Dental Sealants in Mission Valley, CA

Your teeth are an important feature of your mouth. Taking proper care of them is essential for keeping them strong and healthy. Proper dental care includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and having your teeth regularly cleaned and examined. However, even if you are vigilant with your oral care routine, it is still possible to be faced with problems, including cavities. One area where cavities are likely to occur is the chewing surfaces of your molars. This area of these teeth has deep crevices, which can easily trap food particles. As a result, oral bacteria flock to these crevices. If they are too deep, it can be difficult for your toothbrush to completely clean them, which may then result in cavities. At Cassell Dentistry, we can help to protect your teeth with dental sealants.

Forming Cavities

Cavities are a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs due to acid erosion. When you eat, food particles may linger or become lodged in certain areas of your teeth. Oral bacteria, which naturally occur in the mouth, flock to these food particles, feasting on the sugars. As they eat, they produce harmful acids. Bacteria multiply quickly. Brushing and flossing help to keep them at bay. These habits also help to neutralize the acids on your teeth before they have a chance to do any damage. If an area of your teeth is missed, such as the crevices in your molars, the acids remain on the enamel, and gradually begin to eat away at this protective layer. Over time, cavities grow larger. They can even grow into the inner layer of the affected tooth, which can lead to a serious, and painful infection.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a treatment used to cover over the crevices and grooves on the chewing surfaces of your molars. In covering these areas, they work to prevent a buildup of food particles and oral bacteria and make your teeth easier to keep properly clean.

Sealants are made up of plastic and other materials and are an easy, painless application. Before applying sealants, we first need to clean the teeth, removing any and all build up that may be in the crevices of your molars. If there is already a cavity in the targeted area, we first fill it to restore the health of your tooth and prevent further damage. After the teeth are cleaned, the sealant material is then painted on to the target teeth. It is finally dried with a special light.

Life Expectancy of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants, despite being made of plastic, can withstand most normal daily use and can last for several years. However, should a sealant be damaged, we can easily reapply it.

While sealants work to protect the chewing surfaces of your molars, they should not be used as an excuse to neglect your oral care routine. Sealants only protect the areas of the teeth that they cover. Oral bacteria can still cause harm to other areas of your teeth. Therefore, it is still important to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. Daily maintenance is important for keeping your mouth healthy, and your cleanings exams allow us to clean any areas you may not be able to get on your own and spot any signs of trouble before serious oral health issues develop.

Providing Protection for Anyone of Any Age

It is a common misconception that dental sealants are only meant for children. They are commonly used on the teeth of children because children tend to be more prone to cavities. Adults can experience cavities, too. Moreover, some individuals are more susceptible to getting cavities than others. For these people, sealants can provide the additional protection needed to keep a healthy mouth. Dental sealants are a great option for anyone, no matter what your age.

If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants, and if they are right for you, contact us today at 619-220-7475.