No one wants to get cavities, so finding a way to prevent them is very appealing. Of course brushing and flossing make a big difference, but if you want to provide an extra layer of protection you should consider dental sealants. A sealant is a thin plastic material applied to your teeth’s chewing surfaces to act as a barrier against decay. Experts say that children benefit the most from sealants because they have newer teeth that are vulnerable to cavities. However, sealants can be applied to adult teeth to protect them too. Read on to help you decide if sealants might be right for you.
Purpose
Brushing and flossing removes plaque and debris from teeth surfaces, but these tools can’t always reach your teeth’s grooves and hidden areas. The purpose of sealant is to protect those areas and prevent bacteria and food from getting through.
Application
It only takes a few minutes for your dentist to seal each of your teeth. Your dentist will clean the tooth, and roughen the chewing surface with an acid solution to help the sealant adhere. Then the dentist will paint the sealant on the tooth, and allow it to harden. The process is painless and takes only up to about 45 minutes to complete, depending on how many teeth are sealed.
Durability
Sealants usually last for several years before needing to be reapplied. As long as it remains in place, the tooth surface is protected from decay. Your dentist will check sealant condition during regular exams, and reapply them when necessary.
Effectiveness
Research shows that correctly applied sealants are completely effective in protecting the surface of your teeth from decay. If part or all of the bond is broken, the protection from the sealant reduces. However, teeth that lose sealants are no more at risk for decay than teeth that never had sealants.
Contact our Central Falls Rhode Island dental office to learn more about dental sealants.
