5 Main Benefits of Dental Sealants for Oral Health
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are ultra-thin plastic coating applied on the chewing surface of your teeth, typically the molars, to prevent the build-up of tartar and bacteria, which may lead to tooth decay.
The reason for having dental sealants is to prevent dental cavities, and this is by creating a smooth coating across the fissures and pits of your teeth. Unfortunately, these areas are always hard to clean and easily accumulate food debris and plaque build-up.
The concept of dental sealants has improved since it was introduced in the early 1900s. Its benefits, the dental sealants materials used, plus the art of applying it have come a long way. Today, we have dental implants recommended for children and teenagers at high risk of tooth decay.
5 Main Benefits of Dental Sealants
This article will look at the five incredible benefits of how your oral health can benefit from dental sealants:
Dental Sealants Are Suitable For All Ages
Contrary to what many people believe in, sealants are useful to children and teenagers. While it is true that kids are the most common age demographic for dental sealants treatment, anyone can share these benefits. The permanent teeth of adults and older people have grooves that need to be covered by sealants to protect the tooth from bacteria.
Dental Sealants Protect Against Cavities
Dental sealants help protect the teeth from cavities by covering the groove part of your molars with a tooth-colored plastic coating. This additional coating of protection makes it difficult for food debris or tartar, which may cause decay to remain on the surface of your tooth.
The process of applying dental sealants to your tooth surface is painless and does not involve any alteration to the surface of your tooth. Your dentist in 11743 applies sealants by first cleaning the tooth thoroughly to remove any hidden food debris or plague. Once your teeth are cleaned, they are dried, and a gel-like substance is placed on your teeth to aid the bonding process.
Your teeth are then rinsed and dried once again. The dental sealant will then be placed onto the chewing surface of your molar tooth. The pits and crevices are filled with the coating. Your teeth will then be cured to make the sealing permanent. The dental sealants can last between five to ten years if properly cared for.
The Process is Quick and Painless
The sealant application process is a simple one. First, the teeth are cleaned and prepared by your dental hygienist. Next, your teeth are prepared using a mild solution similar to the strength of vinegar or lemon juice. This is used to slightly roughen the surface of each tooth to sealant coating bond properly to your tooth.
Once your tooth is dried, the sealant is applied to your tooth or teeth. These materials can flow into the grooves or depressions on your tooth and fill them in. After which, it is then allowed to harden for about three minutes.
Dental Sealants Reduces Deep Grooves
Molars have deeper depressions and grooves on their surfaces, making them more difficult to clean. No matter how you brush your teeth, the toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the grooves located on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. These unreachable surfaces may be prone to food debris and tartar build-up. It is also easier for food materials ad bacteria to collect in these deep areas.
The collection of bacteria in these deep grooves may lead to your tooth experiencing some degree of decay. Dental sealants thus prevent decay from developing in these deep grooves.
Sealants are Long Lasting and can Save Your Money
Applying sealants when young will protect your teeth during the most cavity-prone years. Sealants will last longer if you avoid biting hard objects and maintain good oral hygiene. During your regular visits to our dentist near you, the state of your sealants will be checked. Your dentist may recommend repair or re-application if necessary.
Besides being a painless, fast solution for protecting teeth, sealants are more effective than dental restorations. Therefore, it is one of the affordable methods of protecting your teeth.
Visit a Cosmetic Dentist Near You
If you would love to restore the aesthetic of your teeth with dental sealants in Huntington, NY, visit or book an appointment with Smile Huntington today!