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Dental Services We Provide:
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Family Dental - Cosmetic Dental
Work - Veneers - Dentures - Dental Implants
Dental Sealants
 A
dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is "painted" onto the
chewing surface of the tooth to help prevent decay. Dental sealants
are primarily used on the molars and are particularly effective in
children with deep pits and fissures in their teeth.
Why are dental sealants placed on teeth?
Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque (the
white film that forms on a person's teeth). In general, the longer
dental plaque remains on a tooth's surface the more likely it will
be able to form a cavity. The idea behind brushing teeth is that
dental plaque that has accumulated on a tooth's surface is scrubbed
off. Some teeth however, related to aspects associated with their
anatomy, are harder to clean than others.
Some back teeth, especially molars, can be difficult for a person to
clean because the grooves found on their chewing surface (the
tooth's "pits and fissures") are deep and narrow. Even though the
person brushes their teeth not all of the dental plaque that is
present is cleansed off because the individual bristles of their
toothbrush are simply too large to gain access into the depths of
the tooth's grooves. Because some plaque has not been cleaned away,
the tooth is at risk for the formation of decay.
By bonding plastic resin (the dental sealant) into the grooves of a
tooth a dentist can create a tooth surface that is smoother. There
are no longer any locations on the chewing surface of the tooth that
the bristles of a toothbrush can't access and clean. Since dental
plaque can be removed more easily and effectively, there is much
less of a chance that tooth decay will form.
Another difficulty associated with a tooth having deep grooves is
that in some instances the thickness of the enamel that lies at the
base of the grooves is thinner than the enamel that encases other
aspects of the tooth. This means that not only can deep narrow
grooves make it more likely that tooth decay will form (because the
tooth can't be cleansed effectively) but also that any decay that
does form will have an easier time of penetrating through enamel
layer (because it is less thick) and progressing on into the inner
aspects of the tooth.
To learn more about Dental Sealants or to make an appointment call
us today Toll Free! 480 983-3444
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Family Dental
Services For:
- Mesa
- Gilbert
- Chandler
- Apache
Junction
- Queen Creek
- Gold Canyon
- Florence
- Phoenix
- Globe
- Fountain
Hills
Get Directions From Your Address To Our
Dental Office.
Dental Sealants
Help Protect Your Children's teeth from tooth decay |
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