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. Richard Hwynn on Dental Sealants
Dr. Richard Hwynn is a dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Sealants.
Q. What are dental sealants?
A. A dental sealant is a material that is bonded into the grooves of teeth (usually premolars and permanent molars).
Q. How do dental sealants work?
A. A dental sealant seals the grooves of teeth in order to protect it from decay causing bacteria. It is very difficult, if not impossible in most cases, to adequately clean the bacteria out of a groove in a tooth.
Q. Which teeth are suitable for sealants?
A. Any teeth that have deep grooves or fissures are suitable for sealants.
Q. How are sealants applied?
A. The groove is first prepped for bonding by applying an acid etchant material. After the etchant is thoroughly rinsed off and the tooth is dried, the sealant material is placed in the grooves and cured using a UV light.
Q. Are sealants visible?
A. The sealant material is either clear or white and not easily visible to an untrained eye.
Q. Will sealants make teeth feel different?
A. The sealant should not make the tooth feel different if correctly applied.
Q. How long will sealants last?
A. Due to many varying factors, it is hard to accurately say how long a sealant will last. I have seen sealants that were placed more than 10 years ago still in the grooves of teeth. Usually sealants will provide complete coverage of the grooves for 1-3 years. Over time with normal chewing and grinding habits, sealant material will wear out of some
of the grooves exposing part of the tooth to bacteria. At our office, we will touch up sealants for up to 3 years at no charge if we notice they are wearing out during a cleaning appointment.
Q. How to contact Dr.Richard Hwynn or Dr.Rayna Hwynn if we have further questions?
A. If you have any further questions, Dr.Richard Hwynn or Dr.Rayna Hwynn can be reached at 425-385-3839 or via e-mail at info@buffalosquaredental.com
