Dental sealants are protective coatings that help shield your tooth from cavities and tooth decay. Thin plastic coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth in the back, sealing deep grooves where food and bacteria can get trapped. Let’s understand how long they last and what can affect them. If you’re considering dental sealants near you, look for a dentist who offers this treatment and ensures long-lasting protection against bacteria.
Dental Sealants Procedure
Applying dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure. Here is how it works:
- Cleaning of teeth: The teeth are cleaned to remove bacteria and food particles that remain in the mouth. Dentists do cleaning to prepare the teeth for dental sealant.
- Tooth surface preparation: The dentist coats the teeth with a special gel, which allows the sealant to stick to them well. Then, after a few seconds, the dentist rinses the gel off to clean the surface of the tooth for applying the sealant.
- Application of the sealant: The dentist applies the sealant to the tooth surface and it flows into the grooves in liquid form.
- Hardening the sealant: Dentists use a special light to harden the sealant. Once it has solidified, the sealant acts as a protective layer around the tooth.
Why are Dental Sealants Important?
The back teeth are used for chewing purposes and are more prone to developing cavities. Dental sealants help to prevent tooth decay and cavities, especially in children and teenagers. The sealant’s smooth surfaces make teeth cleaning easy, helping achieve optimal oral health.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Prevents cavities: Sealants provide a protective layer that keeps plaque and bacteria from reaching your teeth, helping to prevent cavities.
- Cost-effective: Sealants prevent cavities, thus saving on the cost of dental treatments later.
- Quick and painless: This procedure is quick as it does not involve drilling or removal of tooth structure.
- Long-lasting protection: Sealants on teeth offer long-term bacterial protection. By keeping the teeth free from bacteria, they can reduce dental problems such as cavities, decay, and more.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Although they are not permanent, dental sealants may remain effective for a very long time. Generally, sealants can last on average for 4 to 9 years. However, their longevity may be affected by several factors, such as:
- Chewing habits: Chewing hard foods or grinding teeth wear down sealants more quickly.
- Oral hygiene: Practicing oral habits like brushing and flossing helps to prevent plaque buildup and remove the tiny food particles from the mouth. Therefore, good oral hygiene helps the sealant last a long time.
- Regular dental check-ups: Visiting dentists regularly helps keep the oral health and sealant condition in check and they can be reapplied if need be.
Even though the sealants are durable, they can chip or wear away over time. For this reason, they should be examined by the dentist during routine visits.
Factors That Affect the Life of Dental Sealants
Understanding the factors that affect dental tooth sealants is essential for properly maintaining both your teeth and the sealants. Several key factors influence the durability of dental sealants, including:
- Diet: Eating sticky or hard foods may erode sealants over time. The dentist recommends avoiding chewing ice or hard candy as it can affect the dental coating.
- Grinding your teeth: If you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend you wear a night guard to prevent them from cracking or chipping.
- Oral hygiene practices: The sealants remain in optimal condition when one follows oral habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily and using mouthwash. These will help to remove the food particles and germs that are affecting your tooth and hence help to keep sealants in good shape. If one does not follow these practices, there is a higher chance of their teeth getting affected by dental issues.
- Age: Sealants are effective for kids and teenagers, but they can also be helpful for adults. As one gets older, the sealant may need to be reapplied.
How to Make Dental Sealants Last Longer?
By taking care of your teeth, you can increase your dental coating lifespan. Here are some tips to make dental sealants last as long as possible:
- Good oral hygiene: Brush at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods: Avoid chewing hard objects or sticky candies that will wear away the sealants.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups are necessary for checking and maintaining the sealants.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, then you should wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards help to protect the sealants and teeth from damage.
When Should Sealants Require To Be Reapplied?
Dental sealants decay over time and thus need to be reapplied after some time. There are several indicators that a sealant needs to be reapplied. These include:
- Chips or cracks: If the sealant becomes chipped or cracked, there is a possibility that it may not be working to its full potential for protection.
- Worn down: When the dental coating wears down or turns thin in appearance, sealant may require to be reapplied.
- Regular dental visits: Your dentist will look for the tooth sealant during regular checkups and will let you know whether it needs to be reapplied.
Key Takeaway
Following good oral hygiene practices can help sealants last a long time and keep teeth safe and strong, thus achieving a beautiful smile. So if you have any questions regarding dental sealants, discuss them with the dentist during your visit to the dental clinic.
Contact MC Dental Today!
At MC Dental, we are committed to offering quality dental care that solves your dental issue. Our team of dentist in Windsor offers a wide range of services, including simple cleaning to advanced dental treatment. who offer a wide range of services, including simple cleaning to advanced dental treatment. Our team is ready to assist you during your visit to the clinic so that you are comfortable and relaxed. For information regarding your dental health, call us today!