There is more to brushing and flossing than having healthy, strong teeth. Some of the surfaces on your teeth, such as the deep crevices of your molars, are difficult for the brush or floss to access and thus more prone to tooth decay. Come in dental sealants. Dental sealants protect teeth by coating a protective layer over these vulnerable areas so that decay cannot occur.
We will talk about the advantages of dental sealants, how they work, and why they are a good option for the prevention of cavities in this blog.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are clear or shaded plastic substances that are brushed onto the surface of chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. They contain deep crests and pits which can trap bacteria and food pieces, which ultimately leads to tooth decay. Dental sealant paints a smooth film on these areas so food does not have space to accumulate and there’s less plaque present.
How Dental Sealants Protect Teeth?
Dental sealants in Carrollwood prevent cavities by working as a buffer between the surface of the teeth and the corrosive substances that lead to tooth decay. Sealant application occurs when a liquid sealant is applied to the surface of a tooth, hardening to leave a protective shield.
This is a fast and painless process, and it’s especially beneficial for kids and adults who are more susceptible to tooth decay. The shield prevents the entry of damaging bacteria, food debris, and acids that cause decay, ensuring the health of your teeth.
The Key Benefits of Dental Sealants
1. Effective Cavity Prevention
One of the main benefits of dental sealants is their ability to protect against cavities. Research indicates that sealants decrease the incidence of molars’ decay by 80%. Due to this reason, dental sealants are highly valuable for young people and kids, who have a higher vulnerability towards cavities.
2. Long-Lasting Protection
In case you are asking yourself, for how long do dental sealants last? Several years. They usually last for 5 to 10 years with good maintenance. Dental checkups help ensure they are not damaged, and if they degrade, they are re-applied.
3. Painless and Quick Application
Having dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure that only takes a few minutes per tooth. The tooth is cleaned and dried by the dentist, and a special gel is applied, rinsed off, and then painted on with the sealant, which is hardened using a special light. Drilling or anesthesia is not required.
4. Cost-Effective Preventive Measure
It saves money in the long term by preventing cavities with dental sealants. Filling or crowning cavities is far more costly than obtaining sealants. Because they prevent decay, they cut down on the need for expensive dental work.
5. Safe and Suitable for All Ages
While dental sealants are commonly recommended for children, adults who have deep grooves in their teeth can also benefit from dental sealants for cavity prevention. They are completely safe, made from materials that have been tested for biocompatibility, and do not interfere with eating or speaking.
Dental Sealants vs. Fluoride Treatment
Both fluoride treatments and dental sealants prevent cavities, but each achieves this goal differently.
- Dental Sealants: Function as a physical barrier that shields the chewing surfaces of molars from bacteria and food settling into grooves.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fortifies tooth enamel and renders it more resilient to decay through remineralization of weak areas.
While fluoride treatments coat the whole surface of the teeth, sealants target specific areas that are susceptible to cavities. Dentists recommend both for optimal protection from decay.
Protect Your Smile with Playa Family Dentistry
At Playa Family Dentistry, we offer dental sealants to prevent your teeth from getting cavities. Our professional staff ensures that the procedure is both comfortable and effective for kids and adults. Sealants today can prevent you from paying more in the future for expensive dental procedures.
Book an appointment with our dentist in Carrollwood today and provide your teeth with the protection they need!