Dental sealants: Why are they important?
Home  /  Blog  /  Dental sealants: Why are they important?

Dental sealants: Why are they important?

Everybody desires for a healthy smile. It is important to maintain good oral health. People who take diligent care may also suffer from cavities and other tooth problems. For such people, dental sealants are the best option.

Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating which is painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. These are usually the back teeth i.e. the premolars and molars to prevent tooth decay. They quickly bonds into the grooves of the teeth and protects the tooth enamel.

Brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from the teeth surface. They cannot be reached deeply to the back teeth and not able to remove food particles and plaque. Therefore, dental sealants protect from decay.

Who get dental sealants?

Children and adults can get benefits from tooth sealants. Children between the ages of 6 to 14 are prone to developing decay in the grooves of the premolars and molars. Therefore, sealants protect from cavity.

Dental sealants are important for baby teeth if comprised of deep grooves and depressions. As baby teeth hold the correct spacing for permanent teeth, so it is important to keep these teeth healthy.

How sealants are applied?

Sealant application is a simple and painless process. The dentist takes a few minutes to seal each tooth.

  • Teeth which need to be sealed are cleaned properly.
  • The tooth is dried with a piece of cotton or another absorbent material.
  • An acid solution is applied to chewing surfaces of the teeth. It roughens the surface which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
  • The teeth are rinsed and dried.
  • Finally, the sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel so that it bonds to the tooth directly and hardens. Sometimes for hardening curing light is also used.

Sealants last for up to 10 years. It will protect the teeth from decay but need regular dental check-ups to save from chipping and wearing. If required, the dentist will replace them. Many insurance companies provide coverage on the cost of sealants. This is only for patients younger than 18 years. Whether your sealants are covered under the plan or not check with the insurance company.

Initially, dental sealants protect from cavities by 86% and later on reduce to 58%. It offers a lot of benefits-

  • Saves money

If you don’t have dental insurance, then the cost of a cavity treatment could be expensive. The long-term treatment cost could go much higher because many adults have more than three decayed teeth. Getting sealants early will cost less than going for corrective treatment later.

  • Saves time

If you have had a cavity filled it requires more time in re-scheduling. Nobody likes to sit and wait in a dentist’s chair. You might feel bad when you are on holiday and you have to go for a cavity filling. Therefore, dental sealants reduce the risk of getting cavities frequently. You will have to spend very less time dealing with oral health issues.

  • Be healthy

Tooth decay leads to a lot of dental problems. The heath and strength of the teeth decrease once you have a cavity filled. With concerned to health issues, it is good to avoid instead of getting them treated completely. With dental sealants, the long-term health of the teeth and gum will improve.

  • Pain-free

Dental sealants can be applied quickly without causing any pain and discomfort. The treatment lasts for several years. Many children don’t want to go to the dentist. This is one of the best solutions and eventually improves oral health.

There are side effects of sealants except for an allergy depending on the person to person. It protects the particular surface area on which they are applied. Use fluoride to protect other surfaces of the teeth from decay and cavities.

Dental sealants are a preventive procedure and minimally invasive. It promotes early identification to prevent cavities that form in the pits and fissures of the premolars and molars. The pits and fissures are chewing surfaces of the teeth which are prone to plaque and bacteria-causing cavities. Dental sealants are the best option and protect your teeth from dental problems.

Click to listen highlighted text!