Dental sealants are a great preventive and protective general dentistry measure that can be used for both children and adults. They protect the teeth against cavities and the effects of bruxism, which both can lead to tooth decay and eventual loss. Ready to find out how?
Below is an overview of dental sealants, including what they are and how they can be used to protect the teeth against decay. When looking into different protective measures, it can be helpful to review the following information.
Dental sealants are defined as thin, plastic-based coatings that cover the back teeth. A general dentist paints the plastic coating directly onto molars and premolars, which are responsible for chewing and grinding food when eating. The procedure is very simple and takes less than an hour.
Dental sealants are placed on back teeth, typically molars and premolars. These teeth are most prone to cavities and decay because they are responsible for chewing and grinding foods. Additionally, these teeth often grind up against each other at night, which leads to significant wear and tear of the enamel and entire tooth. Long-term wear and tear on the back teeth can result in decay. While it takes much longer for a tooth to decay from bruxism than it does cavities, the potential is there.
With the help of dental sealants, the back teeth can be protected from cavity build-up and the effects of bruxism. When placing them, the general dentist will carefully apply the coating to the entire tooth, ensuring that all the pits and fissures are filled and sealed. The sealant is invisible, but keeps the enamel strong and protected, thus resulting in less of a chance that cavities or bruxism will cause decay.
Dental sealants are primarily used for children as their teeth are more prone to developing cavities, which leads to tooth decay. However, adult patients can also have dental sealants placed as a preventive and protective measure. The procedure is simple, pain-free and non-invasive, which makes it a great option for anyone!
While dental sealants are meant to provide permanent results, they often do not last past 10 years. Because they are placed on the back teeth, normal wear and tear does occur over time. Thankfully, dental sealants can be reapplied every few years to ensure that they remain intact and protective.
After a dental sealant procedure, individuals may experience slight sensitivity, which is very normal. The sensitivity should not last more than 48 hours and can be remedied with a desensitizing toothpaste.
When considering different preventive measures, such as dental sealants, it is a good idea to consult with a general dentist. An evaluation can be done in order to determine if dental sealants are a suitable option. Each individual is different, which means their needs may vary. To learn more about dental sealants and their use, reach out today!
Request an appointment here: https://www.timsmithdental.com or call Tim Smith Dental at (903) 592-5934 for an appointment in our Tyler office.
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