Dental Sealants in Tupelo, MS

Dental sealants are a simple procedure our team at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry often recommends to protect your family's teeth from cavities (tooth decay). Sealants are thin, tooth-colored plastic coatings that are applied on the tops of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to seal deep pits and grooves naturally present on these teeth. Once positioned, sealants help to block bacteria, tartar, plaque, and food particles to further prevent tooth decay and other oral concerns. With proper care and an effective home oral hygiene routine, sealants can stay intact and in place for several years. Sealants not only improve oral health and lower the risk of cavities, but they may also reduce the need for future treatments, such as dental fillings. Talk to experienced family dentists Dr. Richard Caron and Dr. John Kenney during your appointment in our Tupelo, MS office to decide if dental sealants are ideal for your child's dental health or your own oral needs.

At Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we recommend sealants for any of our patients as an extra protective measure for your healthy teeth. These sealants offer many benefits for our Tupelo, MS patients, including:

• High percentage of protection against cavities
• Neutral, tooth-colored coating
• Prevention of plaque and debris buildup
• Save time and money by keeping your teeth healthy

The best candidates for sealants may be anyone prone to or at a higher risk for tooth decay. In many cases, dental sealants are recommended for children and teens and those who may not practice a good oral hygiene routine at home. The application of dental sealants is a simple, fast, and comfortable treatment that does not require anesthesia, making it a great procedure for patients of all ages. Sealants are not recommended for teeth that already have signs of decay or that have received dental fillings.

During your consultation, doctors Caron or Kenney will first need to assess the teeth to determine if sealants are the right treatment for your or your child's needs. Before the actual application, we will clean the teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Next, our team will brush the tooth-colored sealant material onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth and set (harden) the material using a special light. After the applications are set, we will check to ensure that each sealant is in the correct position and adjust the bite as needed.

Following treatment with sealants, you or your child should be free to resume a normal daily routine. It is important to maintain a regular home oral care plan, including brushing the teeth twice each day along with flossing daily. Foods that are sticky and chewing gum should be avoided for the first few days following sealant application. With good care, dental sealants may offer lasting protection for the chewing surfaces of the teeth. During subsequent dental examinations at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Doctors Caron and Kenney will determine if the dental sealants need to be reapplied.

How long do dental sealants last?
According to research, sealants can last up to nine years after placement but likely won’t be very effective at protecting against cavities at that time. Sealants guard against an estimated 80% of cavities for about two years and continue to protect against half of cavities for as many as four years.

Can dental sealants be removed?
Dental sealants can be removed, but this is usually only done if they’re showing signs of excessive wear. If removed, they are typically replaced by new dental sealants.

At what age should you get sealants?
Sealants can be placed in patients of all ages. However, they are often most beneficial to install when the permanent first and second molars fully erupt into the mouth, as these teeth are more prone to developing cavities. The first molars typically appear around age six, and the second molars generally erupt around age 12.

Are dental sealants harmful?
No. One concern some have previously offered about dental sealants is that they contain trace amounts of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). But research has shown that since this amount of BPA is minuscule and only appears on a tiny later for a limited time after a sealant is placed, the benefits of dental sealants outweigh any possible negative effects.

You or your family member may be one of the many people who may benefit from sealants to protect the teeth. Sealants from Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are a great treatment designed to help prevent tooth decay and the need for more extensive procedures, such as dental restorations. A relatively easy and quick procedure, dental sealants can help your loved ones experience easier dental exams and improved oral health. If you would like to learn more about dental sealants, contact our Tupelo, MS office to schedule a visit with doctors Caron or Kenney today.