Are Dental Sealants Worth The Risks & Costs?
To help you decide whether you should invest in dental sealants, we will define what sealants are, & the process of how dentists apply a dental sealant. Explore more about sealants applied to your teeth in this article. Knowing these details will help you make a well-informed decision about whether or not your teeth need sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Think of dental sealants as a thin protective layer applied to the teeth to protect them from decay. The safe, semi-permanent solution is applied to the surface of the patient’s teeth. Once applied, it vigorously fights against the expansion and growth of bacterial plaque, which is often liable for the formation of cavities.
How are Dental Sealants Applied to the Teeth?
Dental sealants are usually only applied to the biting surface of the teeth in the back of your mouth. These are the teeth that are most likely to get cavities because they are hard to reach, and they have numerous ridges and grooves where food particles can get stuck.
The process for applying dental sealants to the teeth is pain-free and fast. When you get dental sealants, our dentists in Yuma will do the following:
- Thorough professional dental cleaning that involves the use of a paste. Cleaning your teeth is essential because the adhesive bonds better when cleaning your teeth.
- Application of an etching solution. It roughens up the enamel of your teeth. The more uneven the enamel is, the easier it is for the bonded sealant material to cling to your teeth.
- Rinse the tooth with water and later dry it
- Apply a thin coat of the sealant on the tooth’s biting surface
- Use light to solidify the sealant
Are Dental Sealants Worth It?
Dental sealants are an excellent treatment, but only for certain patients. The best candidates for dental sealants are those between the ages of 5 and 13. So, they are basically kids, as these patients have just had their permanent teeth begin to grow. The sealant will cover these newly developed teeth from tooth decay & cavities.
Some adults may be good candidates for dental sealants, especially if no tooth decay is forming on their adult teeth.
If you are a good candidate for dental sealants, it is undoubtedly a good investment.
Once the sealant is applied, it shields the tooth from tooth decay. If the tooth isn’t protected, you still have the risk of experiencing extensive damage to your teeth that could cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to restore them. Making a small investment in dental sealants now could save you a lot of money & time in the future.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Sealants
- A painless and comfortable way to prevent oral cavities.
- Provide long-term safety. Generally, sealants can last up to 10 years with good dental care.
- Once placed, sealants protect against 86% of cavities in children, teenagers, and adults.
- They eradicate the demand for invasive dental procedures such as crowns or fillings.
- Dental sealants may be clear or white, which makes them barely noticeable.
- Most dental insurance covers the cost of dental sealants.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants?
As it turns out, a dental sealant is never out of the question, although not everyone needs a sealant; no matter if you’re 15 or 50, you can benefit from sealants.
If you’ve never had a cavity, you probably don’t need sealants. But if you have deep grooves in your back teeth, our reliable dentist will suggest you get a sealant to prevent cavities from developing further.
Visit Us For Dental Sealants In Yuma
Dental sealants are a great preventive measure to keep oral bacteria, decay, and food particles out of your teeth, preventing the need for dental fillings in the future. If you’re at risk of getting cavities, or if your child hasn’t had dental sealants yet, you’ll want to consider dental sealants. Call our dental office at 928-249-3673 to book an appointment and learn more about how dental sealants can benefit you or your child.
