Your children's molars replace themselves around age 12 and can be another time to consider getting sealants to protect their new teeth that just came in.

Q: How Do Dental Sealants Work?

A: Just like you can "seal" other surfaces like wood floors or leather to protect them from damage, dental sealants coat your tooth's surface. This coat gives added protection against the negative effects that come from acid and plaque in your mouth. A lot of food passes through the teeth, and when food particles interact with the bacteria that hides in crevices of your mouth, the result is acid and plaque that wears into your teeth. It creates a hole in the tooth, called a cavity. Dental sealants provide an added protection that prevents the formation of cavities, since the enamel is no longer exposed to food particles and acids in the mouth.

Q: What Is The Procedure Like?

A: It is a quick, one-time procedure. Our Shawnee dentist, Dr. Swan, will start by cleaning and drying the teeth that will receive the treatment. They will then place an acidic gel on your teeth that creates an adhesive so that the sealant can form a strong bond to your tooth. Our doctors will then wash off the gel and dry the tooth again. Then she will paint the sealant on, and use a special blue infrared light to harden it. The entire procedure can be done in less than an hour with minimal discomfort.

Q: How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

A: Dental sealants are extremely durable. You can expect them to hold up for several years even under the pressure of chewing. When the time does come to get them replaced, the process is fairly easy and can be done without hassle. In cases where Dr. Swan applies dental sealants to baby teeth, they frequently outlast the baby tooth.

Q: How Do I Maintain My Dental Sealants?

A: They should be maintained and taken care of the same way as regular teeth. Regular brushing and flossing will ensure that you get minimal cavities. In addition, when you come in for regular dental checkups, we'll be happy to assess the condition of your sealants and advise you on any action that may need to be taken.