Dental sealants in Decatur, AL, have long been around, providing dentists with a powerful tool to help their patients deal with cavities and tooth decay. Like any other oral procedure, dental sealants have their fair share of advantages. While this sealant can prevent cavities in children and adults for many years, is it really worth it?
In this article, we’ll be exploring the different facts and uses of this dental device and how it can affect the patient’s overall health. While dental sealants can protect your teeth from tooth decay and cavities, it’s still important to know the other effects of this procedure. To help you learn more about this oral health process, here’s how dental sealants affect your dental wellness.
Patient’s Guide to Dental Sealants
What are Dental Sealants?
Not to be confused with dental fillings, a dental sealant is a coating usually placed on the surface of the teeth and preferably on the molars and premolars. This plastic coating protects the back teeth from tooth decay and cavities by providing it with a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
The plastic sealant bonds quickly on the surface and grooves of the teeth, providing an extra layer of protection. The reason why it’s commonly placed on molars and premolars is because they’re the ones that are the most vulnerable to friction and decay. This dental sealant will also protect the teeth by providing them with a smooth surface that will cover the area.
Who Should Get Sealants?
While any patient with molars or premolars can get dental sealants, it’s highly recommended that children and patients with developing cavities undergo this treatment. For dental patients with developing cavities, dental sealants can prevent further damage to the tooth by removing the cavities and covering them with an extra layer of protection.
As for children, from the moment their permanent molars have grown, they can take advantage of this procedure to protect their teeth from cavities. From the ages of 6 to 14, kids often experience cavities and tooth decay, depending on how well they brush their teeth. If your child loves eating sweets, dental sealants can protect them from further damaging their teeth.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Other than protecting your teeth from cavities, dental sealants have other benefits. To guide you, here are the other benefits of dental sealants:
- They can fill and block up small holes and pits
- It’s not an invasive dental procedure
- It can last for many years
- Cost less than dental fillings and dental crowns
- It looks and feels natural
- It doesn’t affect how you eat or speak
Are You Interested in Getting Dental Sealants in Decatur Al?
The best solution for any oral health problem is always prevention. Here at Terry Family Dentistry, we provide preventive measures such as dental sealants, fillings, and consultations to help you escape the possibility of having dental problems in the future. Call us anytime whenever you need help improving your oral health or preventing future oral health problems!