Dental Sealants
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Reduce the Risk of Cavities
Dental sealants act as a barrier against harmful bacteria. The sealant gel bonds with the tooth to create a hard surface. This barrier keeps food, debris, and bacteria from penetrating.
Can Stand Up to Sugary and Sticky Foods
As many parents are aware, kids are fond of cavity-forming foods. Sugary and acidic foods and beverages are a big hit with most kids. Children also love sticky foods like toffees, taffies, and gummy candies.
Help Compensate for Poor Brushing
It can be difficult for children to keep up with their oral hygiene. Many children skip their morning tooth-brushing or forget to floss at night.
Bacteria love to find all the nooks and crannies in teeth, especially in the back teeth used to chew. In addition to brushing and flossing, dental sealants provide another layer of protection. This thin plastic coating fills and adheres to the chewing surface of the teeth to help prevent cavities. Dental sealants are available at Thunderbird Dental Studio in Peoria and the surrounding area. Our staff can discuss the procedure and answer any questions.
Dental sealants are thin plastic that is bonded to the tooth surface as additional protection against tooth decay. This protective coating helps keep bits of food out of the grooves of the teeth and stops bacteria and acid from settling there. According to the American Dental Association, sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth.
During a regular dental visit, we will check the sealant’s condition and reapply it as needed. Sealants need to be monitored and maintained during routine visits to ensure they do not wear away.
Advantages
In addition to their protective properties, dental sealants have longevity and durability. Research has shown they prevent 80% of cavities for two years after application and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years. Sealants can even stay in the mouth for as long as nine years.
Disadvantages
Children may need to have sealants reapplied if they fall out, chip, or wear away. Dental sealants can get chipped or worn when a patient bites into hard food or eats too much food with high acidic content.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are a liquid material used to fill the grooves and depressions on the surface of the teeth, especially the molars. This plastic coating bonds to the tooth’s surface. This protects the tooth from lingering food and bacteria, helping to prevent decay.
Who should get dental sealants?
Children and adults can receive dental sealants. However, we typically recommend them for children and teens to help prevent cavities. Adults who are prone to tooth decay are also good candidates for dental sealants.
How much do sealants cost?
The cost of dental sealants varies. It will depend on factors, such as the location, insurance plan, and the number of treated teeth. Patients should contact their insurance provider for more information.
Are dental sealants painful?
The process of applying dental sealants is convenient and painless. We brush the plastic coating onto teeth, which does not cause any pain. Dental sealants will prevent cavities that can cause tooth pain and damage.
How long do sealants last?
If taken care of properly, sealants can last for many years. Our team will ensure that the sealants are not showing any signs of wear and tear during regular dental checkups. Dental sealants are not hard to replace if necessary.