Are dental sealants worth it?

Are dental sealants worth it?

Nov 01, 2021

When you visit your child’s dentist, they are likely to recommend applying dental sealants to their molar teeth. Even though their teeth and gums are healthy, dental sealants play a significant role in maintaining their oral hygiene and health.

It’s also worth noting that sealants are not only beneficial to children and teenagers, dental sealants for adults are also available. However, if possible, dental sealants should be applied at an early age of 5 – 13, where the permanent teeth start to develop.

What are Dental Sealants?

Basically, dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. Usually, the chewing surfaces of these teeth feature tiny pits and fissures, where food can easily get stuck, making them susceptible to dental carriers and gum disease.

Once the sealants are applied, they bond strongly to the tooth’s surface, covering the tiny pits and fissures. This significantly reduces your risk of dental caries and gum disease. The smooth surface also makes brushing and flossing easier and straightforward.

How are Sealants Applied?

 If you feel that you can benefit from dental sealants, the first step is to visit the dentist for a check-up. The dentist will check your teeth and advice you accordingly. If you’re a good candidate for sealants, the dentist will schedule you and tell you how to prepare appropriately.

Fortunately, there isn’t much you need to do to prepare. Simply dress comfortably and get to the dental office timely. Once you get there, the dentist will go ahead and give the treatment. Typically, dental sealants procedure involves:

  • The dentist cleans and dries the tooth that is to be sealed. This eliminates the chances of covering any debris and bacteria under the sealant. It also makes it easier for the sealant to bond to the tooth.
  • Next, an acidic solution is used to roughen the tooth’s enamel and make the bonding process easier.
  • The tooth is rinsed and dried again.
  • The dentist applies a thin layer of liquid sealant to the tooth’s chewing surface. A special light hardens the sealant.
  • The dentist repeats the procedure for the other teeth.

As you’ve read above, getting dental sealants is easy, painless, and quick. However, it’s worth noting that dental sealants won’t protect your teeth and gums forever. To ensure maximum protection, they have to be reapplied after a couple of years. It’s important to have them checked out regularly to ensure they’re still intact.

Are Dental Sealants Worth It?

Dental sealants are worthwhile and for many reasons. These include:

  1. Saves Your Money

If you’re a good candidate for sealants, it’s a worthwhile investment to consider. Typically, it costs about $30 to $60 per tooth. These sealants will ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong. If the teeth aren’t protected, your risk of getting cavities is high, which would cause the need for complex and expensive treatments. Investing in sealants will safeguard your teeth and saves you thousands of dollars.

  1. Sealants protect your teeth against cavities and gum disease

The key goal of dental sealants is to protect your tooth’s enamel. When sealants cover the fissures and grooves of the biting surfaces, they prevent food participles and plaque from building up in the mouth. Any food stuck on the teeth is quickly cleared with regular brushing and flossing. This significantly reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease.

  1. Safe and long-lasting

Tooth sealants are a safe and long-term investment. Dental sealants will protect your teeth against cavities for about 5 to 10 years when well applied and cared for. However, dental sealants can get damaged and jeopardize your oral health. Therefore it’s essential the sealants them regularly for damages and gets the dentist to reapply them if needed.

  1. Improves your oral hygiene and health

One of the key benefits of sealants is that they make your daily dental routine easier and effortlessly. When the biting surfaces of the back teeth are smoothened, daily brushing is made easier. Remember that dental sealants shouldn’t be used as a substitute for your daily dental routine practices. You still have to keep up with proper dental care and hygiene practices.

Good oral care and hygiene practices include:

  • Avoid acidic and sugary foods or beverages. If you must consume, brush or rinse your mouth afterward.
  • Brush and floss daily
  • Use fluoride-based toothpaste or mouthwash
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams
  • Notify your dentist immediately if your sealants are damaged
  • Avoid chewy and hard food

Teeth sealants pros and cons

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy, painless, and simple to apply
  • Long-lasting
  • Natural-looking
  • Safe and highly effective
  • Eligible for all ages

Cons

  • Not durable – For maximum protection, sealants have to be reapplied every 5 to 10 years
  • They can increase tooth decay – If the teeth aren’t properly cleaned, bacteria and plaque can get sealed, causing more harm.
  • Not everyone is eligible – Patients with deep cavities may not qualify for dental sealants.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Are you interested in dental sealants services? Contact Steven F. Hinchey today to book your appointment.

860-633-6518 Book Appointment