As an oral health professional, Dr. Steven Mingus strives to make his patients’ smiles as beautiful and healthy as possible. To ensure this, he uses a range of preventative treatments, and ranks dental sealants as one of the best. Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay, and can help keep your smile strong for years to come.
How Dental Sealants Work
Dental sealants are a thin coating of plastic or resin that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of teeth. They are generally applied to the back teeth – the molars and premolars – which have deep depressions and fissures that can easily trap food particles and bacteria. Dental sealants can prevent the development of cavities by preventing these particles from becoming lodged in these areas.
Once applied, the sealant hardens and forms a protective barrier on top of the tooth. The sealant will wear away with time, but it can still provide protection for up to 10 years. It is recommended that dental sealants be applied when the new set of molars and pre-molars appear, typically between the ages of 6 and 12.
The Advantages of Dental Sealants
Dr. Mingus ranks dental sealants as one of the best preventative measures for tooth decay. Here are a few specific advantages of dental sealants:
1. Prevention of Tooth Decay – As mentioned earlier, dental sealants form a protective barrier over the teeth, preventing the development of cavities. This kind of protection can help keep your smile beautiful and healthy for years to come.
2. Safe and Pain-Free – The process for applying dental sealants is completely safe and pain-free. Dr. Mingus will first clean the teeth, and then apply the sealant with a small brush. The process takes only a few minutes per tooth.
3. More Cost-Effective Than Restorative Treatments – Dental sealants can be less expensive than restorative treatments for cavities. Regular dental cleanings with Dr. Mingus and proper oral care can help keep the sealant in place for many years, making it an affordable preventive measure.
4. No Flavor, Scent or Sensation – Dental sealants are virtually undetectable. They have no flavor, scent or sensation, making them perfect for children.
FAQs about Dental Sealants
Even though dental sealants are one of the safest and most effective preventive treatments for tooth decay, many patients still have questions. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions about dental sealants:
1. Are dental sealants only for young children? – While dental sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the new set of molars and pre-molars appears, they can still be effective for adults. Dr. Mingus can determine whether dental sealants are the best option for patients of any age.
2. Will dental sealants interfere with other treatments? – Dental sealants are a preventative measure, and they should not interfere with orthodontic treatments or the placement of fillings.
3. How long do dental sealants last? – With proper care and regular dental cleanings with Dr. Mingus, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. This makes dental sealants one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments for tooth decay.
Conclusion
For anyone looking for an effective way to prevent tooth decay, dental sealants are an excellent option. Dr. Mingus has seen firsthand how dental sealants can help his patients keep their smiles healthy and beautiful for years to come. They are safe, easy to apply, and cost-effective, making them the perfect preventive measure for patients of all ages.
If you would like to learn more about dental sealants, or any other preventive treatments, speak with Dr. Mingus and the oral health professionals at his practice. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best option for your smile.