Dental sealants add a barrier of protection to teeth that aids in the prevention of tooth decay. Alongside good daily oral hygiene habits, the use of sealants keeps harmful bacteria off the tooth’s surface. Asheville dentists recommend dental sealants for children and adults who are at a higher risk for tooth decay.
Saunders DDS would like to touch on some basic questions that are frequently asked about dental sealants. For the right people, dental sealants offer a huge advantage at fighting cavities. Who knows, maybe these little protectors are right for you!
So What Are Dental Sealants?
The American Dental Association states that Dental Sealants can help decrease the risk of tooth decay by up to 80%. These sealants are applied to teeth as thin layers of materials used in dentistry such as plastic coatings. These coatings seal the teeth and protect them from decay.
People prone to cavities are prime candidates for Dental Sealants which keep harmful food particles off of teeth.
Are Dental Sealants Permanent Or Temporary?
Regular checkups after the application of Dental Sealants extends the life of the treatment. Typically, sealants that are properly applied can last up to ten years, but are prone to wear over time. However, your dentist in Asheville can apply more sealant when necessary during a checkup.
Are Dental Sealants Applied To All Teeth?
Typically no, Dental Sealants are proven to work best on the teeth that are at a higher risk of cavities such as the teeth in the back of the mouth. The location of molars makes them difficult to reach during regular brushing. If not brushed properly, molars collect food debris that are hard to remove. Furthermore, the food particles create tooth enamel stripping acids that lead to cavities. In that respect, Dental Sealants are applied to the adult molars, as these teeth are in locations that are more prone to bacterial / food particle buildup.
How Is The Application Procedure Performed?
The application of Dental Sealants is a no pain, no anesthesia process that is quick and free of restrictions immediately after application. Asheville dentists start with a professional teeth cleaning. Afterwords, the teeth to be treated are dried and prepared with a gel-like bonding agent that the sealant attaches to. At this point, the sealant material is applied with a brush and allowed to fully dry. Dental Sealants are transparent and only your dentist is able to recognise the treatment during appointments.
How Effective Are Sealants At Protecting Teeth?
Sealants are highly effective in aiding the battle against tooth decay. Molars with deep grooves become far easier to clean and keep healthy longer with the barrier Dental Sealants create. Applied to children’s teeth, the cavity prevention sealants offer is invaluable and the investment is absolutely worth it. As mentioned above, the investment in Dental Sealants pays off in providing you or your child years of tooth decay prevention.
Can Anyone Get Dental Sealants?
Several people qualify for Dental Sealants. Adults and teenagers who can benefit from sealants are candidates, in addition to children who typically benefit from sealants while they’re still learning good oral hygiene practices. It’s worth noting that Dental Sealants are applied to adult teeth where they’re most effective and have longevity and usually not applied to primary (or baby) teeth. Talk to your dentist about weather or not you are a candidate for dental sealants. Adults who get multiple cavities time and time again are excellent candidates for sealants.
Are Brushing, Flossing, And Mouth Rinse Still Necessary With Dental Sealants?
Brushing, flossing, and good daily oral hygiene practices are ALWAYS necessary, no matter what therapies or appliances are used concurrently. Dental Sealants are not a replacement for or solution to good oral hygiene, Dental Sealants are an aid to good oral hygiene. Sealants are an extra helpful step in preventing tooth decay, but not a cure or complete guard against tooth decay. Sealants are also not a substitute for fluoride, nor should sealants replace fluoride. Your dentist in Asheville can talk with you further about fluoride usage and its effectiveness at fighting cavities.
What’s The Financial Cost Of Dental Sealants?
The good news is that many dental insurance plans cover dental sealants, but ultimately the cost will depend on if your insurance company covers the treatment. You can check with your insurance provider to see what your plan covers. Alternately, our staff can go over the pricing when you come in for an appointment. The real question is, how much is saved in cavity fillings that are prevented by Dental Sealants?
Along with good daily oral hygiene, Dental Sealants are very effective at sealing out tooth decay. You should ask your dentist if sealants are a right choice for preserving your beautiful smile or the beautiful smiles of your children. If you have more questions or are further interested in the benefits of Dental Sealants, schedule a visit with your dentist in Asheville for a consultation and exam!
