What are the Advantages of Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin coat of plastic applied on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars to protect them against tooth decay. Sealants help keep out food particles from the depressions of the back teeth, preventing bacteria from building up that can lead to tooth decay. After they are painted on the tooth, the sealants sticks to the tooth’s grooves and pits, forming a protective barrier. Getting sealants is a quick and simple procedure that offers protection for good oral health. What are the Benefits of Dental Sealants? • Teeth protection. According to research, dental sealants can reduce cavities by up to 86 percent during the first year, and 58 percent after four years. It is an effective preventive measure that is mostly recommended for children. Parents have to consider dental sealants for their children. Kids have yet to master effective brushing and flossing, putting them at risk for cavities and tooth decay. • Inexpensive. Compared to the expenses associated with cavities, dental sealants are more affordable while preserving the integrity of the natural teeth. Sealants serve as a protective measure, instead of waiting for damage to happen that requires restorative treatment. • Simple and painless. The process of applying dental sealants only takes a few minutes. The dentist will start by cleaning the teeth to be sealed before it is isolated to keep it dry. An acid solution is applied to etch the surface and allow the sealant to bond into the tooth surface properly. The tooth is rinsed, dried, and the sealant is applied on the enamel. A curing light is used to dry and harden the sealant. • Time-saving. Aside from the application procedure taking only a few minutes, dental sealants saves you from what would have been a long time of chasing dental appointments to get restorative treatments once tooth decay strikes. • Durable. Sealants can withstand normal chewing forces for a significant amount of time before touch ups are needed. Depending on the material of the sealant used, they can last for up to 10 years. You just need to get them checked regularly to catch any chip or wear that exposes the tooth. • Natural-looking. There are people who are not too fond of dental procedures because of its effect on the appearance of their smile. Fortunately, sealants are colored white or clear, so it is hard to notice them. You can comfortably speak, smile, eat and drink with them on. Who are Good Candidates for Dental Sealants? A dentist will only recommend dental sealants if there is any value in it for you. Usually, it is suggested for kids and teenagers as they have a high risk of developing tooth decay in the pits and grooves of their premolars and molars. It is best to get the sealant applied when the permanent set of premolars and molars come out. With this, the child’s teeth are protected between age six and 14 years. There are cases where dental sealants can be applied on baby teeth to prevent premature loss of milk teeth. This is only done when the baby’s teeth has grooves that place them at a risk for tooth decay. On the other hand, adults without crowns, fillings or decay can benefit from sealants. Sealants are also available for sensitive teeth to temporarily ease tooth sensitivity. When the sealant wears off, the sensitivity issue is still there unless the underlying issue is resolved. Dental sealants have proven to be an effective way to protect the teeth against tooth decay, both among children and adults. To learn more about sealants and its benefits, talk to your dentist about sealants and see if you are a good candidate for this procedure.