Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities?

Dental sealants may be recommended by a dentist to help keep teeth healthy. Everyone is at risk for cavities regardless of how someone takes care of the teeth. But particular people are more prone to dental caries due to the structure and shape of their teeth and not because they do not brush occasionally. Getting dental sealants is ideal for preventing cavities. Read on to find out how dental sealants can benefit you or your child.

Dental sealants and cavity prevention

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are bonded to the back teeth’s chewing surfaces. Sealants work very well on the back teeth, the premolars, and molars. Sealants help to seal the teeth and prevent decay-causing acids from burrowing into them and eventually causing cavities. Sealants are a good solution for preventing tooth decay.

Effectiveness

Dental sealants basically act as a physical barrier. Sealants applied to back teeth can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. As long as the sealants stay intact, they are very effective at preventing cavities. Sealants can even stop cavities when applied on top of a slightly decayed tooth.

This helps to seal off nutrients to the bacteria that usually causes the cavity. Sealants can help stop decay in its early stages before it turns into a full-blown cavity. Sealants are often clear so the dentist can monitor the tooth. The dentist can make sure that the sealant is doing its job. The sealant does not work when either part or the entire bond between it and the tooth is broken. And it is still vital for people to brush and floss regularly even after getting them.

Candidates for dental sealants

Adults can benefit immensely from getting sealants. But sealants are more helpful for kids because their newly erupted, permanent teeth are more at risk for cavities. School-age children without sealants usually have more cavities than kids with sealants. Many dentists often recommend using sealants as part of a kid’s total preventive dental care.

Procedure

The dentist or hygienist will first clean the surface of the tooth thoroughly. This will be done with a rotating brush and paste. The tooth will then be washed and dried. Next, an acidic solution will be put on the chewing surface of the tooth. It will be rinsed off after a few seconds.

This will create small microscopic areas and a rougher surface and will help the sealant to attach to the tooth. The tooth will then be dried again before the liquid dental sealant is placed on it and hardened. Dental sealants are often hardened using a light. Once it has hardened, it will become a hard, plastic coating and a person will be able to chew on the tooth again.

Bottom line

Sealants have proven to be effective in preventing cavities. Dental sealants usually last for many years. Sealants are a good investment because they will help save time and money in the long run. You should ask your dentist if dental sealants are ideal for you or your family.

Are you considering dental sealants in the Saratoga Springs area? Get more information at https://www.mysaratogadentist.com.

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