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Dental Sealants Milwaukie OR Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry places protective dental sealants or covering on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth, protecting them from abrasive acids that cause tooth decay. Whether you require effective protective dental services for your children or yourself, our dentists evaluate the state of your teeth and determine the best treatment plan for maintaining the health and strength of your smile. What are Dental Sealants?Dental sealants are protective, plastic coatings that are placed on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth to protect the outer enamel layer, preventing them from decay. This prevents external contaminants from penetrating and damaging teeth. Mike Regan, DMD utilizes high-grade dental sealants for both adults and children, preventing them from sustaining serious damage. Placing Dental SealantsDental sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces of molar and premolar teeth. These teeth have grooves or fissures on top. These can be quite deep and too narrow for brush bristles to reach and clean. This increases their vulnerability to decay as germs and bacteria accumulate in the fissures, creating plaque that releases acids that damages the enamel layer and causes cavities. Dental sealants prevent cavities and related damage by protecting the pitted areas by covering the fissured areas with a coating. Mike Regan, DMD places dental sealants on permanent teeth with grooves and pits as well as baby teeth in their primary dentition. The procedure is quick and performed meticulously to ensure complete protection. How are Sealants Placed?Dental sealants are either clear or have a slight natural tint to mimic the appearance of a tooth. These are placed by first cleaning the surface of the tooth and drying it. Before the dentist places the sealant, they place an acidic solution that is rinsed off after a couple of seconds. This creates microscopic rough edges that the sealant adheres to. Once the tooth is dry again, the sealant is placed and left to dry under a special light. Once the sealant has dried, you can continue using your teeth normally. When are Sealants Placed?While sealants can be placed on baby teeth in some cases, they are usually placed on the child’s first permanent molar before it fully erupts. This keeps the surface of the tooth protected as it grows over time. This means that dental sealants in children’s teeth can be placed between the ages of six and sixteen or until their molars and premolars are erupting. Although not as frequently, dental sealants are also placed in adults who are at high risk for dental caries in teeth that don’t have dental fillings or previous sealants. How Long Do They Last?Mike Regan, DMD uses high-grade dental sealants that are meant to last. Typically, they can last years after being placed. However, dental issues such as bruxism or external trauma may damage the sealant, requiring replacement. Whether you want to have dental sealants places on your teeth or have children that require them, Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry caters to a wide range of preventative dentistry needs. Give us a call at 503-654-8283 today to schedule an appointment with Mike Regan, DMD or Rebekah Crosby, DMD and protect your teeth from decay and cavities. |
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