Why Are Tooth Sealants Necessary for Adults?
Tooth cavities are among the most common dental issues in dentistry. Adults and children alike have lost multiple teeth to dental decay. The problem is that the decay process sneaks up on you gradually as you go. Fortunately, modern dentistry has various measures to discourage dental decay and promote healthy living. Other than choosing your foods well, you can employ preventive measures like dental sealants to increase your teeth’ resistance to bacteria that cause dental cavities.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants in Oshawa, ON, are types of dental fillings that protect teeth from dental decay. They are different from traditional dental fillings in that they are used in preventive dentistry, not restorative dentistry. Tooth sealants may be types of dental fillings, but they have other unique features. Including:
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Releases fluoride on teeth – at Conlin Dentistry, dentists use dental sealants that gradually release fluoride on teeth over time. The essence of the fluoride mineral is to strengthen the enamels and heighten your teeth’ resistance against dental cavities.
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Suited for back teeth only – dental sealants are only used on the pits, fissures, and depressions of the chewing surfaces of teeth, present only in molars and premolars. It is why they are sometimes called fissure sealants.
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Aesthetic effects – while dental sealants are not necessarily tooth-colored, they do not compromise the aesthetics of your smile. These dental fillings feature either are glass ionomers or composite resin. Composite sealants are tooth-colored but do not contain fluoride. Conversely, the glass ionomers are pink-like sealants that turn white or clear once the light shines on them.
When Are Dental Sealants Used?
If you know anything about dental protocols, you understand that dental sealants are typically used in pediatric dentistry. It means that toddlers and teenagers are the biggest beneficiaries of dental sealants. The reason is that dental sealants are a great preventive measure to protect teeth against dental cavities.
Typically, dentists employ dental sealants for children with a high probability of getting tooth cavities, usually between 6 and 14 years. Dentists paint the sealant material on the back teeth, filling the pits and depressions of teeth. When the sealant hardens and becomes one with natural tooth enamel, it creates a protective shield. The new layer of your teeth will prevent bacteria and acids from damaging your teeth’ enamels.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Even though tooth sealants are popularized for pediatric treatments, adults too can benefit. Dental sealants are necessary for adults interested in preventive measures to prevent dental cavities and tooth decay. A dentist in Oshawa, ON will recommend dental sealants to an adult if they have severely deep grooves and pits on their molars that increase their probability of tooth decay.
However, besides preventive care, adults can get tooth sealants for sensitive teeth. The sealants material will provide a new layer, coating the surfaces of the chewing surfaces of teeth to reduce hypersensitivity.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Although they effectively prevent dental cavities, sealants for teeth are not as durable as traditional dental fillings. The material for dental sealants wears down easily. It may take about 5 years or so before you need to replace the initial sealant material.
What Is the Cost of Dental Sealants?
If you are worried about undertaking an unnecessary yet expensive procedure, consider the costs of dental sealants. Typically, oral sealant treatment costs between $30 – $50 per tooth. It is significantly more affordable than getting a tooth filling for a cavity. In that case, consider dental sealants an investment for your dental health, lowering the risk of dental cavities for your back teeth by up to 80%. If you couple that with excellent dental hygiene and healthy food choices, you can go the rest of your life without getting dental cavities.
Summary
As effective as dental sealants are, you cannot fully bank on them to prevent dental decay. For one, oral sealants are only effective for the back teeth. They cannot treat smooth surfaces or teeth or in between them. Therefore, if you do not take care of your teeth after getting sealants, you can still have dental caries between your teeth or on the front teeth.