Dental Sealants in Northridge, CA

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay. They are an effective preventative measure against cavities and should be considered for all children and adults who have a history of decay, or those with deep pits and fissures in their molars. They can be installed before the teeth erupt or at any time thereafter; generally speaking, they’re performed in children and teens because they’ll have the most growth left to happen.

Sealants act like a protective ‘crown’ on your teeth and help to prevent food particles from getting trapped between the teeth (a leading cause of decay). Sealants can also be used to fill in large gaps between your front teeth that may have been caused by injury or childhood orthodontic treatment.

Dental sealants are a long-term solution because they stay in place for several years. They are safe and effective—in fact, they’re more than twice as successful at preventing cavities than brushing alone!

Why do you need them?

Process of dental sealants

To understand how dental sealants work and what they are, it’s important to know a few basics. First, the dentist will clean your teeth and apply a thin layer of plastic to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. This can be done using several different methods, including brushing or spraying on an adhesive material that has been cured using light. The sealant is then cured (hardened) by exposing it to ultraviolet light for about 30 seconds. The dentist will then polish the sealant to a smooth finish before examining the sealant during your next visit to make sure it is properly applied.

Benefits of sealants

• Sealants can prevent tooth decay from occurring because they cover the grooves and fissures that form in teeth with a smooth protective layer. The bacteria that cause cavities can only survive on the rough surface of your enamel, so if you have sealants, the bacteria will not be able to survive.
• Sealants coat your teeth in a smooth layer that does not allow plaque to stick to them. Plaque is made up of bacteria and food particles, which stick to teeth when they are exposed to saliva; if there is no exposed surface for it to adhere to then it cannot form into tartar or bacteria that could cause cavities.
• Sealants reduce the chance of developing periodontal disease as well as other oral diseases such as gingivitis and dry mouth syndrome (also known as xerostomia), which occurs when there is an imbalance between how much saliva we produce and how much we swallow over time due either genetic predisposition or lifestyle choices like smoking cigarettes (which affects salivary glands).

Who makes a good candidate for dental Sealants?

The American Dental Association recommends that children receive their first appointment for sealants at around age 7 years old, though some dentists may recommend dental sealants as early as age 3 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers can last 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance. Caring for your veneers should include daily brushing, flossing, rinsing the mouth after meals, minimizing your intake of sugary foods and beverages and tobacco products, and visiting your dentist for routine dental visits. 

Are veneers reversible?

The tooth preparation process is irreversible, as your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel to create room for the veneers. However, they can be replaced or updated. Routinely visiting your dentist can help extend their lifespan and allow you to ask any questions about updating your treatment as needed. 

Are dental veneers painful to get?

The veneer procedure is usually painless and is performed with patients under dental sedation or a local anesthetic to ensure their comfort. Afterward, you may feel slight soreness or increased sensitivity, but this will subside as your mouth becomes accustomed to your tooth veneers. You can also manage this with over-the-counter pain management medications. 

Can I eat normally with dental veneers?

Yes, you can eat your favorite foods with dental veneers. However, avoid biting into hard objects to prevent damage. You should also maintain a healthy diet and visit your dentist regularly for suggestions about keeping your porcelain veneers looking and feeling perfect.