Although brushing and flossing are effective cleaning techniques for removing food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of our teeth, sometimes these methods are ineffective at thoroughly cleaning the nooks and crannies in our premolars and molars. Because molars are the hardest to clean and the teeth most used in the chewing process, they are the most susceptible to cavities and decay. This is why the dentists of Clareview & Belmont Dental Associates recommend sealants soon after molars emerge when children are between the ages of 6 and 14.
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars to prevent cavities and tooth decay. The sealant is applied by the dentist, who first roughens the surface of the molar with acid and then paints on the sealant. The sealant bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, hardening and forming a shield over the enamel to protect it for approximately 10 years.
Sealants are normally applied to children’s molars because their teeth are especially susceptible to cavities. However, sometimes they are applied to adult molars if they have hard-to-clean grooves that are causing cavities.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Winston Au, Dr. Sheldon Au, Dr. Henry Deacon, Dr. Joyce Kim or Dr. Macus Ngal in Edmonton, AB, call (780) 475-5922. For more information, please visit www.clareviewbelmontdentist.com.
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