DENTAL SEALANTS – HOW THEY CAN BENEFIT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
Dentists paint tooth-colored acrylic coatings, known as dental sealants, onto the surface of your teeth. This procedure seals deep grooves in your teeth and functions as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque accumulation, acids, and debris that could cause cavities or tooth decay.
Dental sealants protect your teeth’s biting surfaces from food particles that brushing and flossing simply cannot reach. Sealants are designed to withstand the strain of normal chewing and can last several years. If your dentist deems it necessary, they may reapply the sealants years after the initial procedure to maintain continued protection.
Read on to find out more about dental sealants and how they can help you maintain your oral health.
THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth. When brushing your back teeth, it’s hard to clean those areas thoroughly. That’s where sealants come in, providing an extra layer of protection against cavities or the need for root canals or crowns. By covering the fissures and grooves in your teeth, sealants can protect your enamel and ensure your smile will remain healthy for years to come.
Dental sealants require a non-invasive procedure with zero pain. Furthermore, they are easy to apply and require only a few minutes to complete the process. After the procedure, your newly sealed teeth will enjoy the benefit of being protected against plaque and potentially harmful foods.
PREVENTION IS KEY
It simply cannot be stressed enough: when it comes to your oral health, prevention is paramount. That’s why it’s better to avoid dental complications than to have to remedy them. With that in mind, sealants offer a strong measure of prevention. Even teeth that have not been impacted by tooth decay and have no fillings can still benefit from the protection of dental sealants.
That’s why children and other young patients may benefit greatly from sealants, in order to prevent any kind of slow erosion that could result in bigger complications as they grow into adulthood. Getting sealants while young far outweighs the inconvenience of having to deal with cavities and tooth decay in later years. Again, prevention is key and dental sealants are a strong ally in these efforts.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR DENTAL SEALANT PROCEDURE
Your dentist will recommend avoiding hard foods for the rest of the day after a dental sealant procedure. It’s normal for your bite to feel different initially as your teeth adjust to the protective layer and wear off any excess material.
Even though a dental sealant provides extra protection, that is no reason to discontinue smart oral health practices, including visiting your dentist for routine check-ups. Your dentist will closely monitor your sealants to determine if they require replacement or repair and will take appropriate action.
Remember, dental sealants help you prevent complications while maintaining dental hygiene and contributing to your overall health. Find out more today.