Are Dental Sealants Worth It?
Are you prone to getting cavities? Does your dentist often notice plaque and tartar buildup on your back teeth? If so, you may want to consider getting dental sealants.
While we often recommend dental sealants for children, there’s no age limit on this procedure. This means that you can be a candidate for dental sealants at any age!
A sealant is a clear plastic coating that we’re able to paint on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. As the name suggests, this seals any grooves or divots where plaque and food particles can hide.
Here’s what you need to know about dental sealants.
First, let’s start by asking you a few questions:
- Are you prone to getting cavities?
- Do you often have plaque and tartar buildup on your molars?
- Is it difficult to brush your back teeth?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, our dentists may recommend dental sealants.
Be sure to check your dental insurance coverage before . Many companies only cover dental sealants for patients under age 18.
What to Expect
Getting dental sealants is fast, easy, and painless. As such, we may be able to fit the procedure into your next teeth cleaning appointment with us.
First, we’ll need to clean and dry the tooth. Then, we’ll apply an acidic gel to roughen the chewing surface. This helps the sealant create a strong bond with your tooth.
After a few seconds, we’ll rinse away the acidic gel and dry the tooth again. Next, we’ll paint the clear sealant onto the chewing surface of the tooth.
As a final step, we’ll use a blue curing light to harden the sealant in place.
Your dental sealants may last up to 10 years. But the lifespan will depend on your , diet, and other factors.
Your dentist will examine your sealants during your routine teeth cleaning appointments. That way, they’ll be able to detect any chipping or wearing and recommend replacement or touch ups as needed.
Aftercare
Dental sealants help reduce your risk of cavities. But this doesn’t mean you can skip brushing or flossing your teeth. To maintain a healthy smile, you’ll need to continue practicing good oral hygiene at home.
This means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. You should also floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles hiding between teeth.
Your dentist may also recommend adding a fluoride mouth rinse to your routine. Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel so it’s more resistant to acid attacks from plaque.
Request an Appointment With Us
Are you looking for a new dentist? Good news! Our family dentists in Shelby Township, MI, are accepting new patients. They offer a variety of preventive dental services so you can maintain a healthy smile for life.
To request an appointment, please call the dental office of Frank P. Ruffino DDS at (586) 799-4240. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.
