Dental Sealants
Russellville, AL
 We can protect vulnerable areas of your teeth with a sealant coating. Once hardened, they will serve as a barrier between your teeth and bacteria. We recommend dental sealants for all of our adolescent patients, and for anyone else who has trouble areas that could use extra help. Our staff at Singing River Dentistry is happy to answer your questions and discuss the benefits of dental sealants.
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The shape of our molars, or back teeth, are designed to help us chew and break down food. There are portions that are pointed, and portions that are smooth, with what are called pits and valleys. As we chew food, much of it is then swallowed. Whatever is not swallowed is often loosened and then washed away through saliva, drinking water, or when brushing. This system works great most of the time, but there can be some trouble spots. Some teeth can have areas that food debris can become stuck making it difficult to remove, or even impossible. There can be areas so tiny that even brush bristles can not reach. These are the areas that then become most vulnerable to decay. We can help prevent decay by finding these spots and filling the area with a liquid barrier known as dental sealants.
Dental sealants are a liquid lacquer or plastic material that we paint onto the surface of your teeth to prevent food, plaque, or bacteria from making contact. Studies have shown about an 80% reduction in decay in patients with sealants.
Because of this significant reduction, we recommend the application of dental sealants for many of our patients including:
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Adolescents: We recommend the application of dental sealants for all of our patients who have grown their adult molars but are still under the age of 18. This is because we understand that adolescents are still in the learning phase of caring for their teeth and gums. They are more prone to missing plaque and debris when brushing and flossing. If we can prevent decay in their permanent teeth, this will help them have healthier teeth into adulthood.
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Shape of Teeth: We recommend the application of dental sealants for patients who naturally have deep grooves or pits in their teeth. Sometimes the shape of a tooth leaves you more vulnerable to areas of decay. We can help this by sealing these spots.
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Medically Fragile: We recommend the application of dental sealants for patients who are more medically fragile for a wide variety of reasons. There can be a wide spectrum of reasons why it can be more difficult for a patient to brush or floss appropriately. We want to recognize that there can be difficulties present, and provide this service when needed. |
Dental Sealant Application
We can apply dental sealants at any dental appointment including following a dental cleaning. The application is quite simple and painless. We begin with ensuring that the area is clean and free of debris. We then apply a mild acid to lightly etch the enamel, which helps the sealant adhere better. The sealant is then painted on in liquid form, and hardened in place with a blue light. The entire process is completed quickly and easily.
Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to get dental sealants, contact Singing River Dentistry at 256-460-4191 today!
Request an Appointment
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