Cavities are quite common; in fact, they’re one of the most common health problems in the entire world, and the CDC reports that tooth decay is the most common chronic illness in children! However, despite how widespread cavities are, there are numerous ways of preventing them – and one excellent solution is dental sealants. To learn more about this preventive service, or to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child, please reach out to our Superior office today.
Dental sealants are thin, liquid coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars, which are covered in pits and grooves, to protect them from cavity-causing bacteria. Once applied, they’re cured with a special light that hardens the sealant material, which is usually a special type of composite resin. Our team will often suggest placing sealants as a preventive form of treatment; they have been shown to greatly reduce the risk of cavities in these back teeth.
Getting a dental sealant is a very quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few minutes following a routine dental appointment. Once the teeth receiving sealants have been cleaned, the sealant is painted onto them; a special type of plastic resin material is used. It flows into the pits and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective barrier. Then, a special curing light is used to harden it into place, forming a lasting seal that can last for several years with excellent dental care. From there, all that’s left is to ensure the patient’s bite is comfortable, and if any last-minute adjustments need to be made, they can be quickly handled.
Young children ages six through fourteen are often ideal candidates for dental sealants since their back molars are more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria. This is because the enamel on baby teeth is thinner than that of adult teeth; not to mention, many children’s foods and beverages are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can feed cavity-causing bacteria. Combine this with developing brushing habits, and sealants have immense value. However, sealants are not just exclusively for children – adults can benefit from them too! Adults who are at risk of developing decay in their molars can receive sealants in an identical manner and enjoy the same greatly improved protection.
