Brushing your teeth and flossing are cornerstones of your oral health, but on top of that, there are additional means to help protect your teeth. Dental sealants from Albion Family Dental offer a thin coating to protect teeth from cavities.
Dental sealants are a simple and inexpensive procedure, but are they worth it?
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and can prevent cavities for years. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces by covering them with a protective shield that blocks out germs and food.
Once applied, sealants protect against 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years.[1] They’re a quick, easy, and painless way to prevent cavities, preserving the strength and health of a tooth.
According to the CDC, sealants can be retained in the mouth for up to nine years. About 43% of children aged six to 11 have a dental sealant. Children from low-income households were 20% less likely to have sealants than children from higher-income households. Without sealants, school-age children have almost three times more cavities.
How Do Sealants Work?
As the name suggests, sealants “seal” the tooth’s grooves and crevices to prevent acid producing bacteria from accumulating in those areas. Once a sealant has been applied, it keeps the bits of food, bacteria, and acid from building up on the teeth and that helps to prevent cavities.
If there are untreated cavities, sealants may be used to prevent further damage to the tooth. Sealants may be clear, which allows the dentist to monitor the tooth and check that the sealant is doing its job.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Sealants are a quick and painless process. First, the dentist cleans and dries the teeth. Then, they place an acidic gel on the teeth, roughing the surface to create a strong bond with the tooth and the sealant.
After a few seconds, the acidic gel is removed, and the tooth is dried to prepare for the sealant. The sealant is applied, and the dentist uses a blue light to harden it for a smooth, protective surface.
Long-Term Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants must be put on by a qualified professional. If the application technique is perfect, it can last a lifetime.
Dental cavities are a common condition among children and teens. Left untreated, they can cause pain, infection, and eating, speaking, and learning problems. Sealants are an effective solution that protects children’s teeth.
Ideally, children should get sealants when they’re getting new teeth with grooves, such as molars and premolars. This occurs at ages six, 12, and 18. Though baby teeth can be sealed, children need to be patient enough to tolerate the procedure (which is painless).
Downsides to Sealants
There are a few downsides and no known side effects with sealants. They do have a tiny amount of BPA, but it’s at too small a level to cause harm. Most people get more exposure to BPA by touching cosmetics or dust. And if cavities are present, there’s more BPA involved in the treatment than the sealant.
You may be able to feel the presence of the sealant for a period after they’re placed, just like other dental work. Over time, it should become unnoticeable.
If sealants fall out, chip, or wear away, they will need to be replaced. The excess material may need to be drilled down or removed with a scaler, which may be a little anxiety-inducing. It doesn’t hurt, though.
Dental Sealants in Albion
Overall, the biggest problem with dental sealants is a lack of awareness. Many parents don’t know they’re an option to prevent cavities. If you’re interested in sealants for yourself or your child, Albion Family Dental can help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! 585-589-9044
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/dental_sealant_program/sealants-FAQ.htm