Dental Sealants
Taking care of our teeth is essential for overall health and hygiene. However, despite regular brushing and flossing, certain areas remain hard to reach and more susceptible to damage. One such preventive dental procedure to treat this issue is the application of dental sealants.
Dental sealant is a thin coat of plastic that is painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth. They are normally applied on the premolars and molars to shield them from decay and plaque. Sealants are usually recommended for children whose permanent teeth have erupted, but they are not strictly for children. Adults can apply sealants on their teeth as well.
Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque off the smooth surfaces of teeth, it is harder to reach the nooks and crannies of the back teeth. Sealants help protect these areas from tooth decay by sealing out plaque and food. Additionally, sealants work as a barrier, ensuring that acids produced by bacteria do not erode the tooth enamel. This preventive measure is especially beneficial for children who may not yet be proficient at brushing their teeth. Hence, a dental sealant is a useful tool in maintaining oral health and preventing future cavities.
Candidates for sealants are children and teenagers because the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of their back teeth is higher. However, adults without decay or fillings on their teeth are also good candidates. Sealants can also be beneficial for the elderly, especially if they have teeth prone to decay. Even though sealants are typically used for molars and premolars, they can be used on other permanent teeth if they have deep grooves or depressions. The main goal is always to protect the teeth from decay, regardless of age.
Children should get sealants on their molars and premolars as soon as they come in. This way they are protected through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14. There are instances where sealants are used on baby teeth, as some children have deep depressions and grooves on them. Due to the importance of baby teeth holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it is very important to keep them healthy until the permanent teeth come in.
How long do they last?
In theory, with proper care and maintenance, they can last for up to 10 years. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing and regular dental visits can extend their lifespan significantly. Also, things like diet and lifestyle behaviors can impact the lifespan. However, it is necessary to have your dentist check for chips and wear during regular check-ups.
Office
Since providing compassionate care is our main objective, we strive to ensure that our patients feel at ease. The environment of our dental clinic is relaxing. The first impression many patients get when they walk in is that they have walked into a spa.
A comfortable surrounding paired with a team that is kind and personable; each one of our team members show that not only do we care for you, but we also care about you. This is shown by going the extra mile to make sure that we meet your needs and expectations at all of your appointments. Our team will do everything they can to accommodate you and guide you towards a healthy and happy smile.
Appointments
We know you have many choices when choosing a Dentist in Waterloo, Ontario so we have made requesting an appointment a simple process via our Web site. If, for any reason you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, or will be delayed, please call us as soon as possible.
Insurance and Billing
At our fee-for-service office, we go above and beyond to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for our patients. Payment is required at the end of your appointment, but we take care of the rest. Once your visit is complete, we handle the entire insurance claim process for you, submitting it electronically to save you time and effort. If you have direct deposit set up with your insurance provider, your reimbursement will be deposited into your bank account within a couple of days. Otherwise, your insurance carrier will mail the cheque to your registered address.
We strongly encourage setting up direct deposit if you have not already done so, as it will expedite the reimbursement process. Please feel free to inquire about how to proceed with this option. We are here to help!
Cancellation
If you are unable to keep an appointment, we ask that you kindly provide us with at least 48 clinic business hours’ notice. A fee may be charged if a patient does not show up for an appointment without sufficient notice.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing our practice for your dental care.