Dental Sealants in Springfield, IL
Since sugar became a common part of the human diet, we have been struggling with tooth decay. Sugary and starchy foods provide bacteria with exactly the type of fuel that makes them thrive and reproduce rapidly. Bacteria create an acidic environment in your mouth and can soften the protective enamel shell that covers your teeth. Once inside, bacteria are free to roam and spread decay throughout your tooth.
Because of their love of sugary foods and their lack of understanding or desire to brush and floss regularly, children are particularly susceptible to tooth decay. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), dental decay is the most common preventable childhood condition.
At Ruggless Dental in Springfield, IL, we like to focus on prevention with all of our patients because stopping a dental condition before it starts is always best! One of the ways we do that is with dental sealants.
Dental Sealants to Protect Teeth
Bacteria like to collect in the deep grooves of your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Most decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of teeth because it is easy for food particles to become lodged there.
Dental sealants work by creating a barrier between food and bacteria and the chewing surfaces of your tooth. Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD will gently clean and dry the area. Then he will apply the sealant composite material to the grooves and chewing surfaces of your teeth, sealing out bacteria and sugar. Finally, he will allow the area to harden so that you can chew on it right away.
A Good Investment for Your Smile
Dental sealants cost only a fraction of the cost of a filling. They are painless, so you do not need to have anesthetic prior to your procedure. While it is more common for children to have dental sealants, certain adults can benefit from them, as well. If you have deeply grooved teeth or have trouble with home care due to lack of dexterity you could benefit from this cost-effective preventive treatment.
Sealants can last up to five years and we can replace them once they wear out. If you have a clenching or grinding habit, they may need replacement more frequently. Since they are non-invasive, cost-effective, and painless, dental sealants can be a great investment!
Home Care Prevention
Having dental sealants does not mean that you can avoid brushing your teeth. Maintaining regular home care by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily will be your best insurance policy when it comes to preventing the most common dental conditions.
Contact Our Dentist Office in Springfield, IL Today!
To learn more about keeping your smile looking and feeling its best, contact Ruggless Dental today at (217) 787-0212 to schedule your next exam. Our friendly team looks forward to helping you achieve optimum dental health with preventive dental care.
Our dentist office is located at 1001 Clocktower Drive in Springfield, IL. We are off the intersection of State Route 4 and Old Jacksonville Road, near Our Savior's Lutheran School.
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that fills into any pits and grooves on the chewing portion of teeth. The sealant material can be manufactured in various ways from a glass ionomer to a composite resin. Dental sealants have been shown to drastically reduce the chances of getting a cavity on the chewing portion of the teeth. A majority of sealants are placed on 