How dental sealants and extractions can help to improve oral health
Dental sealants and extractions are two important dental procedures that can greatly benefit oral health and wellness. Let’s examine and discuss how these procedures work and the benefits they provide to our patients here at Redmond Smiles in Redmond, Washington.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings expertly applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars). These teeth have deep grooves and crevices where food particles can easily get trapped, making them more prone to developing cavities. A dental sealant creates a protective barrier over these grooves, preventing food particles, bacteria, and plaque from getting stuck in them.
Applying quality dental sealants is fast and painless. First, the tooth is cleaned and dried, and then an acidic solution is applied to the chewing surface to help the sealant bond with the tooth. The sealant material is then administered onto the tooth and hardened using a special light. This creates a strong barrier that can last for several years.
What are dental extractions?
Dental extractions, also known as tooth extractions, involve manually removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This treatment might be necessary for various reasons, such as severe decay, infection, crowding, or impacted wisdom teeth.
The dental extraction process involves numbing the local area around the tooth with anesthesia to ensure the patient feels no pain during the dental procedure. Our dentist uses specialized tools to gently loosen and remove the natural adult tooth from its socket. Sometimes, stitches may be needed to close the wound after extraction.
What are the advantages of dental sealants and extractions for patients?
Both dental sealants and extractions can have significant benefits for one’s oral health and wellness:
- Protection. Dental sealants function primarily as a protective shield for the teeth, preventing decay and cavities in hard-to-reach areas. This can save patients from undergoing more extensive and costly procedures like endodontic therapy, root canals, or crowns.
- Pain treatment. Dental extractions, on the other hand, can help alleviate any pain and discomfort caused by infected or crowded teeth. Extracting problematic teeth can also enhance oral health by preventing the spread of infection to neighboring teeth.
- Prevention. Extracting third molars before they become impacted or cause overcrowding can prevent future oral health issues and the need for orthodontic treatments.
- Oral health. Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing twice a day and flossing daily, are still crucial, even with dental sealants or extractions. These procedures serve as additional tools to protect and improve oral health.
Who can I call to learn more about these treatments and if I need them?
Dental sealants and extractions are two effective dental procedures that can greatly contribute to oral health and wellness. With proper care and regular check-ups with Drs. Colby Eckland and Lee Zamos, these treatments will help maintain healthy teeth for years. Schedule an appointment with us at Redmond Smiles to discuss whether dental sealants or extractions may benefit your specific oral health needs. You can reach our office at 15965 NE 85th Street, Suite #201, or call (425) 584-1192.
