Dental Sealants to Reduce Risk of Tooth Decay

Dental sealants are vital to the protection of teeth. If you want to do everything you can to keep your teeth healthy and strong, consider this treatment. It requires very little time and is completely painless. With dental sealants, your teeth have the added protection needed.

Why dental sealants are ideal

Every dentist has one goal — helping patients maintain permanent teeth. This is why dental professionals educate people about the importance of brushing and flossing. It is also why they offer different treatments, including the application of sealants. With a thin coat applied to the surface of teeth, there is a reduced risk of decay. Not only is this recommended for adults, but also children.

How dental sealants protect

When it rains, people slip on a raincoat. When outside in the sun, individuals apply sunscreen. Dental sealants are similar, except that this treatment shields the teeth from damage. Decay occurs for a variety of reasons. These include wear and tear, sugary and acidic foods and beverages, and even age. Instead of putting teeth at risk, it makes sense to have them sealed.

It all starts with a visit to the dentist. Upon examination, that individual will determine the condition of the patient’s teeth. If someone has a cavity, the dental professional fills it. Afterward, the dentist can apply a sealant. This treatment even works for someone who has no cavities. In that case, the coating prevents one from developing.

When suggesting dental sealants, the dentist applies an acidic gel substance. After a few minutes, the dentist rinses out the patient’s mouth. Next, the sealant goes on the surface of the teeth. To help the coating set, the dental professional uses a blue light. This entire process takes less than 30 minutes. For that reason, even small children typically tolerate it quite well.

Candidates for dental sealants

As mentioned, dentists recommend dental sealants for both children and adults. Although anyone can have this procedure done, it is ideal for people at a higher risk of developing cavities. While the sealant does not completely stop someone from experiencing tooth decay, it helps tremendously. With the benefits this treatment provides, there is no reason not to have it done.

The longevity of these sealants

Although every patient is different, most have no problems for about two years. After that time, dental sealants begin to deteriorate. Keep in mind that sealants can last much longer. When visiting the dentist for a regular checkup, that individual will look at the sealant’s condition. If necessary, the patient can have the material reapplied.

Exceptions to the rule

Dental sealants work on both baby and permanent teeth. The key is to have the teeth resealed as needed. However, this treatment does not do anything for bridges, crowns, and veneers. In other words, it is strictly to protect real tooth enamel. Other than that, it works well for everyone.

Benefits of dental sealants

Kids, teens, and adults can get dental sealants. This treatment allows a patient to chew with more comfort. The back teeth are the ones that receive these sealants. Below are the benefits that one can get from getting sealants for teeth:

• It is a good treatment for all ages. Children are ideal candidates. Their new teeth should have the right protection. A good foundation for dental health can help the child maintain good health during the formative years. Teens and adults should have cavity treatments first before getting dental sealants. This type of dental protection can help prolong the health of mature teeth and gums.
• It reduces deep grooves on chewing surfaces. The grooves help grind down the food particles, but the particles and bacteria tend to lodge in them. This makes molars difficult to clean. Dental sealants smoothen the chewing surfaces and prevent food particles from getting into the grooves.
• It protects teeth from cavities. Covering the chewing surfaces of molars prevents food particles and bacteria from lodging into the grooves and fissures. This allows the teeth to stay cavity-free. Regular checkups will allow these sealants to last for five to 10 years.
• It is painless and quick. It takes one visit to complete. The dentist will clean the teeth first. A roughening solution will make the surfaces of teeth sandy to the feel. Then, the dentist will ask the patient to rinse the mouth with water before applying the dental sealants.

Talk to your dentist

If you want to maintain a mouth of healthy teeth, talk to your dentist about dental sealants. During a consultation, you will learn a lot more. One easy treatment is all it takes to achieve optimal protection. Dramatically reduce decay by having your teeth sealed.

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

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