Did you know that tooth decay is the second most common disease worldwide, only after the common cold? With 60-90% of children and nearly all adults having experienced tooth decay, it's essential to take proactive steps to protect your teeth. One such step is getting dental sealants.
Dental sealants are a thin coating on the teeth to prevent tooth decay. These sealants are usually applied on the premolars and molars, that is, the back teeth. The dental sealants settle into the grooves and depression of the teeth. Hence forming a protective shield over the tooth enamel. This is a painless procedure and is quite effective in preventing cavities. Dental sealants have been proven to be an effective preventive measure, reducing the risk of tooth decay by up to 80% in permanent molars.
Sealing teeth to prevent cavities is also a cost-effective and safe procedure. So, if you want to know more about this semi-permanent procedure for maintaining good oral health, then this article is for you. Read on to learn everything about dental sealants.
All age groups are prone to developing tooth decay and cavities. So, this dental procedure is suitable for all ages. However, children are more prone to develop cavities. Dental sealant procedures can be given to children as young as six years to adults without decay or fillings. It is recommended that children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in.
Now that we know the fundamentals of dental sealants, let’s proceed to learn the benefits of dental sealants.
Learn about the top 6 benefits of dental sealants:
Protects Against Cavities, Plaque, and Bacteria
Sealants are a protective covering that prevents plaque and bacteria from building up. As a result, in the long run, dental sealants also protect the teeth from cavities and infections.
Reduces Deep Grooves
In comparison to other teeth that naturally have grooves and depressions, molars have deeper grooves and depressions. Food particles get trapped in these grooves, and at times toothbrushes are unable to clean them. This food debris leads to plaque and bacteria build- up; however, dental sealants can prevent tooth decay by forming a protective layer.
Quick and Painless Process
Unlike other dental procedures, applying dental sealants is a painless procedure. Moreover, it is a simple and quick process that usually takes 1-2 sessions of teeth cleaning and application.
Cost-Effective Dental Procedure
Sealants are an affordable and cost-effective dental procedure. Since it is a preventative measure for cavities, it saves the money needed for expensive dental treatments for cavities. Thus, dental sealants are much cheaper than dental restorations.
Long Lasting and Durable
Dental sealants are long-lasting and can last for years with proper care and maintenance. They can effectively protect the teeth for at least 5-10 years. This duration might exceed if good oral hygiene is practiced and eating hard food is avoided. So, with proper care, this dental procedure is durable as well.
Promotes Oral Hygiene
Dental sealants seal all the gaps and grooves of the teeth; hence it minimizes the possibility of food particles getting accumulated in the teeth. These sealants promote oral health and hygiene.
If you are wondering what kind of materials are used as sealants for teeth, well, dental sealants are primarily of two types; resin sealants and glass ionomer sealants.
Resin-based sealants are the most used type of dental sealants. Glass ionomer sealants contain fluoride, which helps to keep the enamel healthy and prevent cavities.
After knowing the benefits and types of dental sealants, let’s proceed to understand their application process.
As you are already aware that this process is quick and painless; here’s what you can expect during the application process.
The process starts with cleaning the teeth and drying them. Once they are dried, an acidic solution is applied to the surface of the teeth. This solution helps the sealant to bond with the teeth. The solution is applied for a few minutes, and then the teeth are cleaned again. After drying the teeth, the sealant material is applied to the tooth enamel. Then to harden the sealant, curing light is used.
Overall, the sealant procedure takes approximately 30 minutes or 1-2 dental sittings.
The longevity of teeth sealants can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the sealant material used, the patient's oral hygiene habits, and the level of wear and tear on the teeth.
Generally, dental sealants can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. However, it is important to note that regular check-ups with your dentist are necessary to ensure that the sealant is still intact and provides adequate protection. If a sealant becomes damaged or worn down, it may need to be replaced to continue providing protection against decay.
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your dental sealants, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary and acidic foods, and scheduling regular dental cleanings and check-ups.
At Smile Arizona Dentistry, we boast a team of highly skilled and experienced dentists who are dedicated to providing the best possible care for their patients. We use state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality treatment. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on patient education, so you can be sure that you will receive clear and thorough information on the treatment process and what to expect. Also, we ensure a warm and welcoming atmosphere, so you can feel comfortable and at ease throughout your visit.
If you want to be safe and protect your teeth from future cavities, then you must visit us at Smile Arizona Dentistry. With a highly qualified team, we are committed to providing affordable dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ. So, take care of your oral health and schedule your visit with us today!
