Is It Worth Getting Tooth Sealant?

What Is a Tooth Sealant?

Dental sealants in Concord, NH, are thin plastic-like materials painted on the deep fissures of the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, usually to prevent decay.

The process of applying dental sealants in teeth is quick and painless. The teeth are first cleaned and dried before the dentist applies a special solution to the tooth surface to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant material is then applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light.

Understanding the Function of Dental Sealants in Dentistry

The primary role of a dental sealant is to prevent tooth decay. Usually, dentists will apply the sealant material to the deep fissures of the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. Usually, if you are not keen with brushing and flossing, bacteria and food particles easily get trapped in these crevices, leading to tooth decay. Dental sealants help fill in these grooves and pits, making the tooth’s surface smoother and easier to clean.

However, note that dental sealants cannot cure dental decay. They are purely a preventive measure, most effective when applied to clean, healthy teeth before decay has occurred. Therefore, if the infection has already occurred, visit a dentist for a different treatment. Depending on the extent of the decay, treatment options may include tooth filling, root canal therapy, or extraction of the affected tooth. Get ahead of the decay process with dental sealants before you need a restorative procedure to restore your damaged teeth.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Sealants for teeth in Concord, NH, are quite effective means for preventing dental cavities and decay, ultimately maintaining good oral health. Therefore, they are ideal for anyone needing extra help fighting cavity-causing bacteria and acids. As such, they are popular for children who may not have the best oral hygiene habits. If you or your child are at high risk for developing cavities, getting a tooth sealant may be worth considering.

Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?

While dental sealants are commonly for children and teenagers, they can also befit adults with a high risk for tooth decay. Deep grooves or pits in teeth are difficult to clean with brushing alone, which is why you should also consider getting tooth sealants. Other reasons why adults may also choose to get dental sealants:

1. New teeth eruption: A new tooth erupting, such as wisdom teeth, may necessitate dental sealants to protect these teeth from decay.
2. Recent dental work: If you have had recent work done, such as dental fillings or crowns, you may choose to get dental sealants to protect the surrounding teeth from decay.
3. Difficulty cleaning teeth: Adults may have difficulty cleaning their teeth. Such cases are common if you have limited manual dexterity or wear braces or other orthodontic appliances. Dental sealants may help to prevent cavities in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Prevention of further tooth decay: Adults who have already had cavities or other dental problems may choose to get dental sealants as a preventive measure to avoid further tooth decay.

Are Dental Sealants Worth the Hype?

If you consider the benefits of dental sealants at Concord Dental Associates, you will understand why patients and dentists appreciate them. Here are some of the benefits of dental sealants:

1. Protection against decay: Dental sealants create a barrier between the teeth and bacteria that can cause cavities.
2. Improved oral hygiene: The sealant material fills in the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, making them smoother and easier to clean with brushing and flossing.
3. Cost-effective: Dental sealants help save you money when seeking measures for preventing tooth decay, especially compared to the cost of treating a cavity through tooth fillings, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, and oral implants.
4. Painless and non-invasive: Applying dental sealants is a pain-free and non-invasive procedure, typically completed in a single dental visit. You will not need any shots or injections.
5. A quick preventive measure: Dental sealants entail a process that takes only a few minutes per tooth.
6. Long-lasting: Dental sealants can last between 5 and 10 years, providing ongoing protection against decay during that time.