Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Casey Allman on Dental Sealants
Dr. Casey Allman is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Sealants.
Q. What are dental sealants?
A. Sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic "coating" is painted onto the surface of the tooth. Sealants are highly effective in preventing decay on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Q. How do dental sealants work?
A. They "seal" the deep grooves in teeth and act as a barrier which protects enamel from plaque and acids. They protect the deep grooves of your teeth from plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Q. Which teeth are suitable for sealants?
A. Sealants are typically placed on the chewing surface of permanent molars. The first permanent molars erupt in the mouth at about age six (6). A tooth is eligible for a sealant once it has completely erupted into the mouth. Children are the most common recipients of sealants, but adults can also benefit from the procedure.
Q. How are sealants applied?
A. Sealants are easy to apply, and take only a few minutes per tooth to seal. The tooth is gently rinsed and dried with air and a conditioner is then placed on the surface to be sealed. The conditioner is rinsed off and the sealant is applied or painted on the tooth and allowed to flow into the grooves. Once the material is on the tooth, an ultraviolet light is shined on the tooth which hardens the material and completes the seal.
Q. Are sealants visible?
A. Sealants can be tooth-colored, slightly off-white, or sometimes a bright white color. Since they flow into the deep grooves of your teeth, they are not readily visible once in place.
Q. Will sealants make teeth feel different?
A. Sealants may make the tooth feel slightly smoother to the tongue, but should not affect your bite or change the way you bite.
Q. How long will sealants last?
A. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed. Sealants will wear out and require replacement for many different reasons. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can help your sealants last longer.
Q. How to contact Dr. Allman if we have further questions?
A. Please feel free to call our office at (505)792-1585. You may also visit us on the web at http://www.SandiaSmiles.com
