Dental Sealants
Dental Sealants Solutions
Dental sealants provide a layer of protection from decay for the teeth. They’re mainly used on the molars in the back of the mouth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are made of a plastic material that is applied to the teeth to protect from tooth decay. Dental sealants fill in the back molars’ deep grooves where food and bacteria can collect that can cause cavities. With dental sealants in place, plaque is sealed out. Dental sealants are not a guarantee against the formation of cavities, but they offer the best protection available. They are also no substitute for routine brushing and flossing.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are popular for children who may not always brush as thoroughly as they should. Adults, too, can benefit from dental sealants.
Adults
Adults who opt for dental sealants on their back molars do so for long-term cavity protection. They find that the sealants protect the teeth for as long as a decade.
Kids
Kids have difficulty brushing properly because they often lack the proper dexterity. With dental sealants on their back molars, these teeth are protected from developing tooth decay.
Teenagers
Teenagers have the dexterity to properly brush, but they are often sloppy when it comes to personal hygiene — including tooth brushing. Sealants provide protection from cavities caused by sugary foods often consumed by teens.
Dental Sealants Procedure & Application
The dental sealants process is fairly straightforward. It includes:
- First, the dentist applies an acid solution to the teeth to roughen them up. This helps the tooth coating adhere to the teeth.
- Second, the teeth are rinsed and dried.
- Next, the dentist applies a thin layer of sealant to the teeth. It dries quickly — and the process is complete.
Sealants vs. Fillings
Dentists use dental sealants to prevent cavities from forming. Fillings are used to stop decay that has already formed on the tooth surface from getting worse.
Teeth Sealants
Dental sealants are a preventative measure. They protect the teeth used for chewing from developing cavities.
Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings are used after a cavity has formed. They are essential to stop cavities from getting bigger.
Benefits of Tooth Sealants
Some experts believe that tooth sealants can prevent as much as 80% of cavities. Other benefits include the following.
- Dental Sealants Are Long-Lasting
Many adults and children choose tooth coatings because of the long-term protection. They find that their dental sealants can last for as long as a decade.
- Dental Sealants Are Safe
People can be confident about the safety of the plastic used to make dental sealants. It is known to be free of BPA, a harmful chemical to the human body.
- Dental Sealants Are Often Covered Under Insurance
Dental sealants are considered a preventive dental procedure. So, many insurance companies cover the cost of this procedure.
- Dental Sealants Provide Immediate Protection
The dental sealant procedure takes just a few minutes. However, patients have immediate protection from tooth decay.
Dental Sealant After Care
Dentists recommend using care after getting dental sealants. This will help ensure they last for as long as possible.
- Stick to Soft Foods Immediately After Getting Dental Sealants
It is recommended that you only eat soft foods for the rest of the day after getting a teeth coating. Avoid foods such as hard candy and popcorn. You can resume a normal diet the next day when the sealants have hardened completely. You can also brush and floss normally.
- Dental Sealants Are No Guarantee of Cavity Protection
It’s essential to brush and floss regularly after getting dental sealants. You should also be sure to keep up with routine visits to the dentist for examinations and cleanings.
When to Replace Dental Sealants
You can expect dental sealants to last as long as a decade with adequate oral care. Here are some things to think about when considering replacing your teeth coverings. Dental Sealants Do Not Need to Be Removed. Your dental sealants will deteriorate over time. So, you do not have to worry about having them removed. Your dentist will be able to tell you when it’s time to get new sealants. Your dentist will check dental sealants regularly. Dental sealants are most effective in the first few years after application. Your dentist will monitor them for effectiveness as part of your routine dental examinations.
Getting Your Dental Sealants at West Coast Dental
At West Coast Dental, we provide dental sealants for adults and dental sealants for kids around the Greater Los Angeles area. This quick, painless procedure requires no anesthesia.
- Team of Board-certified Specialists
Our team is made up of experienced general dentists and board-certified specialists so you and your family can get the dental treatment you need. Our state-of-the-art practice helps to ensure you get the highest standard of dental care available in Southern California.
