All You Need to Know About Dental Sealants

Dental problems such as tooth decay and cavities are, unfortunately, a very common problem faced by many. But the good news is that there are ways to prevent them. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in your mouth convert sugar in foods and drinks into harmful acids that damage your teeth. Left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, discomfort and infection. 

Fortunately for you, there are ways that you can prevent such dental conditions before they even arise. One such way is dental sealants. This preventative dental treatment is a great way to prevent tooth decay before it even starts and maintain your oral health.  

What are Dental Sealants? 

Dental sealants (also known as fissure sealants) are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing teeth, which are the molars at the back of your mouth. These teeth at the back of your mouth have grooves and pits known as fissures, which can be hard to clean. Food particles can get stuck in these fissures when you eat, making them prone to tooth decay. However, by applying dental sealants, you can create a protective layer between your teeth and plaque-causing bacteria. What happens when sealants are applied is that they create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface, making it harder for food particles to get trapped in the fissures. 

Who Needs Dental Sealants? 

Permanent molars are the teeth that are more vulnerable to tooth decay and therefore are more likely to benefit from dental sealants. These permanent molars typically emerge between the ages of 6 and 12. So, once these molars have emerged, it will be a good idea to visit your dentist to see if sealants are a good option. 

While both children and adults are suitable candidates for dental sealants, children can particularly benefit from sealants. How? Because their teeth that are still developing are more susceptible to tooth decay. And getting sealants at a young age will help protect your child’s teeth before decay sets in. However, it’s not just kids who can benefit from sealants. Adults with large grooves and pits in their teeth or those showing signs of decay can also benefit greatly from dental sealants. 

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

Getting dental sealants is a quick and painless process that can be completed in just one visit to the dentist. When you come in for sealants, our dentist will follow these simple steps:

1. Clean and dry the teeth that need sealants to make sure the sealant bonds well

2. Apply a thin layer of the liquid sealant to the teeth, which will flow into the grooves

3. Use a strong light to bond and harden the sealant

4. After applying the sealant, our dentist will check your bite and polish off any excess sealant, if any, to make sure your sealant is in place

The entire process is straightforward and quick, and our experienced dental professionals will make sure you are comfortable throughout the process. 

Are Dental Sealants Worth It? 

Now, if you’re wondering whether dental sealants are worth it, the answer is yes! Dental sealants offer many benefits, including: 

-Preventing tooth decay and cavities: dental sealants are an effective way to prevent the build-up of bacteria in your teeth.

-Cost-effective: getting dental sealants is an affordable way to protect your teeth.

-Easy to apply: the application process is quick and easy and does not require any injections or drilling. 

-Long-lasting: dental sealants can typically last from 2 to 7 or even longer with proper care. 

-Easy cleaning: because the sealants fill up the fissures on your teeth, it makes cleaning these surfaces much easier.

What to Expect After Getting Dental Sealants? 

Cleaning your teeth as usual and following a good oral hygiene routine is important even after getting dental sealants. Sealants will also make it easier to clean your teeth because there are no fissures where food particles can get trapped, and your brush can now reach all surfaces properly. 

Although dental sealants are long-lasting, there is a possibility of the sealant falling off within the first 6 months after application. So, it’s always a good idea to schedule regular checkups to make sure everything is in good condition. 

As always, prevention is better than cure. And that’s why dental sealants are worth considering, whether you are a child or an adult. Dental sealants are a valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine and will help maintain good oral health. Are you ready to Invest in your oral health with dental sealants? Your future self will definitely thank you for it!