What Are The Benefits of Dental Sealants and Who Should Get Them?

Dental sealants are becoming more popular in the medical field because they offer many benefits. An important use case for dental sealant is for young kids who have deep grooves in their teeth that cannot be cleaned properly. These grooves can house bacteria and plaque that cause tooth decay and other problems. A sealant will work by filling off these deep grooves so that food does not get lodged inside them.

Dental sealants only prevent decay by 80 percent in the first year. Their effectiveness also decreases as they age. However, these disadvantages should not deter anyone from getting dental sealants services because it’s proven to be beneficial.

What are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are applied to the pits and fissures of the back teeth (molars and premolars). Dental sealants work by sealing the deep grooves and pits in the teeth where bacteria and plaque build-up and cause cavities. Dental sealants are a common preventive measure that dentists use to help prevent cavities in children and adults.

Dental sealants come in two types: Dental resin sealants and glass ionomer sealants. Dental resin sealants are by far the most common type of dental sealant.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are recommended for children from age seven.

In some cases, it might be necessary for adults to get dental sealants too. This might be the case for people who have a history of cavities, or for people who have deep grooves and pits in their teeth.

Dental sealants may not be right for everyone. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, they usually do not work. This is because clenching the teeth can cause the sealants to wear out.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

The dental sealants procedure is carried out at the dental office. Dental sealants come as a liquid painted on the teeth, where it quickly dries and hardens into a protective barrier. Dental sealants can be made from different materials, so if you have an allergy or sensitivity to one material, dentists in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, might opt for another.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on how well they have been applied and the material used.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?

There are a few key benefits of dental sealants, which are:

• Dental sealants can help prevent cavities by creating a barrier between the tooth and plaque, the primary cause of cavities.
• Dental sealants can be particularly helpful for kids and adults who have a difficult time flossing or for those who simply forget to do it. Dental sealants prevent plaque from building up between the teeth and around the gums, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
•  Dental sealants can also help prevent sensitivity in your teeth. Sensitivity is often caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Dental sealants can help prevent this by blocking the plaque from getting to your tooth enamel, as long as you visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and oral exams.
•  Dental sealants themselves are not very noticeable, so it is unlikely that you would find them bothersome or unsightly. Dental sealants are usually made of plastic, which is often tooth-colored.

What Are the Cons of Dental Sealants?

The only con for dental sealants is that they can wear out over time. Dental sealants usually last for about ten years, but it is important to visit the dentist near you regularly so that they can check the sealants and reapply them if necessary.

What Other Preventive Dental Measures Can You Use?

You can also use fluoride treatment and teeth cleanings as preventive measures. Dental sealants are often used in combination with other forms of dental treatments to keep your teeth healthy. Dental sealants usually protect the chewing surface of the molars, but they can be placed on any teeth if needed.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Great North Dental for more information about dental sealants and what you can expect.