Are you constantly battling with cavities despite your best efforts to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine? The secret to winning this battle might be simpler than you think. In this blog, we'll introduce you to a game-changer in cavity prevention: Dental Sealants.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that adhere to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They have been around since the 1960s and are recognized by the American Dental Association as a powerful tool in the fight against tooth decay. They work by forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth, keeping out the bacteria and food particles that lead to cavities.
Despite the effectiveness of dental sealants, many people are unaware of their benefits. This is largely due to the misconception that they are only for children. While it's true that sealants are commonly applied on children's teeth as soon as their permanent molars come in, adults can benefit from them as well.
Our teeth are naturally designed with grooves and pits, especially the molars and premolars. These areas are perfect hiding spots for food particles and bacteria, making them highly susceptible to decay. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, it's challenging to clean these hard-to-reach areas thoroughly.
Dental sealants provide a solution to this problem. By sealing off these grooves and pits, they prevent food particles and bacteria from settling in, reducing the risk of cavities significantly. In fact, studies have shown that sealants can reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.
The process of getting dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It involves four main steps: cleaning the tooth, preparing it with an acid solution, applying the sealant, and then hardening it with a special light. The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth and can be completed during a regular dental visit.
Once applied, sealants can last for several years. They withstand the normal force of chewing and can be reapplied when they wear off.
Many people worry about the cost of dental sealants. However, they are usually quite affordable and cost much less than getting a cavity filled. Plus, many dental insurance plans cover the cost of sealants, especially for children.
Even without insurance, the upfront cost of sealants can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more expensive restorative treatments down the line.
While dental sealants are highly effective in preventing cavities, they are not a substitute for a good oral hygiene routine. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are still necessary. Also, sealants only protect the areas they are applied to. They do not protect other areas of the tooth that might be susceptible to decay.
It's also important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for dental sealants. They are not typically recommended for those with shallow tooth grooves, those who are at low risk of cavities, or those with deep tooth decay or fillings.
Ready to take your cavity prevention to the next level? At Cedar Smiles Dentistry, we offer dental sealant applications to patients of all ages. Dr. Mina Girgis and his team are committed to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Don't wait for cavities to form. Give us a call at (562) 925-8338 or request an appointment online today. We proudly serve patients in and around the Bellflower, CA area.