Dental Sealants

Here at Cedar Ridge Esthetic & Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to your health and your children’s mouths. Many times, you can avoid tooth loss with professional preventive services. One preventative measure we recommend for kids in Urbandale is dental sealants.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth from cavities and decay. Sealants are thin, plastic films that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where most cavities occur. The dental sealant quickly bonds to the tooth enamel and forms a barrier that keeps out food and plaque. Sealants can last for many years but must be checked regularly by a dental professional to ensure they are still intact. Sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities and are especially important for children and adolescents at high risk for dental problems. Talk to Dr. Ayah Bilbeisi about whether dental sealants are suitable for you or your child.

Dental Sealants and Cavities

Cavities develop when plaque feeds on leftover food particles like sugar and converts them into acid, which can erode the tooth and create holes or cavities over time. Dental sealants stop acids from permeating the tooth’s enamel and food particles and bacteria from adhering to these grooves.

Sealants Stop and Prevent Decay

Even at the age of five or six, your Urbandale dentist for kids may recommend sealants. The sooner we can place sealants, the better, as the permanent teeth begin to erupt around this time. As a result of the dental sealant placement, there is little chance for food to be left behind, which aids in the harmful process of plaque formation. 

For people with early-stage tooth decay, we can also use sealants to prevent the advancement of tooth decay. According to the American Dental Association, patients with dental sealants placed on their permanent molars experienced an 80% reduction in cavities.

The Dental Sealant Process and Procedure For Kids

The dental sealant process is quick and easy and can help to protect your teeth from cavities. First, Dr. Bilbeisi will clean the teeth and remove any plaque or tartar. Next, we will roughen up the surfaces of the molars using an acidic gel. The rough surface allows the dental sealant to better adhere to the tooth. Once we remove the gel, Dr. Bilbeisi will apply the dental sealant to the teeth and then use a light to harden them. The process takes about 30 minutes, and your dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care.

Although dental sealants are most commonly applied to children’s teeth, adults can also benefit from this preventive dental treatment. If you are considering getting dental sealants, discuss it with Dr. Bilbeisi to see if it is right for you.

How to Care for Your Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a popular way to help protect teeth from cavities, but they require special care to ensure that they stay in place and remain effective. Here are a few tips for caring for your dental sealants:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to brush gently around the sealants.

• Floss once a day. You can use dental floss or an interdental brush to clean around the sealants.

• Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary snacks. Sealants are designed to protect teeth from cavities, but they can’t stand up to constant exposure to sugar. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding sugary snacks will help keep your teeth healthy overall.

By following these simple tips, you can help your dental sealants last for many years.

Dental Sealants in Urbandale

If you want dental sealants in Urbandale, come to Cedar Ridge Esthetic & Family Dentistry. Your children can drastically decrease their risk of cavities with good home care, dental care, and sealants. Call today to reserve a dental sealant con in Urbandale, IA.