What are Dental Sealants?
Children and some adults are extremely prone to cavities, and this can be due to genetics, poor dental hygiene, diet, and some other factors. Unfortunately, people who are prone to cavities may have trouble maintaining good oral health throughout their lives.
Fortunately, there are preventative measures that can be taken to help prevent tooth decay. One preventative treatment is dental sealant application. Dental sealants are protective coatings that are applied onto the chewing surfaces of teeth, most often the molars, which stop food debris from getting caught on rough edges, pits and fissures, and sitting on the teeth. Sealants cannot replace proper at-home dental care and hygiene practices, like brushing and flossing, but they can help decrease the risk of cavity development.
Due to their coloring and location, dental sealants are virtually invisible and do not affect the appearance of your smile. Often, they are recommended for children, but can easily be applied for adults, as well.
Ages for Dental Sealants
Dental sealants may be more effective for younger patients than adults in many cases. The first molars emerge at around age 6, and the second set emerge near the age of 12, which is a time in life when many children will find themselves prone to cavities. Sealants are a great preventative treatment option and can be recommended as needed by your family dentist.
Dental Sealant Procedure
The application of dental sealants is not a difficult process. First, the teeth are cleaned and prepped with an acidic gel to create a strong bond for the sealant. The gel is rinsed away after several seconds, the tooth is dried, and then the sealant material is painted onto the tooth’s surface before being hardened by a special curing light.
Dental sealants typically last a few years, and a re-application may be necessary for some patients before the dentist feels comfortable letting the teeth go without sealants. Some people choose to have sealants applied repeatedly throughout their lives to help prevent cavities.
Your Dentist & Periodontist in Oak Lawn
If you are looking for reliable family dental care, we offer patients of all ages a number of preventative treatments that help them maintain optimal dental health. If you are interested in dental sealants to protect against cavities, our dental professionals at Oak Lawn Smiles can help design the ideal treatment plan for your needs. Contact us today when you call (708) 866-0509.
