Are Dental Sealants Necessary?

A dental sealant is a clear or tooth-colored material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, or molars. These teeth have pits and fissures that can be difficult to keep clean, which makes them vulnerable to decay. Dental sealants fill in the pits and fissures, creating a smooth surface that is much easier to clean.

The sealant is designed to prevent cavities by protecting these vulnerable areas from bacteria and food particles. If a tooth does become compromised, the sealant will help limit the decay to the tooth, so it will require less restorative treatment in the future. Many dentists recommend sealants for young children. However, adults can also benefit from having sealants placed. 

Why Are Dental Sealants Necessary?

One of the main reasons why dental sealants are used is to prevent tooth decay and cavities. A cavity happens when bacteria build up in the mouth, causing plaque and tartar buildup. This can cause the enamel of the tooth to break down over time. When this occurs, it can lead to painful sensitivity and the risk of decay spreading to the gum line as well.

The odds are that you’ll develop some degree of tooth decay at one point or another in your life. But the good news is that a simple procedure like getting dental sealants can help you prevent it from happening to you in the first place. In fact, getting a dental sealant applied to your teeth can decrease your odds of developing cavities by as much as 80 percent! Not to mention, this procedure is extremely affordable, which makes it a cost-effective option for anyone who’s looking to protect their teeth from harmful bacteria.

So it’s no wonder why so many people ask dentists about getting dental sealants applied. After all, it’s not only a great way to protect your teeth and keep oral health in good shape, but it’s also a simple way to ensure that you don’t have to worry about seeing your dentist for any serious procedures in the future. It can help save you both time and money in the long run. And who wouldn’t want that?

Are Dental Sealants Only For Children?

No, adults can benefit from dental sealants as well! We typically recommend that patients around the ages of six and twelve receive dental sealants once every six months. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some adults may be more susceptible to tooth decay than others—whether that be due to dietary habits or oral hygiene practices. In these patients, we will recommend additional treatments to help protect their smile from damage.

The surface of the teeth is porous, which means bacteria and plaque can easily hide in the crevices. While brushing twice a day and flossing daily are great steps towards protecting your smile against decay, they aren’t always enough on their own. Food and bacteria can still get trapped between the teeth and cause cavities. This is why dentists often suggest the use of dental sealants to seal off the deep grooves of the back teeth.

While fluoride treatments and dental fillings can target these specific areas of decay, dental sealants offer added protection by covering the entire tooth in a protective layer.

Silicon Valley Dental Care, located in San Jose, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care treatments for patients. Call us at (408) 224-1333 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more.