Cavities and tooth decay are two of the most common medical problems in the United States among adults and school-aged children. Caused by deposits of plaque that result from leftover residues of sugar and starch on your teeth, cavities may start small, but they can lead to big problems, including:
Prevention is the best way to fight cavities, stopping them while they are small or before they even develop. But for those in Petaluma, CA, looking for an extra layer of protection, dental sealants can reduce the possibility of cavities developing or harming your teeth by 80% in children and adults.
A dental sealant is a protective coating, often a thin layer of plastic applied to the surfaces of your back teeth or molars. If you’re a smoker or someone whos busy schedule gets in the way of routine oral hygiene, sealants might be right for you.
The application of dental sealants is a very mild procedure, and it can be complete in a single visit. First, your molars will be cleaned and dried. A mild gel is then applied to the molars and rinsed away to aid with adhesion. Once the teeth are properly primed, the sealant is brushed on, filling the nooks and crannies of your teeth and protecting areas where plaque is likely to develop. After that, Dr. Szyperski will use blue spectrum light to bond and harden the sealant, and you’ll be good to go. Once applied, sealants can last for years. They are invisible to the naked eye, and they typically go unnoticed when eating, drinking, talking, or smiling.
The CDC recommends sealants for all school-aged children, but many adult patients will also benefit from the use of dental sealants. If you’d like to stop cavities before they start, Dr. Szyperski can help you decide if dental sealants are right for you. Make an appointment today by calling North Bay Smiles at (707) 306-8001.
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