Are you looking for top-notch dental care in the Boise or Meridian areas? Are you looking for a way to protect your teeth from cavities and decay? Prevention Dental believes that preventing dental problems is the best way to ensure a healthy and happy smile. One of the ways we promote preventative dentistry is through dental sealants in Boise, Idaho. 

Let us help you keep your smile shining bright with dental sealants from Dr. Glen Stephenson at Prevention Dental. By choosing Prevention Dental for your preventative dental care, you can rest assured that you are protecting your teeth and maintaining a beautiful smile for years to come.

Prevention Dental is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental services, including dental sealants. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Glen Stephenson at Prevention Dental. With his expertise and cutting-edge technology, Dr. Stephenson can provide preventative dentistry to keep your teeth healthy and strong. He and his team will help you explore the benefits of dental sealants and how they can help protect your teeth. 

Dental Sealants For a Healthy Smile

As we go about our daily lives, we eat, drink, and talk, hardly realizing the stress that our teeth go through. Our teeth are constantly exposed to harmful bacteria and acids that can cause tooth decay and cavities. Although regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are critical for maintaining good oral health, dental sealants can offer additional protection for your teeth.

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – the molars and premolars. These surfaces have crevices and grooves that are susceptible to tooth decay as they trap food particles and bacteria. Dental sealants smooth out the chewing surfaces, making it harder for bacteria and plaque to stick to the teeth. They act as a barrier to prevent the acid in the mouth from eroding the teeth’ enamel, which can lead to cavities.

On average, dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Of course, this duration can change based on various factors such as wear and tear, grinding habits, and clenching. It is vital to keep up with regular dental checkups. Your dentist must monitor your sealants and make any required repairs or replacements. And remember to adhere to good oral hygiene practices to ensure the longevity of your dental sealants. 

Continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily. It’s also crucial to avoid biting down on hard objects or eating sticky foods, as these can damage the sealants and compromise their effectiveness. With a little effort, you can maintain your dental sealants and keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.

What is the Process?

Getting dental sealants is a simple and painless process. It involves cleaning the teeth to ensure they are debris and bacteria-free. The sealant is then applied to the teeth and hardened with a special light. The whole process only takes a few minutes and can be done during a regular dental checkup.

Step 1: Cleaning the Teeth

Before applying dental sealants, Dr. Stephenson and his team must clean the teeth thoroughly to remove any plaque, tartar, or debris that may interfere with the sealant bond. They will use a scaler or ultrasonic tool to remove the buildup and then polish the teeth with a rotating brush and a prophylaxis paste. Once the teeth are clean and dry, the dentist will isolate them from saliva and moisture to ensure proper sealant adhesion.

Step 2: Etching the Teeth

The next step is to prepare the teeth for the sealant by etching them with a mild acidic solution. This solution creates tiny pores on the enamel surface, allowing the sealant to adhere better. Dr. Stephenson will apply the etchant on the chewing surface of the teeth for about 20 seconds, then rinse it off and dry the teeth thoroughly.

Step 3: Applying the Sealant

With the teeth prepped and isolated, Dr. Stephenson will apply the sealant to the chewing surface of each tooth. The sealant is a liquid material that flows into the crevices and pits of the teeth and then hardens into a thin plastic coating that protects them from decay. The sealant application is painless and takes only a few minutes per tooth. Once the sealant is applied, Dr. Stephenson will use a curing light to help it harden and set.

Step 4: Checking the Bite

After the sealant has hardened, Dr. Stephenson will check the patient’s bite to make sure the sealant is even and not interfering with it. To ensure proper alignment and function, he will also check the patient’s occlusion or how their teeth come together when biting and chewing. If any adjustments are needed, he will make them before finishing the procedure.

Step 5: Follow-up and Maintenance

Once the dental sealant placement is complete, the patient can resume their normal activities right away without any restrictions or discomfort. However, following a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is essential. Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care, but they may need to be reapplied if they wear off or chip away.

Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers. Children often struggle with brushing and flossing correctly as they grow up, making them more prone to cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants provide extra protection for their teeth during this crucial period. Adults can also benefit from dental sealants, especially if they have deep grooves in their teeth that are difficult to clean.

Dental sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay and cavities. They are much cheaper than filling cavities or getting a root canal, making this preventive treatment an intelligent investment in maintaining good oral health.

Dental Sealants in Boise

At Prevention Dental, we believe that prevention is the best cure. Dental sealants are a simple and painless way to protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants provide a thin protective coating on the biting surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities most commonly occur. These sealants help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup, which can lead to tooth decay. They black out harmful bacteria and debris. Plus, they’re painless, and we can apply them in just one visit! And don’t forget – sealants can be used on children and adults.

By choosing to get dental sealants, you can save time and money in the long run by avoiding costly and invasive treatments. Our friendly and experienced dental team is here to answer any questions about dental sealants or any other dental service. 

Our skilled and experienced team is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental services in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We offer a full range of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come. And no matter where you live – Boise, Meridian, or beyond, we are conveniently located and make scheduling appointments easy. 

Whether you need a routine checkup or a more extensive treatment, we’re here to help. Please don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule your appointment at Prevention Dental today!