The thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair for a filling isn’t the most pleasant one you can have on a nice summer day. Luckily, there’s a way to potentially avoid fillings altogether, specifically for those hard-to-reach areas of your teeth, and that’s dental sealants. But can this preventative measure truly save you the trouble of that dreaded experience?
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are protective layers applied to the surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars). These teeth have deep grooves that can be difficult to clean thoroughly with brushing, making it easy for food and bacteria to cling to those crevices and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Dental sealants act as a barrier, filling in the grooves and pits and preventing food and bacteria from accumulating. They are typically made from a plastic resin material that bonds to the tooth enamel and is applied in a quick and painless procedure. Dental sealants are typically available at dentist clinics with great dentist Dubai prices.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer a valuable preventive measure for patients of all ages, especially those at higher risk of developing cavities. Here are some groups that can benefit significantly from sealants:
Children
Children are particularly exposed to cavities because of their developing teeth, evolving oral hygiene habits, and brushing and flossing techniques. Applying sealants to kids’ permanent molars as soon as they start showing can significantly reduce their risk of developing cavities in these vulnerable areas.
Adults with deep grooves
Even adults with good oral hygiene can have deep grooves and pits in their teeth, making them more prone to decay. Sealants provide an extra layer of prevention and protection for these individuals.
Individuals with a history of cavities
For those who have suffered from cavities multiple times, particularly in their back teeth, dental sealants can help prevent future decay by offering additional protection to vulnerable areas.
The Procedure for Getting Dental Sealants
Getting dental sealants is an easy and pain-free procedure, entirely taking only a few minutes per tooth in the dentist’s office. Here’s what you can expect:
1 – Cleaning: Your dentist or hygienist will first clean your teeth, removing any plaque or debris. 2 – Drying: The tooth surface will be dried using a suitable material to ensure proper bonding of the sealant.
3 – Application: A special solution is applied to the tooth surface to create a relatively rough surface for better adhesion.
4 – Sealing: The liquid sealant is then painted onto the grooves and pits of the tooth and cured with a special light to harden the material.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer several advantages, including:
– Prevent cavities: Sealants act as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from accumulating in the grooves and pits of your teeth, significantly reducing the risk of cavities.
– Protect developing teeth: Applying sealants to children’s permanent molars shortly after they erupt helps protect these vulnerable teeth during their development stage and allows them to grow out properly.
– Cost-effective: While there is a cost associated with sealants, it is typically much less expensive than getting a filling or crown later due to tooth decay.
– Promote good oral health: Sealants, combined with regular brushing and flossing, can promote overall oral health by preventing tooth decay.
While not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, dental sealants can be a powerful preventative measure when used alongside good oral hygiene practices. They offer a potential solution to avoid fillings and maintain healthy teeth for years to come.
However, it’s important to note that dental don’t last forever and may need to be reapplied within a few years, depending on wear and tear. Discussing your individual needs and risk factors with your dentist is crucial to determining if dental sealants are the right choice for you.
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