Protect your healthy, attractive smile with dental sealants in Battle Creek, MI
Preventive dentistry is a perfect complement for a dental practice built around developing close relationships with patients, like Earl E. Gaball, DDS. After all, routine visits to our Battle Creek, MI office for exams and professional cleanings are a cornerstone of preventing oral problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. During these visits, we may also recommend other preventive services; notably, dental sealants. These protective coverings are a powerful way to prevent the expense and trauma associated with damaging tooth decay.
Basics
Sealants are designed to prevent cavities. These holes caused by tooth decay tend to arise among hard-to-reach back teeth or molars. Back teeth are also more susceptible to decay because they have pitted, grooved, and otherwise uneven surfaces that “trap” food debris. Harmful bacteria flourish off remaining food, which promotes the development of decay-causing plaque. It’s a healthy practice to recommend sealants as a proactive service for children, as the first molars typically erupt through the gums between the ages of 10 and 12; however, sealants are not just for kids. Adults can also benefit from sealants that, as their name suggests, “seal out” the food and bacteria that tend to collect in grooved surfaces. The American Dental Association reports that sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of cavities among permanent molars by around 80%.
Process
Sealants are not only effective, but they are also no-hassle, non-invasive, risk-free, gentle, affordable, and can be applied efficiently and painlessly in a single visit. The sealants are generally made from a safe resin. We apply the resin as a liquid that can be brushed on to clean and dry molars, premolars, and other cavity-prone teeth. To support the strongest bond between the underlying tooth structure and the sealant, Dr. Gaball also applies a product in gel form to add texture and “prepare” the tooth. After the sealant is precisely applied to the tooth surfaces, it is hardened with a special curing light.
While dental sealants are very durable and can last for years, we will examine them to make sure they are holding up well during your check-ups. Sealants must remain in good condition to effectively protect your teeth and prevent destructive decay.
Why treat when you can protect your lovely, healthy smile? Contact us at (269) 883-1674 to schedule your appointment at our office in Battle Creek, serving Marshall, Kalamazoo, Athens, Climax, Albion, Charlotte, Jackson, Hastings, Galesburg, and surrounding communities.
