Everyone knows that bacteria, especially bacteria that are left to grow and amalgamate on the surfaces of our teeth and along our gum line, can be harmful to our oral hygiene. Therefore, it’s important to take steps to protect our teeth. Otherwise, if bacteria, plaque, and tartar are left unaddressed, it can give rise to more serious problems including cavities, tooth decay, and even bone deterioration.
With that said, there are a few different avenues you can explore to keep your mouth fresh and clean; one particularly great option is receiving dental sealants. Get in touch with our local dental clinic and speak to a dentist in Saskatoon for more information.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coverings that are used to stop plaque and other particles from gathering in the grooves and fissures on the surface of your teeth. They can be painted onto one, two, or all your teeth. However, since our molars and premolars are the hardest to brush properly, dental sealants are commonly applied to these teeth.
Simply put, dental sealants essentially act as a shield or a “seal” for your tooth, preserving its structure and integrity from damage brought on by decay.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
There are multiple benefits when it comes to receiving dental sealants, and they are as follows:
1. They’re suitable for all ages.
Although dental sealants are great for kids, as it can be difficult for them to thoroughly brush their back teeth and remove all the bacteria, this treatment is not exclusive to any age group. Anyone can benefit from clean and healthy teeth.
2. They help reduce cavities.
Dental cavities are often caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar and bits of food, particularly in areas that are harder to reach with our toothbrushes. Cavities can also spread to other locations in your mouth if they’re left unattended.
Sealants cover up the surfaces of your teeth that come into contact with food when you eat, filling in all the devious little crevices that can pose a challenge to your oral hygiene.
3. The treatment is quick and non-invasive.
Receiving dental sealants from a dentist is a straightforward process that only requires one appointment.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and may take some dental x-rays too to establish a baseline of your oral hygiene. Then they’ll clean and dry your teeth. The surface of your teeth will be roughened up with a special solution so that the sealants will stick to your teeth better. Finally, the dental sealants themselves are applied and hardened in place with a UV light.
And there you are: a brand-new, healthy smile created just for you! If you have any questions or concerns about the process, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know.
4. They last long.
One of the biggest benefits of dental sealants is that they last! And, if you brush and floss after your meals, and come in for routine dental cleanings and checkups, they’ll last even longer. Your dentist will also check that everything is in order when you come. If they do require repair, reapplication is very simple.
5. They’ll save you money!
Firstly, compared to other treatments, dental sealants are more affordable. This process is typically covered by dental insurance companies as well, but always be sure to contact your insurance provider to make sure.
Secondly, prioritizing your oral hygiene and health now will undoubtedly benefit you down the road. This will save you time, money, and worry.
Are you looking to receive dental sealants in Saskatoon? Here at Saskatoon Smiles, we’ve got you covered! Our dentists are here to walk you through the process from start to finish so you know exactly what to expect. They’ll also be able to tell you whether you’re an ideal candidate to receive dental sealants or if another route is more suitable for your specific case.
You deserve to fall in love with your smile all over again, and we want to help you with that. Call or visit our website to book an appointment. We look forward to working with you!