What Are Dental Sealants? (And Who Really Needs Them!) ?
Has your dentist recommended dental sealants?
If so, did you do a double-take and wonder what they are?
We completely understand.
If you’ve never had them, or this is your first time to the dentist with a child—those two words would most likely be foreign to you.
If you have a child that’s sprouting teeth or need extra care with your own—dental sealants are an excellent option to protect teeth and help achieve and maintain a healthy mouth.
WHAT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS?
Dental sealants are a protective coating that’s generally placed on the surface of back teeth for cavity prevention—due to those hard-to-reach places with all the deep grooves—we call molars.
This thin, plastic material adheres to the tooth and helps prevent food—along with plaque and bacteria—from nestling into the nooks and crannies of your teeth.
WHO NEEDS DENTAL SEALANTS?
Even though dental sealants are recommended for children when their molars begin to pop up, adults can also benefit from them—especially if at high risk for tooth decay.
Dental sealants are recommended as soon as permanent molars breakthrough. First molars can be seen between the ages of 5-7 and second molars pop up between 11-14 years old.
Thankfully, the age spectrum—whether an adult or child—is wide with who can benefit from dental sealants.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL SEALANTS
With dental sealants, you have a “silent” partner that helps maintain a healthy mouth.
Although they don’t replace brushing or flossing your teeth—they simply help you not have to work as hard to remove food and bacteria out of the pits and fissures of your mouth.
Because of this, “School-age children (ages 6-11) without sealants have almost 3 times more 1st molar cavities than those with sealants.” —according to the CDC.
HOW ARE DENTAL SEALANTS APPLIED?
We’d like to say this dental visit is a walk in the park compared to those that require extraction, or the buzzing of instruments next to your head.
• Teeth are cleaned and dried; cotton may be used to keep moisture away
• Acidic gel is placed on teeth to help roughen them up, so the sealant can adhere properly
• Gel is then rinsed and the tooth is dried again
• Sealant is then applied and a special blue light is used to bond it to the tooth
DENTAL SEALANT FAST FACTS
• Sealants can last years; your dentist will continuously check their condition at each visit. They can be reapplied if and when needed.
• Aside from an allergy to the material, at this time, no known side effects are known.
• Insurance typically covers sealants, but it’s best to check with your dental office to confirm.
Do you feel smarter now?
If the words dental sealants were foreign to you before, we hope this sheds light on what they are and who really needs them.
And any dental visit that isn’t painful is a plus in our book!
Have a feeling that dental sealants might be just what you need?
We’d love to help you decide!
Contact Integrity Dental in Pueblo, CO today to find out!