Dental sealants are small plastic coatings that are used to protect your teeth from further decay. They are typically placed on the back teeth that are more difficult to brush properly, particularly on the surface area where chewing takes place. The premolars and molars in your mouth tend to have small grooves in them that make tooth decay more likely to occur. These grooves can be narrow yet deep, making them very difficult to properly clean. Once plaque builds up, this plaque may eventually turn into hardened tartar that heightens the possibility that you will eventually suffer from a cavity.

In the worst-case scenario, the tooth would need to be removed and you would need to explore your options for an oral surgery or cosmetic procedure that could provide you with a replacement tooth. However, a dental sealant is designed to mitigate this issue and allow you to avoid needing to request the services of an oral surgeon. When this sealant is placed on a tooth, the surface becomes smooth and any grooves are closed

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

The dental sealant procedure is a relatively simple one that begins with preparation for the tooth in question. The surface of your tooth will first be polished in order to remove any food debris or plaque that’s stuck on the surface and within the grooves. The tooth will then be dried and etched in order to prepare for the placement of the dental sealant. Once this has been completed, the sealant will be applied to the tooth surface through the usage of a small brush. A light will then be used to apply heat to the sealant in order to bond it to the tooth, which takes less than a minute to complete.

The dentist in charge of the procedure will then go through an extensive evaluation to make sure that the sealant has been applied properly and that it’s hardened correctly. Once this substance is hardened, it will form into a plastic coating that allows you to eat properly once more. Although dental sealants are primarily used on the premolars and molars in your mouth, they can also be used on additional permanent teeth that contain problematic grooves.

What to Do if Dental Sealants Don’t Solve These Problems

Dental sealants should last for years once placed on your teeth, but it’s possible that the issues in the tooth are too advanced to be fixed with a dental sealant. In the event that a dental sealant can’t be used to fix the cracks or fissures in your teeth, it’s likely that the decay has progressed to the point where it would be wise to remove the tooth altogether. If this needs to occur, oral surgery is the route you’ll want to go, as a trained oral surgeon will be able to remove the tooth and place dental implants in their spot. This is a type of cosmetic procedure, which means that it’s a minor form of surgery without too many risks or side effects. The only way to know if you require additional treatment aside from a dental sealant is to ask your dentist.

If your tooth has decayed to the point where it needs to be removed, get in touch with the Good Samaritan Dental Implant Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, to schedule your initial consultation for dental implants with one of our professional oral surgeons