Drs. Scott Everhart and Mamta Kori in Franklin, OH are here to help patients with general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry needs. Our team explains the benefits of a variety of preventative care services including dental sealants.

Understanding dental sealants

Dental sealants can be a wonderful, preventative solution for patients who may be at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Sealants are commonly associated with children, but they can be provided for adults as well. Dental sealants for adults can be a wise investment for individuals who are interested in protecting their smile from decay.

The purpose behind dental sealants is to prevent cavities. This is done by acting as a barrier. The dental sealant is made of a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of a tooth, specifically on the molars, to help protect the teeth from decay. Even the best and most proactive patients who brush and floss their teeth after every meal can still be at risk for developing decay, especially in the crevices that are found on the molars. It can make it easier for food particles and plaque to collect and contribute to large cavities. By using a dental sealant, patients can give them an extra edge against tooth decay in these commonly vulnerable places.

How is the dental sealant applied?

Drs. Scott Everhart and Mamta Kori apply dental sealant quickly and easily right in the dental chair. The procedure does not involve any pain or discomfort, making it a fast and simple treatment that may be done following a dental cleaning. The process involves the following steps:

• The teeth are thoroughly cleaned by the dental hygienist and dried.
• A special gel that is acidic in nature is applied to the tooth’s surface to ensure the sealant adheres to the tooth.
• The gel is rinsed and dried before the sealant is applied.
• The sealant is applied to the surface of the tooth that requires extra protection.
• A specialized blue light is used to harden the sealant onto the natural tooth enamel.

Why is a dental sealant helpful?

Even though dental sealants are often associated with children, there can be benefits to using dental sealants on adult patients. Everyone is susceptible to the development of cavities, and by placing sealant on the teeth, patients are taking an extra step to protect their smiles. Decreasing the risk of developing cavities can reduce overall costs to maintain the health of the smile. Sealants also reduce the chance of plaque, food particles, and bacteria collecting in problem areas, especially in the deep depressions of a molar. This preventative treatment is highly recommended by the team at K&E Advanced Dentistry for patients who don’t want to deal with harmful and costly procedures later in their oral healthcare journey.

What other ways can a patient maintain a healthy smile?

It is essential that patients maintain their oral health to keep problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay from occurring. Preventative care can lower overall costs of treatment over the years. Preventative care also includes brushing and flossing the teeth after every meal to reduce the risk of cavities and periodontal disease, as well as visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Patients are urged to visit their dental provider twice a year for a cleaning, x-rays, and a routine evaluation to monitor for changes in the smile that may indicate future problems. Cavities and periodontal disease benefit from early detection and intervention.

Connect with our team to discuss dental sealants and other preventative care treatments available

At K&E Advanced Dentistry, our professionals urge patients to consider preventative services to maintain their oral health. This may include dental sealants, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. If you are ready to discuss your options for improving the smile, we welcome you to book a visit with Drs. Scott Everhart and Mamta Kori in Franklin, OH by calling the office at (855) 912-7677 We also provide treatment for patients in our second practice, located in Centreville, OH.