Dental sealants are a great way to add a protective barrier between the surfaces of your teeth and harmful decay-causing bacteria. The biting surfaces of molars have many small grooves where bacteria can accumulate, often leading to decay and destruction. Sealants are a practical way to help protect your smile. Here are some of the incredible benefits sealants offer:
Sealants Are Suitable For All Ages: Contrary to what many believe, sealants are not only useful in children. While it is true that children are the most common age demographic for the treatment, anyone can share the same benefits. Permanent teeth of older patients are also riddled with small grooves that need to be covered to protect the tooth from bacteria.
They Protect Against Cavities: Dental sealants help protect teeth from cavities by covering the molar’s top. This additional layer of protection makes it difficult for bacteria to remain on the surface of a tooth.
They Reduce Deep Grooves: Molars have deeper grooves and depressions on the surfaces, making them more challenging to clean. No matter how well you brush, toothbrush bristles can’t reach all the groves and depressions located on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Most unreachable spots are primed for plaque and food particles to collect. It is also easier for bacteria and food debris to build up in these deep areas. Eventually, these deep grooves will lead to a tooth experiencing some degree of dental decay. Dental sealants prevent decay from developing in these vulnerable areas.
The Process is Quick and Painless: The process of applying dental sealants is painless and does not involve any alterations to the tooth’s surface. To apply sealants, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned to remove any hidden food particles or plaque. Once cleaned, the teeth are dried, and a small amount of gel is placed on the teeth to help with the bonding process. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again. The dental sealant will then be painted onto the chewing surface of the tooth. During the sealant process, all pits and crevices are filled in, and the tooth will be cured to make the sealant permanent.
They’re Long-Lasting: Applying sealants during childhood will protect the teeth throughout the most cavity-prone years because sealants can last for many years with proper care. Sealants will last longer if you maintain good oral hygiene and avoid biting hard objects. During routine dental visits, the dentist will check the sealants and may recommend re-application or repair when necessary. With proper care, dental sealants can last between five and ten years.
Sealants Can Save You Money: Besides being a fast and painless solution for protecting teeth, sealants are also much more cost-effective than dental restorations. Preventing the need for expensive and painful cavities at a fraction of the cost makes dental sealants a preventative choice.
Most dental insurance companies include sealants in the list of treatments covered under most general policies.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of Sealants?
While sealants can do an exceptional job in protecting your teeth, sealants do not take the place of excellent oral hygiene practices, regular dental cleanings, and exams, or healthy eating habits.
During an evaluation, your dentist can determine if you or your child would benefit from sealants. Once candidacy is confirmed, sealants can often be applied to the teeth during the same dental appointment as an exam or cleaning.
At Impact Dental, we provide a full range of dental services and take care of most of your dental needs in-house. We have sedation certified dentist, so sleep dentistry is always an option. We are dedicated to provide excellent service, quality care, and patient convenience. Click hereto learn more and to set up an appointment.
