The American Dental Association said that thorough brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get in-between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth surface decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
Dental sealants are a dental treatment used to protect teeth and prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants are an effective way to prevent tooth decay, especially in children. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by “sealing out” plaque and food. They are typically applied to the back teeth, where most cavities occur. Dental sealants are a clear or white plastic material that is brushed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This creates a barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting into the tiny crevices of the teeth and causing tooth decay.
Dental sealants are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing and flossing your teeth becomes easier and more effective against tooth enamel decay. Sealants applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against tooth decay after the permanent teeth have erupted.
Sealants are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.
Sealants last from three to five years, but it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from their childhood. Sealants can last for many years, but they will need to be reapplied as the teeth grow and change. Our sealant dentist in Roanoke VA only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your sealants come off, let your dentist know, and schedule an appointment for your teeth to be re-sealed. If you are concerned about tooth decay, contact Eschenbach Dental about dental sealants in a simple and painless process. We also have a pediatric dentist in Roanoke VA if you have a child who is at risk for cavities.