Since your dentist is mainly concerned with preserving your oral health, they offer a variety of preventative treatments. One of these treatments is known as dental sealants. Like their name suggests, dental sealants work by sealing the tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay from forming. Most dental sealants are placed over the chewing surface of molars, since their bumpy texture makes them more susceptible to tooth decay. Because of this, dental sealants are sometimes known as pit and fissure sealants. After a sealant has been placed, it acts as a shield to protect the natural tooth structure from bacteria.
Did you know…
Dental sealants can be made out of the same composite resin used for composite fillings. This means that they will blend with the natural tooth structure and are not noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for dental sealants?
The best candidates for dental sealants are children or individuals who struggle with brushing or flossing properly, although anyone can use dental sealants as a preventative treatment. However, dental sealants should not be used as a replacement for daily brushing and flossing. To determine if dental sealants are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay at Birch Point Dental Clinic today.
What can I expect when having a dental sealant placed at Birch Point Dental Clinic?
Having dental sealants placed is an easy and quick procedure. Before placing the sealant, however, your teeth will need to be thoroughly cleaned by a dental hygienist. This removes all the plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surface of your teeth in order to provide a clean surface for the sealant. After your teeth have been cleaned, then an ultra-thin layer of composite resin is brushed over the surface of the designated teeth. Then, the composite resin is hardened using a special curing light. This process will be repeated for as many teeth that require dental sealants.
How long do dental sealants last?
After having your dental sealant placed, it will be the most effective in the first two years, but will still be about 50% effective until the four year mark. Although you can leave sealants in place for up to nine years, this is not recommended since they are no longer very effective after year four. Additionally, if your sealant becomes damaged, it can allow bacteria to get trapped underneath. This is why most dentists recommend replacing dental sealants every 2-4 years.
Do dental sealants have BPA?
Recently there has been some talk about BPA being used in dental sealants. While dental sealants themselves do not contain BPA, it is a byproduct of their fabrication process. However, there is such a miniscule amount of BPA that it is considered to be safe. In fact, more BPA is contained in the air around you than is associated with sealants. There are also some variations of dental sealants that are completely BPA-free. Overall, the Canadian Dental Association supports the appropriate use of dental sealants for use on primary and permanent teeth.
Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay at Birch Point Dental Clinic. Located in the Bay & Algoma neighborhood, our location allows you to have your teeth looked at while also providing the opportunity to shop local and enjoy spaghetti take out at the famous Italian Cultural Centre across the street.
