Dental Sealant Arlington VA

Given the importance of your oral health, you will want to make sure it is in the best hands possible. The right Arlington, VA dentist will ensure everything is done properly and to a high standard.

Why should you choose Bloom Dental? With decades of combined experience, our dentists are experts at what they do. Whether it is sealants or any other kind of dental service, there is nothing we cannot do. You will be treated with care throughout your time with us, and you will be put at ease from the second you contact us. Our team cares about your needs and ensures you get the care you deserve.

Add a rich history of providing various treatments to countless clients, and you can rest easy knowing you are in good hands. There is no reason not to get in touch, whether you need dental sealant in arlington va or anything else dental related.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are coatings applied to the surface of your back teeth. They are designed to protect teeth from decay and other dental issues. Usually thin and transparent, they are practically invisible to the eye, and you should not even feel them once they have been applied.

These are always applied as a liquid, and specialized equipment is used to harden them so they can protect the teeth. They act as a shield against plaque and similar debris, which can damage and decay the teeth.

What are dental sealants made of?

Dental sealants are made from medical-grade materials, though the exact materials can vary somewhat from manufacturer to manufacturer. They are primarily made of two materials. The most common ones are resins, which can be plant-based or synthetic. Another option is a glass ionomer, a glass powder mixed with a water-soluble acid. Both harden when they are in your mouth, helping protect your teeth long-term.

Who needs dental sealants?

Since dental sealants are usually seen as a proactive approach to dental issues, you could wonder who needs them. Quite a few people will already experience some of the problems these sealants are designed to protect against; they may not be appropriate candidates for the treatment.

Dental sealants can be recommended for more than a few people. Adults who do not have any dental decay or implants can be great candidates for this, as the sealants will prevent future decay. Anyone prone to decay on their back teeth could also benefit from dental sealants. Children and teenagers can be great candidates for dental sealants. Children can see more than a few benefits from the treatment. Once their permanent premolars and molars come in, it could be a great time to get this done.

In the years after these teeth come in, children can be prone to developing cavities. This usually happens between the ages of six and 14. Dental sealants can be a great way to protect against this and are an effective way to maintain oral health during these years. There are also rare cases when baby teeth could benefit from dental sealants. This is primarily the case when the teeth have deep grooves and depressions. Plaque and similar debris could build up in these, causing long-term issues; dental sealants make sure that does not happen.

How are dental sealants applied?

Applying dental sealants is quick and easy, and a quality dental service will make sure it is painless. There are several steps involved in the process:

1. Cleaning the teeth
2. Drying the teeth – normally cotton gauze is applied to the tooth
3. Putting a small amount of acid etching onto the chewing areas of your teeth – helps the sealant bond properly
4. Rinsing and re-drying the teeth
5. Painting the teeth directly onto the tooth’s enamel – it should bond directly to the tooth
6. Use a curing light on the sealant so it hardens

What are the benefits of dental sealants?

The main benefit of dental sealants is that they help to protect your teeth much more than if you did not have them. While dental hygiene protects most of each tooth’s surface against plaque and other issues, it is nearly impossible to get to each nook and cranny between your teeth.

Dental sealants ensure no plaque, dirt, or food can enter these. The main benefit is helping to ensure you do not develop any cavities or other issues in these nooks and crannies. They help improve your overall oral health more than you would think.

How long do tooth sealants last?

Sealants are one of the most long-lasting dental treatments you can get. Many of them last up to 10 years, though a few factors will affect this. They can go through a lot of wear and tear, damaging them over time.

Regular checkups will be needed to ensure they’re still working properly. If the dental sealant is damaged, your Arlington, VA dentist will fix it during your session; this should be a relatively quick and easy process.