- Same-day Appointments Available
We welcome you to reach out to us if you have a dental emergency. We leave room in our schedule for same-day appointments when they are needed. Schedule yours today.
- Accept Most Insurances
We are pleased to accept most dental insurance plans. We also offer a variety of payment options to accommodate your budget.
Dental Discount Program
We don’t want finances to keep people from getting the dental care they need and deserve. To that end, we offer a dental discount plan to help keep expenses down through the Dental Alliance Discount Plan. We also offer financing options through Dental Alliance Financing and CareCredit to help keep treatment affordable.
FAQ
Are you looking for more information about dental sealants to help you decide if getting them is right for you or your family? Check out these frequently asked questions.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a plastic coating that your dentist applies to the molars in the back of the mouth. This coating hardens and offers a high level of protection from food and bacteria settling into the molars’ deep crevices. Although dental sealants do not guarantee no cavities will develop in treated teeth, the teeth coating offers the best protection from tooth decay.
How long do dental sealants last?
Most people who get dental sealants find that they can last as long as a decade. However, it is worth noting that they provide the best protection in the first two to four years after application. Taking good care of your teeth by regular brushing and flossing will help ensure the dental sealants last as long as possible. Ultimately, dental sealants start to dissolve and will eventually need to be replaced.
What are dental sealants used for?
Dental sealants for adults and kids are used to protect the teeth used for chewing from developing tooth decay. The dental sealant process is quick and painless. They are used to prevent cavities from forming.
How are dental sealants applied to the teeth?
The first step in the dental sealant process is roughening up the tooth’s surface to ensure the tooth’s sealant bonds correctly. Your dentist will use an acid solution to accomplish this. The tooth will be rinsed and dried before the sealant is painted onto the surface. It quickly bonds to the tooth, protecting against tooth decay formation. Your dentist may recommend that you avoid chewing on hard candy or popcorn the day of your treatment. However, by the next day, the dental sealants will be fully hardened, and you can return to your normal eating, drinking and oral care.
How long does it take for dental sealants to dry?
Dental sealants quickly bond to the treated teeth. Most dentists will recommend that you avoid hard foods for the rest of the day after getting the sealants to ensure they have a chance to harden. By the next day, you can eat, drink, brus, and floss normally.
What material are dental sealants made of?
Dental sealants are made of plastic and other materials. The plastic used for dental sealants does not contain BPA. This makes the sealants safe for both adults and children.
Can dental sealants be removed?
Dental sealants can be removed for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons for removal is if the sealant wasn’t applied properly and there is a gap or an opening between the plastic sealant and the surface of the tooth. This opening could allow food and other bacteria to get inside which could lead to the formation of cavities.
How effective are teeth sealants?
Teeth sealants are one of the most effective measures available for preventing tooth decay as they can prevent up to 80% of cavities. However, they are no substitute for good oral hygiene. If you have dental sealants, you still need to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for examinations and cleanings.
Are dental sealants safe?
Dental sealants are safe for adults and children. The plastic used for the teeth coating does not contain BPA.
Are sealants covered by dental insurance?
Dental sealants fall under the umbrella of preventive dentistry. Many insurance companies cover the costs because of this.
Can you eat after dental sealants?
Most dentists recommend that you eat only soft foods after your dental sealant application to give the sealants plenty of time to harden. The day after you get your dental sealants, you can eat and drink as you normally would.
Do dental sealants prevent cavities?
Dental sealants offer excellent cavity protection because they provide a barrier from food and bacteria settling into the tooth’s grooves. They do not guarantee cavity prevention. So, it’s crucial that you still practice good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once.
Can dental sealant help with sensitive teeth?
In some cases, dental sealants can help with tooth sensitivity. You should talk to your dentist if you have sensitive teeth.
Can you get dental sealants if you have fillings?
No. Once a tooth has a filling, there is no longer any benefit to having dental sealants.