Most people know brushing and flossing are important dental hygiene habits for preventing tooth decay. However, there is more that can be done to protect your teeth from cavities through dental sealants. These coatings can be made of dental resins, plastic, or ceramic. By covering and protecting your teeth from acids produced by food particles and bacteria, dental sealants reduce the risk of cavities very effectively.

PROVEN PREVENTION OF CAVITIES

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control says that having dental sealants can decrease tooth decay risk by approximately 80% for 2 years after application and 50% over the next 4 years. Although they can help patients of any age, dental sealants are highly recommended for school aged children at the time their molars come in.

Dental sealants can be applied quickly and painlessly at the Talley Dental office in Edmond, OK. The process includes cleaning the teeth, then applying an acidic gel that prepares the surface of the teeth to bond well with the sealants.

After rinsing and drying, the sealants are, in essence, painted on to the bumps and grooves of the teeth that are so difficult for toothbrushes to clean effectively. Then, the sealants are hardened by a special blue-violet light in a matter of seconds and begin protecting your teeth.

Although there is no real aftercare needed for this procedure, there may be a couple of short-lived effects. Some patients complain of an odd taste in their mouths for just a few minutes after the application, and others feel that their bite is off for a day or so afterwards.

There is no wait to start eating and drinking, and Dr. Jamie Talley will check the sealants at every regular appointment going forward to ensure they are effective and in good condition.