How Dental Sealants Can Help a Damaged Tooth
At Marvin Blumentritt, DMD - Troy Dental, we understand the importance of maintaining optimal oral health. Our dental services in the health industry are designed to address various dental concerns, including damaged teeth. In this article, we will delve into the topic of dental sealants and how they can help restore and protect a damaged tooth.
Understanding Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a type of protective coating applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth (molars and premolars). As these teeth have deep grooves and fissures, they are more prone to developing cavities and other forms of damage. With the help of dental sealants, we can provide an additional layer of protection to these vulnerable areas.
The Dental Sealant Procedure
The process of applying dental sealants is simple and painless. It typically involves the following steps:
- Tooth Preparation: First, the damaged tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the sealant application. This involves removing any plaque or debris that may be present on the tooth surface.
- Etching: Once the tooth is clean, a special solution is applied to the chewing surface to roughen it slightly. This step helps the dental sealant adhere more effectively to the tooth.
- Sealant Application: Next, the dental sealant material is carefully painted onto the tooth's grooves and fissures. It flows into the deep crevices and bonds with the tooth, creating a protective shield.
- Curing: To ensure the sealant hardens and bonds properly, a curing light is used to activate and set the material on the tooth's surface.
- Final Evaluation: Once the dental sealant is hardened, our dentist examines the tooth to ensure the sealant has been applied correctly and offers the expected protection.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer numerous advantages when it comes to protecting and restoring damaged teeth. Some of the key benefits include:
- Preventing Decay: By sealing off the deep grooves and fissures, dental sealants create a barrier against bacteria and food particles, significantly reducing the risk of decay.
- Protection from Erosion: Damaged teeth are often more susceptible to erosion and wear. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection against acid erosion, preserving the tooth structure.
- Long-Term Savings: By preventing decay and potential tooth damage, dental sealants can help you avoid costly dental procedures in the future.
- Improved Oral Health: With the added protection of dental sealants, you can maintain better overall oral health, ensuring your teeth remain strong and functional.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for individuals who are prone to cavities, such as children and teenagers. However, adults can also benefit from dental sealants, especially if they have deep grooves and fissures on their back teeth.
If you have a damaged tooth or are concerned about protecting your teeth from decay, our experienced dental team at Marvin Blumentritt, DMD - Troy Dental can help. We offer professional dental sealant applications that can effectively restore and protect your damaged tooth, ensuring long-term dental health.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!