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We all know that brushing our teeth and flossing on a daily basis are some of the best preventative measures we can take to keep our teeth healthy, but did you know that there are other preventative measures available to help protect your teeth? Sealants are a common protection for your teeth that dentists recommend and offer during dental checkups. You may be wondering – what is a sealant, and why do I need one? A sealant is a thin, protective coating made of plastic that is applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth called your molars and premolars.
The sealant adheres to the tooth, essentially sealing the surface from any decay-causing bacteria that can settle into the deep, tiny grooves that your toothbrush can’t reach. Sealants are so effective that they have been shown to reduce the risk of decay in molars by 80%. Dental sealants have a lot of benefits to recommend them, here are a few of our favorites:
1. The procedure is painless.
Sealants are simply an adhesive that is painted onto your molars and dries within minutes. Because there is no need for anesthesia or special tools to apply sealant, it’s a simple procedure that can be recommended to anyone, even children.
2. Sealants can last for 10 years.
Sealant begins to protect your teeth the minute it’s dry, and it is so durable that it can withstand the natural force of chewing for years!
3. Saliva cannot remove sealant.
Saliva doesn’t contain acids that would help remove the sealant, so the only thing that can take off the sealant is the force of chewing over time.
4. Dental sealants can save you money.
Sealants are one of the best preventative measures you can implement to safeguard against tooth decay, especially as children get their permanent teeth in. Sealants are much cheaper than paying for a cavity repair, which can cost up to four times as much as sealant application!
Now that we’ve discussed what a sealant is and the benefits of getting them, you might have a few more questions. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions regarding this preventative measure, and our answers:
1. Who should have sealants?
Both children and adults can benefit from sealants, and the earlier the better! As soon as a child’s permanent molars come in around the age of 12, sealant is recommended to keep them healthy from the start.
2. How are sealants applied?
Your dentist will dry your teeth and apply an acidic gel that roughens up the surface of your teeth to allow better bonding of the sealant. They will then rinse off the gel and create a dry environment for your teeth again before painting the sealant onto the grooves of your tooth. You dentist will then use a special blue light to harden the sealant after checking to make sure they can floss between your teeth and that your bite feels normal.
3. Can sealants be placed over cavities?
Sealants can be used over areas of decay to prevent further damage, and some are clear and will allow your dentist to see underneath to make sure the sealant is doing its job.
4. How do you take care of sealants?
Basic dental care such as brushing and flossing daily will ensure your sealants stay effective.
5. Are sealants covered by medical insurance?
Many insurance companies will also pay for dental sealants because they see individuals with sealants as a lower risk. There may be some limits to coverage, so be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what is included.
Sealants are a fantastic dental care tool that can be put to use by almost anyone! They prevent decay, spare you from the pain of cavities, and save you money – what’s not to like? Call our office at Simply Smiles, and we would love to discuss utilizing sealant on your teeth at your next appointment!
Sources:
https://www.fidleronthetooth.com/blog/what-is-a-sealant/
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants
https://bethesdafamilydentistry.com/5-facts-about-dental-sealants/
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/dental-sealants/index.html
https://wakeorthopedo.com/benefits-dental-sealants/