Dental Sealants in Stuart

A dental sealant is a plastic material (composite resin) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel by sealing out bacteria, plaque, and food.

Our teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque. When we eat or drink anything that contains sugar, bacteria turn the sugar into acids that can attack tooth enamel. Overtime, these attacks may cause tooth decay (cavities). Tooth decay often begins on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These surfaces have pits and grooves that trap plaque, bacteria, and bits of food. The pits and grooves are hard to keep clean because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them. That is how decay starts, in the pits and grooves, and cavities form. To keep decay from starting here, Dr. Tyler may recommend dental sealants.

Sealants are easy to apply. It only takes a few minutes to seal each tooth. First, the tooth is cleaned and the chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant stick to the tooth. Then the sealant is painted onto the chewing surface where it bonds to the tooth. Finally, special UV light is used to make the sealant harden. Sealants are white in color and cannot be seen when you smile or talk.

Sealants usually last several years before they need replacement. Over time, sealants can become loose or worn. Then they may not protect the teeth as well. Chewing on ice or hard foods can also break down sealants. During regular visits, Dr. Tyler will check your sealants and reapply them if needed. Professional dental hygiene visits and regular dental exams will help keep your mouth healthy.

Sealants are most often placed on children and teenagers, since tooth decay can start as soon after teeth come in. But, adults can benefit from sealants too, because you never outgrow the risk for developing cavities.

A sealant can only be placed on a tooth that does not have a cavity in its pits and grooves. If a tooth is stained or has mild decay, Dr. Tyler may suggest a preventative resin restoration (PRR). However, if a tooth has more advanced decay, it will need a filling.

Dental sealants are non-invasive and preventative in nature. If you find yourself being prone to cavities, no matter how much care you provide to your teeth, then don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Tyler and his team if dental sealants are an option for you.

Many causes of tooth discoloration cannot be controlled, such as aging, genetics, environment, trauma, disease, and medications. However, sometimes it is possible to prevent tooth discoloration by just making a few simple lifestyle changes. For example, reducing or quitting smoking and limiting coffee, tea, or red wine—all common causes of staining—can help. In addition, improving dental hygiene practices, like regular brushing and flossing, and seeing your dental hygienist at least twice a year for dental cleanings (prophylaxis).

Whitening toothpastes remove stains on the surface of your teeth. They are the gentlest of the whitening treatment options. They work by polishing-action rather than by chemical-action and have few side effects. However, they do not get teeth as white when compared to chemical products. Whitening toothpastes can lighten teeth, but a little at a time.

Home-use whiteners are in stock at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry. They contain a chemical called peroxide, which gets below the surface to lighten tooth enamel. Home-use whiteners are meant to be used over days or weeks. They come in varying concentrations. Depending on your circumstances, we may only recommend over-the-counter prescription level products (stock trays or strips), while others may need custom trays and higher concentration whitening gels for better results.

We will make custom whitening trays for your upper and lower teeth. You will be shown how to put the whitening gel in the trays. It is important to keep it off the gums to avoid irritation. You will also be advised on how long and when to wear them. If you wear the trays for too long, the peroxide in the gel may harm your tooth enamel.

Tooth whitening is not a good choice for all people. It is important to consider the following:

• People with gum recession (where gums pull away from teeth) may experience irritation.
• Active tooth decay (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease should be treated before whitening.
• Restorations such as fillings, crowns, or implants—and certain deep stains—will not respond to whitening treatments.

Whitening treatment may cause your teeth to be sensitive to very hot or cold temperatures. Whitening may also irritate your gums for a short time. If the side effects do not go away after a few days, contact our office.