If you are cavity-prone and are wondering how you can protect your teeth from decay, dental sealants may be a great choice for you. Dental sealants from Dr. Ricardo Muñoz are also a great choice for kids who may be at a higher risk of cavities.
With sealants, you can completely prevent cavities in the rear teeth, and ensure your mouth or your child’s mouth remains healthy. Contact us online or call today at (956) 997-4044 to schedule an appointment in McAllen today.
Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment recommended to patients of all ages who may be cavity-prone. In this procedure, a liquid resin is applied to the rear teeth, which are roughened with a mild acid to ensure a proper hold for the resin.
Then, the resin is hardened using a special light, and it forms a clear barrier over the tooth enamel that prevents the direct contact of oral bacteria, acid, and food particles. This, in turn, protects the tooth and helps stop cavities.
This depends on a few different factors, but with proper application, most patients will be able to keep their dental sealants for about 5-10 years. Over time, the sealants will become worn down and may begin to disintegrate.
This is one of the reasons why six-month visits to the dentist are so important. By seeing Dr. Muñoz regularly, you can keep an eye on the state of your dental sealants, and ensure they’re in good condition.
If your sealants are wearing out, Dr. Muñoz may recommend that you be treated again to protect your teeth. Or, if Dr. Muñoz believes your oral health is good and that you have a low risk of developing a cavity, you may not need another treatment with dental sealants.
No. The filling process is minimally invasive, and Dr. Munoz will numb your mouth to ensure you don’t feel any pain. In addition, you can be sedated during the process to ensure you have a completely comfortable, pain-free experience.
Yes. If your rear teeth are sealed with dental sealants, they will be protected from cavities. Cavities form when oral bacteria consume sugar and excrete acid, which weakens your enamel and causes it to decay.
Sealants prevent this. The plastic resin stops acid from contacting your enamel directly. In turn, this eliminates the risk of tooth decay. However, sealants don’t last forever, and will wear down eventually.
In addition, the fact that sealants prevent cavities doesn’t mean you can neglect your oral health. Typically, only the rear teeth are treated with sealants, since their deep pits and grooves mean they’re more cavity-prone.
The rest of your teeth won’t be sealed, and could decay if you don’t brush and floss properly. In addition, proper brushing and flossing along with regular visits to North Park Dental are essential for preventing gum disease.
"I love being able to make a positive impact on my patients’ mood and self image."
– Dr. Muñoz