Dental Sealants Treatment in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK

Dental sealants serve as a preventive, non-invasive dental solution aimed at cavity prevention. Composed of a special plastic material, typically white or clear for subtle integration with natural teeth, dental sealants are applied to the tops of teeth featuring deep grooves or pits to provide protection.

The thin, clear, or white coating adheres to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars, forming a bond with the tooth enamel. This bond establishes a barrier that effectively prevents the accumulation of food and plaque, thereby impeding the settling of bacteria and acid on the teeth, which can cause a host of oral health issues.

While maintaining proper dental habits like brushing and flossing can protect your teeth from cavities, there are specific areas that may be challenging to reach and could benefit from dental sealants.

This is especially true for children, who may find it more challenging to consistently clean the hard-to-reach back teeth thoroughly. Dental sealants can effectively mitigate oral health risks in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

When it comes to who needs dental sealants, there are a few hard rules about who they are suitable for. In general, dental sealants can be a highly effective preventative treatment for anyone prone to tooth decay on their back teeth.

However, dental sealants are especially popular among children and teenagers. Normally, dental sealants are administered during childhood, once the molars have fully emerged. This is done to fill in the grooves and pits commonly present on the chewing surface of the teeth before any decay can occur.

Safeguarding molars as early as possible significantly diminishes the likelihood of developing cavities or more serious dental problems in the future.

The earlier your molars are shielded with dental sealants, the lower the risk of encountering cavities and other dental issues.

While dental sealants are most commonly given to children, adults without decay or dental fillings in their molars can also find value in this treatment. Certain individuals possess teeth featuring deep grooves and pits, elevating their risk of decay at some stage in life.

The dentists at Four Corners Dental Group can identify high-risk areas and assist patients in determining the suitability of sealants for their specific needs.

The primary advantage of dental sealants lies in their remarkably effective preventive properties. Sealants cover the tips of molars with plastic, providing a protective barrier against decay.

This added layer makes it challenging for bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface. Many patients enjoy the subtle and natural appearance of sealants as well. Sealants can be either transparent or have a subtle tooth-colored tint, and once applied and hardened, they are not very conspicuous in the mouth.

Given that they are typically applied to the further back teeth, they are likely to go unnoticed, seamlessly blending in with the overall appearance of the other teeth. Once a dental sealant has fully bonded, patients can be confident in its durability. Sealants are resistant to damage from routine activities such as chewing or biting during meals.

How long dental sealants will last varies among patients; however, many dental sealants are intended to last up to 10 years. Factors such as general oral health, oral hygiene habits, and other lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking can also influence the longevity of dental sealants.

The replacement of sealants becomes necessary when they wear down and lose their effectiveness. When dental sealants become worn, they are susceptible to allowing bacteria to accumulate between the tooth and the sealant, which mitigates its effectiveness and can lead to tooth decay.

Regular dental examinations, along with excellent oral health habits, are crucial to ensuring the ongoing effectiveness and condition of the sealant and preventing potential issues.

Get dental sealants from our experienced dentist, Dr. Higgins, at Four Corners Dental Group to protect your and your child’s smile from tooth decay and cavities. For more information, contact us, or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK. We serve patients from Anchorage AK. Wasilla AK, Knik-Fairview AK, Meadow Lakes AK Campbell AK, Spenard AK, and the surrounding areas!