Dental Sealants in Spanish Fork, UT

At Creekside Dental in Spanish Fork, UT, our dentist uses dental sealants to protect our patients' teeth from tooth decay and cavities. 

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a very thin, plastic coating that is brushed onto the patient's teeth by the dentist. It is typically applied on the chewing surfaces of the molars or back teeth to protect them from tooth decay.

How Are Dental Sealants Beneficial? 

Dental sealants are coatings made of either polymer or resin that are applied to the chewing surface of the molars and premolars to provide added dental protection. For most people, cavities start in the pits and grooves of their back teeth as a result of the accumulation of plaque. Since these areas are located deep inside the mouth, it is not always possible to clean them well while brushing or flossing. Therefore, food and plaque can get stuck within these deep pits and grooves, leading to the accumulation of decay-causing bacteria and acids in the mouth that erode the enamel and cause decay. 

The dental sealant acts as a wall that seals off the tooth from food, sugar, and harmful bacteria, thus preventing cavities. 

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Sealants are most popular as a preventative dental treatment among children to protect their teeth from cavities. Besides children, adults who are at an increased risk of cavities can also benefit from dental sealants to maintain optimal oral health.

Procedure for Dental Sealants

The procedure of coating the teeth with dental sealants starts with the examination of the patient's teeth to identify existing decay and cavities. The dentist addresses the existing cavities before proceeding with the sealant application. 

The targeted area is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared with an acidic solution that roughens the surface to allow easy and firm bonding of the sealant. 

After the mouth is rinsed and dried, the dentist applies the liquid sealant onto the patient's teeth and hardens it using a curing light. 

Uses of Dental Sealants

• Dental sealants seal the teeth off from food and bacteria, thus protecting the teeth against decay.
• Sealants cover up the grooves and pits in the back teeth and prevent food debris from accumulating there.
• Sealants allow the dental surface to be easily cleaned by smoothing it. 
• Dental sealants reduce the advancement of plaque and tartar. 
• By preventing tooth decay and cavities, dental sealants help to save the patient from expensive dental treatments.

If you want to know more about our procedures, schedule a consultation by calling us at (385) 448-1500 or book your appointment online.