Dental sealants are an easy, effective way to help prevent cavities. Our mouths have difficult-to-reach areas that not even a diligent brushing and flossing schedule may be able to handle, so our dentist in Andersonville recommends sealants for those who are especially at risk of developing tooth decay. We’ve compiled a handful of frequently asked questions about dental sealants, but if you have a question that hasn’t been answered, feel free to reach out to us for additional information!
Q: What exactly are dental sealants?
A: Dental sealants are thin coatings that have the capability of protecting teeth for years to come. They are a thin layer that is put on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, acting as a protective barrier between your teeth and the food that you consume.
Q: Who should get a dental sealant?
A: We mainly recommend sealants for children and teens who need additional help preventing cavities, however, it’s possible for adults to benefit from sealants as well! We approach sealants on a case-by-case basis and will always recommend them if they are beneficial to the patient.
Q: What is a cavity?
A: Cavities are permanent holes that develop in the tooth. If cavities are not treated, they will progress into something bigger, resulting in pain and infection. The grooves of the back teeth are the most common place to develop a cavity because they are the main chewing surface in the mouth.
Q: Does it hurt to get a sealant?
A: No! Sealants are simple for our dentist in Andersonville to apply to your teeth and they do not cause patients any pain. We will first clean the tooth and we may place a gel on the surface of your teeth for a few seconds. Once the tooth is rinsed and dried, we paint a sealant on the tooth. We finish the process by shining a light on the tooth to harden the sealant, creating another protective shield.
Q: How long do sealants last?
A: Once dental sealants are applied, they can protect up to 80 percent of cavities for up to 2 years. Additionally, they can protect against roughly 50 percent of cavities for up to 4 years.
Q: Should my child get sealants?
A: We recommend that children get their sealants soon after their permanent molars break through the gum line. It is usually around age 6 for the first set of molars and around age 12 for the second set of molars.
If you’re interested in learning more about dental sealants or if you have more questions, please reach out to us at Northalsted Dental Spa today.
