Fighting plaque and bacteria in your mouth is almost a daily science. Even the most diligent dental caretaker shows some evidence of plaque on their smiles at all times. Though bi-annual dental visits include plaque and tartar removal, having an extra barrier against the cavity-causing film can help improve the health of your smile. With dental sealants from your Columbia, TN general dentist, Dr. David Foster, your teeth will have better protection from everyday bacteria and oral diseases.
What’s a Dental Sealant?
Dental sealants prevent plaque from settling into the natural grooves of your teeth. In just 24 hours, the water-soluble, film-like substance that is plaque, hardens into tartar (or calculus). Once tartar builds-up, only a hygienist can remove the tartar with special dental tools. Additionally, tartar build-up leads to the separation of your gums from your teeth. These separations (or periodontal pockets) collect bacteria and even more plaque. The constant bacterial deposits cause your gums to bleed and swell, and with continued negligence, gum disease will set in.
You can, however, avoid this fate with dental sealants. Your Columbia, TN general dentist places a clear or white plastic onto dental surfaces. During subsequent visits, the doctor uses a harmless red dye to find signs of plaque and removes any traces of it effortlessly.
How a Dental Sealant Treatment Works
The treatment doesn’t even require a topical numbing agent. The dentist simply cleans and dries your teeth and adds a conditioning solution before applying the sealant. Then, the sealant is brushed onto the teeth and allowed time to harden. Some sealants will dry without the help of a specialized light, while others won’t. Regardless, the treatment is quick, simple and provides an invisible shield against bacteria.
Visit Creekside Family Dental Care for Cavity Protection
Maintaining your dental wellness is important to us, and your Columbia, TN general dentist can use dental sealants to ensure the health of your smile. To schedule an appointment, call us at (931) 388-3384. Also, visit our website for services, patient gallery, and to learn about our team. We welcome patients from Lewisburg, Lewisburg, Hohenwald, Centerville and surrounding cities.