Sealants eliminating cavities!?
Question:
Answers:
There are different theories about this actually. One theory is that when you seal over a small cavity that there is no oxygen available to the bacteria that are in the cavity and that they will die off and the cavity will stop. The other theory is that you should clean out the bacteria (did the dentist use a drill? even if it was very quickly without anesthesia?) and then place the sealant. Your dentist obviously felt it was ok and each time you are in for your cleanings they should be checking them and taking periodic cavity checking xrays. Hopefully you will have no problems as a result...
Hope that helps!
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist
Sealents are awsome!! They take 5 mins. and they prevent cavities. That way you will never have to have shots due to cavities!! Do it!! It is pain free and actually less then 5 mins.! I have had no cavites in 7 years because of them!!
Both our kids got sealants on their molars. No cavities at all on either one. Me, I've got a mouthful of fillings--no sealants in the dark ages.
Any time a child's molars come in we put sealants on them and they work great. Make sure that you don't eat anything sticky because that can pull them off. When you have your teeth cleaned every six months they should check and make sure they are all still there and if you need one replaced then they can do it then. They are very effective.
Hi! I've been in dentistry for over 25 years and sealants are very effective because they do just that, they seal the pits and fissures that are the natural structure of a tooth. Kind of like an English Muffin lol. However, they do not prevent cavities between the teeth or at the gum area. For this reason, they only solve a problem on the molars, but not any where else. Granted this is typically the main area that first cavities start, but this is only on 8 teeth.
Brushing and flossing everyday and using a fluoride rinse or gel at night is the way to go. Fluoride with strengthen the tooth natural enamel and put a protective guard on the rest of the teeth. To ensure you will have little or no cavities, this is the way to go. Most serious cavities that start between the teeth and then decay to the nerve can cause serious pain and root canal issues later. So the sealants are a great help, but the rest of your teeth need great oral hygiene to keep them the rest of your life. And think about this. For 10 minutes a day, you can have your teeth all your life! Brushing for 1-2 minutes, floss twice a day and then rinse with Act or apply a gel at night is only a very small part of your time for great teeth, a wonderful smile and very healthy mouth for a very long time. If you have any other questions, please ask. Marie
More Questions & Answers...