We have all heard of fillings, but sealants are less popular. Sealants are a type of preventive dental treatment that helps protect teeth from cavities and decay. Sealants are thin coatings of plastic material placed on the chewing surfaces of teeth to keep bacteria and food particles away. This blog will discuss whether you can get sealants on teeth fillings, their benefits, and other related FAQs.
What Are Sealants?
Before discussing whether you can get sealants on teeth fillings, it is essential to understand what they are. Sealants are thin layers of plastic material painted onto the surface of a tooth. Sealants are applied to the grooves and pits of teeth, which capture food particles that can lead to cavities. The sealant acts as a barrier between the tooth enamel and bacteria, preventing them from having contact with each other. Sealants are also commonly used on molars but can be placed on any tooth surface susceptible to decay.
Can You Get Sealants On Teeth Fillings?
Yes, you can get sealants on teeth fillings. Sealants help protect the filling material from decay and further damage while protecting your natural teeth from future cavities. Bonds provide an extra layer of protection from cavity-causing bacteria and food particles. Sealants are especially beneficial for children since their teeth have deeper grooves where cavity-causing bacteria can hide. Bonds can also help protect your teeth from further damage after a filling is placed.
Benefits Of Sealants On Teeth Fillings
There are many benefits to getting sealants on teeth fillings, including:
• Sealants provide an extra layer of protection against bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities, especially in children’s teeth.
• Sealants create a tight bond between the tooth enamel and the filling material, preventing further decay or damage.
• Sealants are quick and easy to apply with little discomfort for patients.
• Sealants are cost-effective since they last up to ten years before needing to be replaced.
• Sealants can help protect teeth from further damage after a filling is placed.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Sealants are typically applied during a routine dental visit. The dentist will clean and dry the tooth to remove any plaque or debris, then use an etching solution to roughen the tooth’s surface. This helps create better adhesion between the sealant material and the tooth enamel. The sealant is then painted onto the grooves and pits of the tooth with a brush and dried using a particular light source. The entire process only takes about 10 minutes for each tooth.
FAQs
1) How long do Sealants Last?
Sealants typically last up to ten years before they need to be replaced.
2) Are Sealants Painful?
No, Sealants are not painful. The application process is typically quick and easy, with little discomfort for patients.
3) Do Sealants Only Work on Children’s Teeth?
No, Sealants can be used on any tooth surface susceptible to decay, including adult teeth. Sealants can also help protect teeth from further damage after a filling is placed.
Conclusion
Sealants are an effective preventive dental treatment that helps protect teeth from cavities and decay. Sealants create a tight bond between the tooth enamel and the filling material, preventing further decay or damage. Sealants are also quick and easy to apply with little discomfort for patients. Sealants can also help protect teeth from further damage after a filling is placed. Sealants are an effective way to keep your teeth healthy and robust, especially in children’s mouths, where deep grooves may be more prone to capturing bacteria and food particles.