Are Dental Sealants Right For You?
Who can benefit from using dental sealants? Tooth decay is a constant worry that affects people of all ages. Taking care of your teeth via good dental hygiene and proper oral care is important for anyone who cares about preventing cavities and maintaining a healthy smile. Dental sealants are one of the options that dentists and patients should discuss as part of their over all approach to protecting against future problems.
Grand Lake Dental makes it our top priority to help Oklahoma area patients keep their mouth healthy. That means working with families and individuals to look at all the various choices for dental care and helping them make the best possible decision. With that in mind, let’s take a detailed look at dental sealants and who they make sense for.
What are dental sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin coating that is applied to a tooth’s surface to help protect againts tooth decay. The sealant material creates a protective layer that is able to block out food particles and bacteria from settling into the nooks and crannies of a tooth. They have been found to protect against up to 80% of cavities in the first two years after application and 50% of cavities for up to four years.
While sealants have been around for over 100 years, the materials used in today’s sealant techniques have advanced to the point where they are safe, effective, and non-obtrusive. Today, sealants are typically made of one of two materials. The first type are resin-based, which have gone through several generations, starting with UV-cured resins that are no longer in use today. More modern options are light cured and contain fluoride.
The second type of sealant is based on glass ionomer cement. This material is formed based on the reaction of silicate glass-powder with polyacrylic acid (an ionomer). When they are mixed together, it results in a powdered cement surrounded by matrix of fluoride elements. At the chemical level, this is a glass polyalkenoate, and it is quite effective both at bonding with the surface of the tooth and protecting the tooth from decay.
Once applied, the barrier provided by the dental sealant is especially effective at protecting the areas on the tooth that are difficult to get to when brushing and flossing. This is why they are generally applied to the rear molars, which are most vulnerable to cavities. Because these teeth are more often involved with chewing and handling tougher food, this extra protective layer is especially helpful when it comes to preventing plaque build up and other issues.
How are dental sealants applied to teeth?
The actual process of applying the sealant is easier than you might expect. The first step involves a thorough cleaning and check up to ensure there is no tooth decay already occurring where the sealant will be applied. If there is a small cavity, it will be treated with air abrasion and/or a drill to clean out the infection prior to being sealed. The teeth are then dried and a special absorbent is applied to prevent moisture from interfering with the procedure.
Next, the tooth (or teeth) on which the sealant will be painted is cleaned with an acid etch solution, which serves to roughen the surface and make it easier for the sealant to bond with the enamel. The sealant is then applied directly to the tooth, and depending on the material used, a curing light may be employed to more quickly harden the sealant.
Who is a good candidate for dental sealants?
You may be wondering if you or your children are eligible for getting dental sealants. Both children (who already have all of their permanent teeth) and adults can benefit from this procedure. For younger patients, including teens and young adults, a sealant will help prevent tooth decay in those parts of the mouth that are difficult to reach with normal cleaning habits. As for adults, any teeth that don’t already have fillings or severe cavities would do well with sealants.
Every mouth is different, and some people have teeth with more grooves and pockets that are more prone to cavities than others. Because each patient is unique, if you are interested in sealants, your best bet is to consult with a dentist and have them examine your teeth and advise you on your suitability for dental sealants.
What options besides dental sealants can you use to protect your teeth?
Dental sealants are just one option for preventing plaque buildup and cavities, and even if you do get sealants you will still need to practice proper dental hygiene. Of course, the most important thing you need to be doing on a daily basis to prevent tooth decay is brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. Another important consideration both before and after sealants is to be careful about what you eat. Avoid sugary foods and beverages, as well as the types of food that are more prone to get stuck in crevices.
Another habit that’s good for preventing decay is the use of a mouth rinse that contains fluoride. Likewise, if you live in an area that adds fluoride to your tap water, drinking water regularly will help. Remember, while sealants are a great preventive measure, they are only good for as long as the coating lasts. Paying close attention to your oral hygiene with proper care will go a long way to protecting the health of your teeth, while sealants alone won’t do a lot of good if you otherwise have poor daily habits.
Your Grove, Oklahoma Dental Sealant Specialist
At Grand Lake Dental, Dr. Jobst and our team of dedicated dental professionals are committed to working with Grove, Oklahoma residents to provide lifelong dental care. Sealants are just one of the techniques we use every day to keep our neighbors smiling. If you and your family are concerned about your long term oral hygiene, contact us today to schedule your first check up and discuss what options are available that might be right for you.