For most people, including us, and especially children, living up to those standards isn’t always easy. Luckily, most dentists offer tooth sealants as another way to prevent cavities. This thin layer of liquid plastic is extremely beneficial and can last up to a decade!
Continue reading to learn more about tooth sealants, the benefits, and how they work.
Candidates for Dental Sealants
Although dental sealants are mostly suggested for children, they can be used for adults too. If your dentist hasn’t recommended them, it’s probably because insurance doesn’t cover sealants for adults. Regardless, they are worth the cost!
Tooth sealants are used on teeth that are the most susceptible to cavities—the molars. However, if a patient already has cavities in those teeth, he or she won’t be able to have dental sealants placed. Dentists are often hesitant to place dental sealants on teeth that even appear compromised for fear of sealing an active cavity.
Patients who desire dental sealants should be wary of crunchy and sticky foods so the sealants last as long as possible.
Benefits of Tooth Sealants
Dental sealants do more than just protect your teeth from cavities. Here are three more benefits of tooth sealants:
- Save money: Even if insurance does not cover your tooth sealants, they are certainly still less expensive than fillings and other restorative treatments. Considering that sealants last a decade, patients save even more.
- Save time: In the long run, patients who choose dental sealants spend less time dealing with oral health problems like pain and sensitivity associated with gum disease.
- Improve overall health: The link between oral and overall health is apparent. People who prioritize their oral health are less likely to experience associated health issues like heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
- Simple treatment: Dental sealants are a quick and easy treatment especially compared to restorative treatment.
How Dental Sealants Work
Tooth sealants are typically made from two materials: resin-based or glass ionomer cement. Regardless of the material, the dentist uses the same technique to apply them.
First, the dentist or dental hygienist thoroughly and gently cleans the molars, brushes the sealants on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, then uses a curing light to harden them. The material creates a barrier between the chewing surfaces of the teeth, bacteria, and acid.
While the sealants may last up to a decade, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry explains that they are 86 percent effective for the first two years, and 58 percent effective after four years.
Tooth Sealants in Lombard, IL
Dr. Julie Glud is passionate about helping children and adults gain and maintain optimal oral health through preventive dentistry. Tooth sealants are one of the top ways she does that! In addition, Dr. Glud encourages all of her patients to attend regular dental cleanings every six months.
To learn if you are a candidate for tooth sealants, contact us today at (630) 629-5700.
