Dental Sealants - Newton, MA
Invest in the Protection of Dental Sealants
Tooth decay is the biggest threat to your smile. Although it is preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 20% of children aged 5 to 11 and 13% of adolescents between 12 to 19 years of age have at least one untreated cavity. While tooth decay is commonly seen in children, adults aren’t immune to it. At least 92% of adults have had at least one cavity in a permanent tooth. Brushing, flossing, and regular care from your dentist reduce your risk of dental caries; however, there’s another step you can take to safeguard your smile. Dental sealants provide a layer of protection to cavity-prone areas to keep your enamel strong and healthy.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
A sealant is a clear plastic coating that’s applied to the chewing surface of the molars and premolars. The grooves (fissures) are vulnerable to decay because food particles and bacteria can get trapped in the crevasses, which can be difficult to remove with a toothbrush. Over time, plaque will form and the acid created by bacteria will erode your enamel, eventually causing a hole.
Dental sealants protect the susceptible areas to create a smooth surface over the fissures. This prevents cavity-causing bacteria from reaching the enamel to significantly lessen the risk of decay. Research shows as much as 80% of cavities can be prevented using dental sealants.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are often recommended for children around the age of 6 because they don’t have the best oral hygiene habits. Although they are widely used in pediatric dentistry, you’re never too old to benefit from their protection. The barrier can be applied to patients of all ages, such as adults at risk of cavities from deep grooves in their teeth.
Dental Sealants VS Preventive Resin Restorations
Preventive resin restorations (PPR) are like dental sealants; however, they require a little extra prep work to the tooth and a filling material is used to fill the grooves. Although they are effective, abrasion is necessary to prepare the area.
Dental sealants differ because your tooth isn’t altered to apply the material. Instead, your tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried before an acidic solution is placed on the fissured area. It is quickly rinsed off before applying the liquid sealant. A special light is used to quickly harden it to create a plastic coating.
Dental sealants are durable to withstand the pressure of chewing. With the right care, they can last for 10 years or longer. If a sealant becomes damaged, we can easily replace it to continue protecting your smile from cavities.
Prevent Tooth Decay Today
Whether you’re interested in dental sealants for your child or yourself, the simple preventive treatment can significantly lower the risk of cavities. As a result, we can stop potential issues before they begin.
If you’re ready to benefit from the power of prevention, contact our office today to schedule your appointment for dental sealants.
