All You Need To Know Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a common preventive dental procedure used to shield your teeth from decay and damage. They are plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect the teeth from the effects of decay and cavities. This barrier is highly effective at preventing bacteria and acid from gathering in pits or grooves on the tooth’s surface, which is where the plaque often accumulates.

How Do Sealants Work?

Dental sealants are essentially plastic shield that is placed over the teeth to protect them from decay. They prevent cavities by filling in the crevasses on the biting surfaces of molars and premolars. These areas are highly prone to cavities. The plastic coating is bonded to the tooth, creating a smooth surface that is easy to clean. This treatment is an excellent way to avoid costly dental procedures in the future.

Why Invest in Dental Sealants?

Having dental sealants applied from All Smile Dental to your child’s teeth offers numerous advantages, including the following:

• Protection against decay and cavities
• Prevention of gum disease
• Improved bite strength
• Avoidance of dental treatment costs in the future
• Lessen the risk of broken or chipped teeth
• Greater comfort for your child
• A more beautiful smile for them

When Are Sealants Recommended?

The American Dental Association recommends dental sealants for children and adults to prevent cavities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than 40 percent of children ages 6-11 have or have had cavities in their baby teeth, and that number jumps to almost 70 percent for children between the ages of 12-17. Sealants are an excellent way to prevent tooth decay in school-age children, but adults can benefit from them as well. Sealants protect susceptible tooth surfaces from plaque and acids that cause tooth decay. Enamel is a very hard substance that protects your teeth against damage, but unfortunately, it can be damaged through decay. For this reason, Dr. Singh may recommend dental sealants. 

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Not all patients are good candidates for dental sealants, but your dentist may recommend them if you have an increased risk of cavities. For example, if you suffer from frequent cavities or if you have pits and grooves in your teeth that are hard to clean, you may benefit from dental sealants. Dr. Singh can help you determine if sealants are right for your situation.

Are Sealants Safe?

Yes! The materials that are used for making sealants are safe and nontoxic. When they are professionally applied to the teeth, there’s no cause for concern.

They can last for several years before needing to be replaced. They are also clear or tooth-colored so that they blend in with the smile. Because of this, patients can enjoy all the foods they love without worrying about damaging their teeth’s enamel. This can help reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay.

If you are interested in protecting your teeth with dental sealants or would like to learn more, book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839. All Smile Dental is always happy to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan just for you!