On the chewing surfaces of your teeth, there are small grooves and valleys. In some cases, these depressions can trap food and plaque, which regular brushing and flossing cannot remove. In order to smooth over these grooves, the dentists at Westwood Dental will recommend a dental sealant, which is a thin plastic layer that fills in the nooks and crannies of the teeth. Typically, Dr. Shelly Galvin will apply dental sealants to children’s teeth once their permanent teeth grow in, but sealants can also be used to protect the teeth of adults.
It is a simple and painless process to receive a dental sealant in Kansas City, Kansas. First, the surface of the tooth will be cleaned, and a small amount of acid will be used to slightly roughen the surfaces of the tooth. This will help provide a better surface for the sealant to bond to. The sealant is then applied to the tooth, and a special curing light is used to harden the plastic. If properly cared for, sealants can last for years, but they will often need to be checked for chips or cracks.
To learn more about dental sealants, or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call Westwood Dental today. We would love to hear from you.