DENTAL SEALANTS – HOW THEY CAN BENEFIT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
Dental sealants are tooth-colored acrylic coating, painted onto the surface of your teeth. This procedure is designed to seal any deep grooves in your teeth while functioning as a barrier that protects enamel from accumulated plaque, acids, and any kind of debris that may cause cavities and/or tooth decay.
Dental sealants protect your teeth’s biting surfaces from food particles that brushing and flossing simply cannot reach. Sealants can last several years, as they are designed to hold up well under the strain of normal chewing. Years after your procedure, if deemed necessary by your dentist, reapplication may be performed to ensure continued protection.
Read on to find out more about dental sealants and how they can help you maintain your oral health.
THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth. When brushing your back teeth, it’s hard to clean those areas thoroughly. That’s where dental sealants come in, providing an extra layer of protection against cavities or the need for root canals or crowns. By covering the fissures and grooves in your teeth, dental sealants can protect your enamel and ensure your smile will remain healthy for years to come.
Dental sealants require a non-invasive procedure with zero pain. Furthermore, they are easy to apply and require only a few minutes to complete the process. After the procedure, your newly sealed teeth will enjoy the benefit of being protected against plaque and potentially harmful foods.
PREVENTION IS KEY
It simply cannot be stressed enough: when it comes to your oral health, prevention is paramount. That’s why it’s better to avoid dental complications than to have to remedy them. With that in mind, dental sealants offer a strong measure of prevention. Even teeth that have not been impacted by tooth decay and have no fillings can still benefit from the protection of dental sealants.
That’s why children and other young patients may benefit greatly from sealants, in order to prevent any kind of slow erosion that could result in bigger complications as they grow into adulthood. Getting sealants while young far outweighs the inconvenience of having to deal with cavities and tooth decay in later years. Again, prevention is key and dental sealants are a strong ally in these efforts.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR DENTAL SEALANT PROCEDURE
After undergoing a dental sealant procedure, it’s usually recommended that you avoid hard foods for the remainder of the day. It’s perfectly normal for your bite to feel different at first while your teeth adjust to the layer of protection and any excess material is worn off.
Even though a dental sealant provides extra protection, that is no reason to discontinue smart oral health practices, including visiting your dentist for routine check-ups. By keeping a close eye on your sealants, your dentist can determine if they need to be replaced or repaired and act accordingly.
Remember, dental sealants help you prevent complications while maintaining dental hygiene and contributing to your overall health. Find out more today.