Dental sealants are a thin coating that covers the chewing surfaces of your teeth to prevent tooth decay. The treatment is very effective at preventing decay and preserving the enamel on premolars and molars.

While a good oral hygiene regimen is very effective at removing food from your mouth, it isn’t perfect. Our teeth contain tiny fissures and gaps that food can find their way into leading to tooth decay. Dental sealants are designed to get into these cavities and protect the teeth from this decay.

Who can benefit from dental sealants?

Most people can benefit from dental sealants, even children. While young children can be treated with dental sealants, we typically wait until their adult teeth appear. Then we apply the sealant as an extra barrier against tooth decay.

Most adults can also benefit from dental sealants at any stage of life. If you’re prone to decay and have an otherwise healthy mouth, sealants can be an extra protection for your teeth.

How are dental sealants applied?

Applying dental sealants is a simple, painless procedure that can be completed within a single appointment. First we assess your mouth to check for any dental issues. Then we thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any food particles that may be hidden in fissures and gaps.

Once fully clean, we dry the teeth completely, then prepare the surface with a kinetic powder system to provide a key for the dental sealant to adhere to. We then rinse and dry the teeth once more and paint the dental sealant onto the premolars and molars. We then use a special light to cure the sealant. That’s all there is to it.

How long do dental sealants last?

As with many dental treatments, the long-term benefits are very subjective. Much depends on your overall health, diet, lifestyle and the effectiveness of your oral health regimen. Typically, we would expect dental sealants to last a0nything up to 10 years. Usually we only need them to last until you are beyond your cavity prone years.

The sealant material is very effective at withstanding the conditions of your mouth and has been designed to cope with acids and chewing. If you smoke, drink a lot of coffee or alcohol, or are diabetic the efficacy of the dental sealant may be reduced but will still be effective while it lasts.

The ability to provide an effective barrier to tooth decay is the main reason we promote dental sealants as a treatment. Even the best oral hygiene regimen in the world cannot fully protect your teeth from decay. Dental sealants are that extra barrier that can make all the difference.

If you’re considering dental sealants or think you might benefit from the treatment, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today. We’re here to help!

Dental sealants are used to coat the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities. They are primarily applied to protect the premolars and molars from tooth decay and can be a very effective dental treatment.

As you can appreciate, your teeth are full of ridges, gaps and uneven surfaces where tooth decay can take hold. Unless you have an exceptionally effective oral health regimen, a small amount of decay is inevitable. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.

Food and other debris can get caught in these gaps which can cause tooth decay. In hard to reach or hard to brush areas, this is quite common. As plaque accumulates in these areas, it attacks tooth enamel and decay can occur. Dental sealants are one way to help prevent that.

Dental sealants are used to coat the premolars and molars with a thin plastic film to prevent tooth decay from taking hold. If food gets trapped within the teeth and plaque forms, there is a strong barrier between it and your teeth, preventing decay from taking hold. It’s a simple but very effective treatment.

How Are Dental Sealants Placed?

The procedure for fitting dental sealants is quite straightforward and doesn’t involve drugs, anesthetic, or drilling.

First we perform a deep clean of the teeth using an air abrasion machine to ensure all plaque has been removed and the teeth are as clean as they can be. Next we wash them down, dry them use a special solution to prepare the teeth for the sealant. The solution creates a key on the surface of the tooth to allow the sealant to adhere properly.

Once the teeth have been dried once more, the sealant itself is applied. The application provides a thin coating across the teeth that is almost invisible. Most sealants will then be dried using a light to provide a hard protective surface. Some sealants will dry without the light, it depends on what kind of sealant your dentist surgery uses.

How Long Does it Last?

If a high quality dental sealant is applied properly, it can last anywhere up to 10 years. Much depends on the health of your mouth, your diet, whether you smoke or drink and some environmental factors.

Regular checkups with your dentist can keep you informed of how the sealant is coping and whether you need to take any special measures to keep it in good condition. Looked after properly, there is no reason why it couldn’t last a decade or more.

What’s more, dental sealants are covered by most insurance policies. They are a proven dental procedure that has long lasting preventive benefits to those who have them. Insurance companies have realized this and now often include them in your coverage. Check your policy to make sure.

If you’re ready to take advantage of dental sealants, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry for a consultation today!