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Dental Sealants
Our Largo, FL, dentist offers dental sealants for children, teens, and adults to protect back teeth (molars and premolars) from decay. This simple procedure involves applying a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, effectively sealing the grooves or small pits where food particles and bacteria are likely to accumulate. Sealants are quick to apply, highly effective, and can last for years, making them an excellent investment in your or your child’s long-term dental health.
Learn more about the down below.
Explaining Dental Sealants
As mentioned above, dental sealants are a preventive treatment aimed at protecting back molars from decay. Once applied, the sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
The dental sealant application is straightforward and pain-free, typically completed in a single visit to our Largo, FL, dental office. The teeth are first cleaned and dried before an acid solution is put on to roughen the surfaces, further helping the dental sealant to bond securely. After rinsing and drying again, the sealant is applied and cured with a special light to harden the material.
Why Sealants Are Better Than Fillings
While both sealants and fillings are crucial in the fight against tooth decay, they serve different purposes. Sealants are primarily preventive; they are applied to healthy teeth with no decay. Their main advantage is their ability to prevent decay and the need for more invasive dental treatments later on. By contrast, fillings are restorative, used to repair damage after decay has occurred.
Sealants are also more cost-effective in the long run. They are less expensive than fillings and, if maintained well, can protect teeth for up to 10 years before reapplication is necessary. The non-invasive nature of sealants also means there is no need to remove tooth structure, which is often required in the filling process.
Give Your Teeth Cavity Protection
If you want a significant defense against cavities and long-term tooth decay for either yourself or your child, our dentist in Largo, FL, recommends sealants. Sure, regular check-ups and cleanings are beneficial, but adding sealants to your smile can provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring your teeth stay strong. Call or text David W. Piper, DMD Family Dentistry today at (727) 548-7100 to request an appointment.