In a perfect world, everyone would have a spotless set of shiny teeth. Daily brushing and flossing would be the only maintenance necessary to keep them this way. But that just isn’t the case. A variety of dental treatment options are available to restore or, in some cases, prevent the loss of your natural pearly whites. One such option is a sealant for teeth.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
A dental sealant is a plastic coating designed to protect the bicuspids and molars. Applied to the chewing surfaces of those teeth, it keeps plaque and acid from eating away at the enamel. Because the grooves on the bicuspids and molars help to grind food, certain food particles can collect in those grooves and pits, resulting in tooth decay. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis removes some particles and bacteria, but not all. Therefore, a sealant for teeth is sometimes necessary to protect those areas in the back of your mouth that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
When to Use a Sealant
Dental sealants act as a preventative step against tooth decay. Much like how fluoride protects tooth surfaces, sealants complement the fluoride’s effect for those grooved areas of your back teeth. Their application is a fairly simple procedure with minimal discomfort, if any at all. Your dentist will give your teeth a thorough cleaning first, before applying the sealant to their chewing surfaces. After the sealant is put on, it bonds with the existing tooth enamel, and the use of a curing light helps the sealant to harden in place. The entire process can be performed in a single visit.
Teeth Sealant Pros and Cons
Receiving a dental sealant is considered safe whether it’s for a child, teenager or adult. With any process, however, there are some pros and cons. Below are a few of each.
Pros:
- Sealants reduce cavities.
- The process is simple and pain-free.
- Sealants last a long time.
Cons:
- Some patients express concerns over bisphenol-A (BPA).
- Not everyone benefits from sealants.
- They can’t be applied to teeth with decay or fillings.
A teeth sealant procedure shouldn’t become a necessity. To avoid it, be diligent with your oral care, using an American Dental Association approved anti-cavity toothpaste to fight against tooth decay. The ADA also recommends eating healthy foods and limiting the convenient snacks. And of course, schedule those dental checkups with your Paducah dentist, Dr. Ben Johnson at Johnson Family Dental. We stand with you on the front lines of defense against the things from which your teeth can’t protect themselves on their own.
For more information on teeth sealant or to schedule a dental appointment, give Johnson Family Dental a call today at (270) 554-2432, stop by our office located to 2913 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY or CLICK HERE to contact us!