Dental Sealants: Are They Useful in Reality?

Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay. The dentist in Rockford IL, always recommends brushing and flossing are sufficient to remove food particles and plaque from the smooth tooth surfaces but is challenging to remove them from the pits and fissures of the molars which house plaque and food particles. Dental sealants can protect these vulnerable areas by sealing out the plaque and food particles, which often cause tooth decay and cavities.

The dental sealant material is a thin plastic coating applied on the chewing surfaces of the molars. The sealant bonds quickly into the grooves and fissures of the teeth to develop a protective shield over the enamel. Children and teenagers are most likely to develop tooth decay in the grooves and crevices of molars and premolars. Therefore they are the primary candidates for dental sealants. However, it does not mean adults cannot have them, especially if they don’t have tooth decay or fillings on their molars.

Children are recommended sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they emerge. Using sealants, parents can help protect their child’s teeth during the cavity-prone ages of six to 14. Dental sealant in Rockford are also appropriate for baby teeth in some cases because baby teeth also have deep fissures and grooves. Baby teeth play a significant role in holding the space for permanent teeth to emerge, making it essential to keep them healthy and ensure they are not lost prematurely.

Having dental sealants applied is a straightforward process. The dental sealant procedure only requires a few minutes for the dentist or hygienist to finish the application on each tooth to seal it.

Source : CDC

The procedure begins by cleaning the receiving teeth thoroughly and drying them with cotton or other absorbent material to remain dry. An etching solution is applied on the chewing surfaces of the tooth to roughen them and help the sealant bond to the tooth. Rinsing of the tooth and drying follow the application of the etching liquid, after which the sealant is painted on the tooth enamel. The dental sealant bonds directly to the tooth and hardens within a few minutes. However, dentists use a curing light at times to assist in the hardening process.

Dental sealants can protect the teeth from decay for up to a decade. However, the sealants must be checked for chipping or wear during routine dental exams. Dentists replace the sealants as required by the patient.

Parents taking their children for dental sealants and in possession of dental insurance must not worry about the prices of the application. Children under 18 are covered by insurance companies. Still, adults will have to pay out of pocket for the protective barrier if they want additional safeguards for their teeth against tooth decay and cavities.

Dental sealants have proven useful on most children that have them on their molars than the children that don’t. Sealants are a preventive measure against cavities as they seal the pits and fissures of the molars to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from invading the tooth. The application is a requirement for children and teenagers who are prone to issues like cavities. 

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