Dental sealants are most often associated with pediatric dental care. Sealants involve a plastic application on the back molars to “seal out” decay. Due to the prevalence of cavities in kids as well as their beginner brushing habits, sealants are typically recommended for school-age children when their permanent molars erupt. What you may not know about sealants, however, is that they can be applied to patients of all ages. Yes, adults can benefit from dental sealants too!
How Effective Are Sealants?
According to ADA, dental sealants on the molars can reduce risk of decay by 80%. The molars are chosen because these back teeth are harder to brush and they have deep pits and grooves that attract bacteria and food debris. By providing a thin plastic material to these teeth, a sealant can act as a barrier and shield vulnerable molars from tooth decay. Sealants don’t last forever, but some can deliver valued prevention for up to 10 years. As an added bonus, sealants are affordable, and the procedure is quick and painless.
How Are Sealants Applied?
The American Dental Association (ADA) explains the sealant application process:
- First, the tooth’s surface is cleaned and dried.
- Then, an “acidic gel” is applied briefly to roughen the tooth surface to help the sealant adhere to your natural tooth.
- Shortly after, the dental hygienist will rinse the gel and dry the tooth before applying the sealant.
- After the water rinse, the tooth surface is dried and the sealant is applied. A blue light is then used to solidify the sealant on to the tooth.
How You Can Benefit from Sealants as an Adult
There are many reasons why adults choose dental sealants. Adults reap the same overall benefit as children – to prevent cavities. A dentist may recommend sealants for an adult who is more prone to cavities, either based on personal history or if they have deeply pitted molars or crowded back teeth that makes cleaning a challenge. Due to their preventative properties, sealants can save money that would otherwise be spent on fillings, crowns and other repairs for a damaged/decayed tooth. What adult isn’t interested in protecting both their smile and their wallet?
Schedule Your Adult Sealants Today!
At the Gainesville Dental Group, we pride ourselves on our attention to preventative dental care. Our goal is to keep patients away from the dental chair as much as possible. If you would like to learn more about how you can protect your smile with dental sealants, please call our office today.
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
