Can Dental Sealants Offer You the Benefits As Claimed?

It is claimed that dental sealants can protect the teeth by acting as a barrier against bacteria that causes tooth decay. The sealants are generally applied to the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars where tooth decay occurs consistently.

Much has been spoken about how dental sealants are protecting the teeth against decay and data is available to prove that nearly 43 percent of children have benefited by having them applied on their teeth in the early stages. The number of children that don’t have sealants but are suffering from the chronic problem of tooth decay is even higher. Many people have even argued about the presence of BPA in the sealants to claim they may not be suitable for kids as dental sealants in Bronxville, NY suggested. However, the American Dental Association has confirmed along with many dental professionals that the sealants are unlikely to cause any harm and can only prove beneficial to the recipients. Therefore it must be stated that dental sealants are indeed offering the benefits as claimed and are not an advertising gimmick.

How Does the Sealant Help to Prevent Decay?

The sealant is developed from plastic and is applied to the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars that are the back teeth. The plastic resin cement into the depressions, pits, and fissures, of the chewing surfaces. It acts as a barrier to protect the enamel from plaque and acids. Brushing and flossing thoroughly helps to remove particles of food and plaque from the smoother surfaces of the teeth. However, the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach into the depressions and grooves to work similarly. Protection to these vulnerable areas is provided by sealants that seal out the food particles and plaque.

The Procedure for Applying Sealants

Even the dentist near you will be able to apply the sealants easily because it only requires a few minutes to seal each tooth. However, despite no complexities being involved in the application, it is suggested that dental sealants in Bronxville, NY, be approached for the procedure because not every dentist may have the experience needed to accomplish this procedure for the best results.

Before the application, the teeth to be sealed must be cleaned thoroughly and dried. The chewing surfaces must be roughened with a solution of acid to assist the sealant to adhere to the tooth. The teeth must again be cleaned and most importantly dried thoroughly before the sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel. After the application, the sealant cements directly to the tooth and hardens. Dentists at times are also using a special curing light to help in the hardening.

Experienced dentists at the clinic in Bronxville, NY, are ensuring the tooth being applied with the sealant is dried thoroughly regardless of whether the application is being received by children or adults. It is well known that children are often not cooperative during dental visits and pose the biggest challenges to dentists even when trying to accomplish a simple procedure like drying their teeth. Not preparing the mouth as required renders the sealant ineffective making the tooth susceptible to decay. It is for this reason that even the pediatric dentist offering tooth sealant in Pondfield Road, Bronxville, takes extra precautions when attending to children that need dental sealants.

The tooth surface will be protected from decay as long as the sealant remains intact. The application will hold up against the pressure of normal chewing and will last for several years before they need to be applied again. Dentists are checking the condition of sealants during regular dental visits and applying them again whenever necessary.

Can Dental Sealants Only Be Applied on Children’s Teeth?

The likelihood of developing decay in the pits and fissures begins early in life and therefore children and teenagers are considered as the obvious candidates. However, adults can also benefit from dental sealants. They should be making every attempt possible to prevent tooth decay by maintaining a healthy mouth as would have been recommended by their dentist. They should be brushing with a fluoride toothpaste accepted by the ADA and also clean between the teeth by using interdental cleaners or floss to remove plaque and food debris that may have been left behind after brushing. Having a balanced diet and limiting snacks is also recommended. Adults can, however, inquire with their dentist whether dental sealants can add extra power behind the preventive dental care program they are following.

Dental sealants are offering the benefits they are claiming and any suggestions contrary to the claims are better ignored by people that want to invest in preventive dental care.