Superior Cavity Protection for Your Molars

You may not have heard of dental sealants growing up, as they have only recently become a widespread preventive treatment. Today, dental sealants provide superior cavity protection for both children and adults by coating the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This coating helps prevent wear and tooth decay.

If you are looking for a proven way to help prevent cavities for you and your family, here is why you should consider dental sealants.

What are the benefits of dental sealants?

Dental sealants provide a wide range of oral health benefits. For instance, they are an exceptional option for preventing cavities in children. The CDC says that cavities are nearly three times more common in school-aged children without this treatment.

But anyone looking for ways to prevent cavities at any age should also consider dental sealants. They provide additional protection beyond the prevention offered by brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. The procedure is quick and straightforward and has no impact on chewing ability, so choosing this treatment is often the best option.

How do dental sealants work?

Dental sealants work by protecting the chewing surface of the molars. These are the teeth at the back of the mouth that bear the brunt of chewing. This makes them highly susceptible to tooth decay, particularly in children.

Not only do the molars see more use, but they also typically receive less care. Simply being at the back of the mouth can make them more difficult to brush and floss properly, and children will often overlook the molars.

Dental sealant is a thin layer of composite resin that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This resin forms a protective layer that prevents any wear from chewing or infiltration by bacteria responsible for tooth decay.

The layer is very thin and only applied to the back teeth, so it is practically unnoticeable. You won’t be able to see, feel, or taste the dental sealants. They provide protection for years without any real downsides.

Who is a good candidate for dental sealants?

Dental sealants are most often given to children because they are the most likely to develop cavities in those teeth. The age group from six to eleven is among the most prominent, as the first set of permanent molars emerges around age six.

While this treatment is most widely used for prevention in children, they can provide protection from cavities for patients of all ages as well. Dental sealants for adults can offer an additional layer of protection to supplement your dental hygiene routine.

As an adult, your teeth are just as susceptible to cavities. The only difference is that adults can generally handle oral hygiene better. You’ll still need to keep up with routine oral care, but adding dental sealants can help you make cavities even less likely.

How long do dental sealants last?

One of the primary benefits of dental sealants as a preventive treatment is that they are long-lasting. There are many steps you can take to prepare your children to care for their teeth, and dental sealants are among the most effective and durable.

Dental sealants last for years before the thin layer of composite resin is worn away by natural wear. At that point, you can always simply apply dental sealants again to gain years of protection once more.

The CDC says that sealants are effective at preventing 80% of cavities for up to two years after treatment. They’ll continue to protect against 50% of cavities for a total of four years. This quick and affordable treatment is well worth the years of protection that it provides.

What is getting dental sealants like?

Dental sealant treatment is one of the fastest and least invasive dental procedures out there. Your visit will be quick and comfortable, leaving you with years of effective cavity prevention.

First, an etching solution is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth. This prepares the tooth to allow for better sealant adhesion. The surface is then cleaned and dried.

The dental sealant is then applied using a small brush, similar to a paintbrush. This ensures complete coverage of all nooks and crannies on the surface to deliver the highest level of protection.

A UV light is used to rapidly cure the resin to create a strong and lasting protective layer. This curing process takes just one to two minutes. The entire process is over incredibly quickly, with no need for local anesthesia or any aftercare or recovery once you leave the office.

Find all your preventive care in Lawton, OK.

At Sheppard Family Dental Care, we offer superior dental care to help you and your family enjoy lifelong oral health. Our preventive treatments include routine exams and teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, and dental sealants. You’ll also find all the other treatments you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Schedule an appointment with our friendly team today.