What is it?
A thin coating made of plastic that can be applied to your tooth’s chewing surface specifically on your molars at the backside to prevent them from decaying due to bacteria and build-ups of acids is known as a dental sealant.
Preventing cavities in your teeth is the main purpose of using dental sealants as they create a smooth surface across fissures and cavities in them. It makes it easy to clean plaque and food from your teeth just by brushing and flossing them which was not easy with fissures and pits in them.
Initially, the concept of sealants for teeth was introduced in the 1900s and since then dental sealants, materials used in them as well as the art of applying them are in use all over the world.
Today, dentists recommend the use of dental sealants for teenagers and children who are at a high risk of decay in their new molar adult teeth.
Some of the benefits of dental sealants are briefly discussed in this write-up for your consideration.
Benefits of dental sealants
Painless application: Dental sealants can be applied on the damaged surface of your teeth almost painlessly. Your Brooklyn dentist will use a brush to apply a fluid resin on the chewing surface f all the teeth before applying the sealant on them. Teeth can be rinsed after a few seconds of applying resin as it dries very fast. So, the painless and quicker application of sealants is the best benefit of dental sealants.
Protection against foods and plaque: Another important benefit of dental sealants is the 24/7 protection they provided to your teeth’ enamel. They also protect your teeth from the food and plaque build-up in the pits and fissures in your back molars which cannot be reached easily while brushing teeth. They also protect your oral health from serious issues like root canals, crowns, and cavities by sealing fissures and pits.
Long-lasting results: Dental sealants provide long-lasting protection to your teeth by providing you a smooth chewing surface. Once you apply sealant on your teeth it can protect your teeth from pits and fissures for t least 5-10 years. During your regular check-ups, your dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth before suggesting using dental sealants to take care of them for a long. After applying sealant you should get it checked frequently as it can chip or worn out with time.
Additional support for your oral care system: It can be difficult for you to reach crevices and cracks in the back teeth even if you brush and floss your teeth carefully in routine. The harms caused by the build-ups of plaque and food in hard-to-reach locations can be avoided by applying these sealants. It can make it easy to remove plaques and food from your teeth just by brushing and flossing them effortlessly.
Insurance coverage on dental sealants: many providers of health insurance cover the cost of applying dental sealants as they excellently protect your teeth from cavities and decay. So before applying the sealant to your teeth you must check your insurance coverage or contact your health insurance provider to know more in this regard.
Easy maintenance and repair: Though dental sealants last longer still they can chip or wear out with time. In this situation, you need not panic. The layer of sealant can be repaired and maintained easily to ensure the protection of your teeth from decays and cavities.
Who is eligible for getting dental sealants?
Usually, children and teenagers are eligible to get dental sealants as in the early years the risk of decay, pits, or fissure is more. On the teeth of a child, a sealant should be applied as soon as he gets a set of permanent teeth so that they can be protected from cavities for several years to come. These sealants can also be beneficial for adults who do not have any decay or fillings as they will ensure the protection of their teeth for the rest of their life.
So, people who have the following conditions can be eligible for dental sealants:
- Too thin or deficient enamel on teeth
- History or early signs of dental decays
- Eat a diet high in refined carbs and sugar
- Fissures or deep pits on the molars
- Using orthodontics appliances
- Poor plaque control and oral hygiene