The Most Common Questions About Dental Sealants

Dental sealants protect your teeth from harmful bacteria from consuming lots of sugar and foods without practicing proper oral hygiene. When food debris is left to stick to your teeth, it leads to plaque growth, and this plaque erodes your teeth. This is where dental sealants come in. They are used to treat ongoing decay and prevent decay as they shield your teeth from bacteria.

Sealants are especially useful for kids and teenagers to prevent the growth of bacteria in their teeth, leading to decay. Sealants are also useful when caries and cavities have formed in your teeth, and they are used to cover the holes formed by erosion, which will reduce pain.

Let’s see at some of the frequently asked questions about dental sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings attached to the surface of your teeth, mostly in your premolars and molars. After applying the sealants, it quickly adheres to the grooves and depressions in your teeth, creating a protective shield over the tooth’s enamel.

Sealants are important because although you brush and floss your teeth regularly, your toothbrush and floss thread will not be able to reach those deep parts in your tooth, and therefore applying the dental sealant will prevent the buildup of food debris in those places. In addition, the dental sealant seals those places from decay caused by food debris and plaque.

Will It Hurt to Get a Sealant?

When you experience a toothache due to a tooth cavity, it would be best to visit the emergency dentist in Aurora, CO. This is because they will be able to treat the cavity, relieve you of pain and seal the cavity.

The procedure of getting dental sealants is easy and should not be painful. First, your dentist will clean the tooth and apply a gel on the chewing surface for about seconds. After this, the tooth is then rinsed and dried. The sealant is then painted on the tooth, and the dentist can also use a special UV light to harden the sealant to ensure it forms a protective shield over the tooth.

This process should not be painful as there is no scraping or drilling, so you should not experience any pain. You might feel uncomfortable during the cleaning process, but that is it. The process of sealant application should run smoothly from pain.

How Long After a Sealant Can You Eat Food?

People ask this question, especially when asking about their kids and teenagers. The truth is that dental sealants fully conform to your tooth’s shape for about a day or two, and after this period, the treated tooth will feel the same as other teeth.

The good news is that the treated tooth does not interfere with your biting, drinking, singing, talking, or chewing. Therefore, you or your child can start eating after having the dental sealant applied. However, there are foods that you should steer away from, whether or not you have dental sealants.

First, you should avoid consuming chewy or sticky foods as they can easily dislodge the newly applied dental sealants.

It is also important to avoid hard candies, jawbreakers, and ice as they can cause some discomfort around the treated tooth. In addition to that, foodstuff like caramel, toffee, or candy should also be avoided as they can stick to your sealant, which can be an uncomfortable feeling. The sticky foods can also remove the sealant.

Dentists recommend staying away from these foods as doing so will ensure that your sealer will last for long and make your teeth healthier. What’s more, you should make it a habit to maintain a healthy diet and reduce the sugary foods you consume.

Can I Brush My Teeth After Getting Them?

Dental sealants are important in protecting your teeth from cavities. However, you should continue brushing your teeth thoroughly to prevent bacteria buildup that can cause bacteria.

It is imperative to know that occasionally, dental sealants can come off, which is usually during the first months of application. This is why it is important you should look at your dental sealant during the first weeks.If you notice the dental sealant is loose, don’t hesitate to visit Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry, and we will replace your loose dental sealant and check your teeth for any dental issues.