Dental Sealants in Saskatoon
Let us help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile with our dental sealants in Saskatoon, SK. Call (306) 955-2400 to schedule your appointment today!
Plaque and bacteria can build up on the smooth surface of our teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This buildup can lead to tooth decay and risk of cavities if not properly removed through regular brushing and flossing. Dental sealants are a preventive measure that can help protect your teeth from this type of damage.
At Willowgreen Dental, our dental professionals treat patients of all ages and provide personalized treatment plans to meet each individual’s unique needs.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a type of treatment that dentists use to protect teeth from decay. They consist of a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (permanent molars and premolars), where the risk of decay occurs most often. Because enamel cannot regenerate once destroyed, the question can dental cavities heal themselves often points to the need for such protective barriers.
Types of Dental Sealants
1.
Glass Ionomer Sealants
These sealants are made from a mixture of acrylic and a specific type of glass material. The key advantage of glass ionomer sealants is their ability to slowly release fluoride over time, which can help to further protect teeth from decay. However, they may not be as long-lasting as resin-based sealants and may need to be replaced more often.
2.
Resin-Based Sealants
Resin-based sealants are made from a type of plastic. They are generally colorless and blend well with the natural tooth color. These sealants are very durable and can last several years before reapplication is needed.
Who Can Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants can be beneficial for both children and adults:
Children and Teenagers
The earlier a dental sealant is applied, the better. The first molars appear around age 6, and the second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come in can keep them cavity-free from the start, saving time, money and the discomfort sometimes associated with dental fillings.
Adults
Adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. The same process of protection applies to adults, helping to prevent dental decay in the deep grooves and depressions of permanent molars and premolars.
Baby Teeth
Occasionally, dental sealants may be recommended for baby teeth if the grooves are deep and are therefore prone to cavities. Baby teeth play an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, so it’s crucial to keep these teeth healthy.
How We Apply Dental Sealants
1.
Dental Cleaning
We will first thoroughly clean the teeth that are to be sealed. We usually do this using a paste and a rotating brush.
2.
Preparation
Next, we will rinse and dry your teeth. We may apply a tooth conditioner to the fissures and grooves of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the tooth. After a few seconds, this is rinsed off and the tooth is dried again.
3.
Application
We will then apply the dental sealant to the tooth surface using a brush or a small syringe. The sealant is a liquid at this stage and can flow into the depressions and grooves of the chewing surfaces of teeth.
4.
Evaluation
Finally, we will check your bite to make sure it's correct and may make some final touches to the sealant to ensure that it's comfortable.
5.
Hardening
Depending on the type of sealant used, we may use a special curing light to harden the sealant. Once hardened, the tooth sealant becomes a hard plastic varnish coating, and you can chew on the tooth again.
Let Willowgreen Dental Handle Your Dental Sealant Needs
At Willowgreen Dental, we understand that your oral health is essential to your overall well-being. That’s why we strive to provide dental sealants in Saskatoon. With our gentle approach and modern technology, you can trust us to help keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment!
Get In Touch With Us
Phone Number
Hours of Operation
Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 9:00am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am – 3:00pm