What Are Dental Sealants?

The most important way to keep your oral hygiene high is through proper brushing and flossing. For some, this can be all you need to prevent cavities and decay. But for others, genetics can play a part, and no matter how hard you try, you are still finding yourself with a cavity each and every visit. This is where dental sealants come in. From helping to keep cavities from forming to stopping early signs of decay, a dental sealant might be the extra protection you need. So just what should you know about the process?

What Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating that is adhered to the chewing surface of your back teeth. Since the back of your mouth is often the hardest to reach, and the most common place for leftovers to linger, a sealant is a great step in tooth decay prevention. In fact, they have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.

What Makes You a Good Candidate For Them?

The best time to get sealants is at the first sign of molars (usually six years of age) and again when your second set breaks through (around 12 years of age). By getting them early on, you can prevent damage before it occurs. Sealants can be placed over areas of early decay, as a way to avoid further damage.

What is The Process?

Painless, quick and easy! After cleaning and drying your teeth, an acidic gel is placed on the area and left on for a few seconds. It’s then rinsed off, your tooth is dried again, and the sealant is situated along the grooves of your teeth and hardened with a blue light.

Things To Keep in Mind:

Sealants have a long lifespan but do not last forever. This is why it’s vital to keep up with regular cleanings. By doing so, your dentist can ensure your sealants are still providing the best protection possible, by reapplying when needed. Many insurance plans do cover sealants, but you’ll want to check with your insurance company beforehand.

Remember: sealants are not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing and should be used as an extra preventive measure. Be sure to keep up with your daily hygiene practices as well as your visits.