Dental Sealants for Adults

Dental sealants are generally applied to young children and teens but adult patients can be just as prone to cavities as young patients. Bacteria is found everywhere and even though (hopefully!) adults have better home care, genetics can also play a role in dental maladies. Fortunately, dental sealants are an easy and convenient way to help protect your teeth from decay.

What is a Dental Sealant?

Sealants are a protective plastic coating applied to the occlusal (chewing) surface of the posterior teeth, the molars and premolars. This is the most common surface to develop decay and the sealant acts as a barrier to any tiny particles that can get in the fissures of the occlusal surface and cause trouble.

While good brushing habits are crucial, unfortunately the bristles of your trusty toothbrush sometimes cannot reach all the nooks and crannies.

Applying the Sealant

Your dental hygienist can apply sealants to any vulnerable teeth. The treatment is quick and painless! Here is how the process goes:

  1. Your routine dental cleaning is completed and the surface getting the sealant is dried off.
  2. An acidic etching solution is applied to the surface and allowed to work for a minute before being rinsed away. The tooth is thoroughly dried again.
  3. The sealant is applied in the form of a liquid and a curing light is held to the treated tooth to harden the sealant.
  4. Your new sealant is in place and ready to get to work!

Why Sealants are Helpful

Everyone is susceptible to decay regardless of age. Sealant keep out all of the microscopic things that can cause decay! Food particles and a plaque do not have the chance to hang out in the grooves of your occlusal surfaces and therefore are unable to buildup, allowing no space for bacteria to grow and spread.

While sealants will cost you some money, they are a significant less costly preventive treatment when compared to needing a dental crown. In the event of a hopeless tooth, it can need to be extracted and an implant placed. Protecting your teeth from that trauma is always the better option no matter how you look at it!

Dental sealants are not permanent and may need to be replaced, depending on the health and integrity of your teeth. Sealants can last up to ten years.

Preventing Tooth Decay

The most successful way to prevent tooth decay is with your oral hygiene home care. Brushing and flossing properly twice a day and using products containing fluoride is the best first step you can take on your own. If your dentist feels that you may be at a higher risk for decay and suggests sealants, follow through with the treatment and continue to see your dentist regularly.

Taking the time now can save you in the long run. We only get one set of natural teeth so caring for them to the best of our ability is so important!

More on Dental Sealants : How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?