Isn’t it fascinating that teeth are the sturdiest tissue in the human body? Yes, they are much stronger than your bones because they consist of 96% minerals. That’s why they have the knack for survival since they are subjected to destructive acids every day, and it takes a lot of effort to destroy them.

However, it doesn’t mean that we should neglect them. On the contrary, taking extra care of them will benefit you in the long run. They will serve you for life. Besides the usual brushing and flossing, regular dental visits are essential since you can take advantage of certain services such as dental sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

In a nutshell, a tooth sealant is a thin coating of resin (plastic) that our sealants dentist near you applies to the chewing surface of your back teeth, premolars, and molars. Tooth sealants are applied when they are in liquid form and are clear, so they will not be visible once they cure.

Dental sealants are an excellent preventive dental service that can benefit adults and children. They have come a long way since they were invented, and now you have different options. They are made from resin, glass-ionomer, and polyacid-modified resins. Others have fluoride, which is essential in strengthening your teeth.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

Your back teeth usually have deep pits or grooves that are known as fissures. Food particles can get trapped in these fissures and can be challenging to clean using your toothbrush. You will be quite lucky if your toothbrush can reach those hard-to-reach areas. But there are certain cases where patients may have very deep fissures that a toothbrush may not reach.

So this means that bacteria and food debris can hide. Bacteria will get a chance to multiply exponentially. As time goes by, bacteria will digest the food releasing destructive acids that erode the teeth. In no time, your teeth will begin decaying.

Tooth sealants offer a perfect solution. When painted over the back teeth, the liquid resin can reach every section of the tooth, including the deep fissures. So when it cures, it creates a plastic coating over the teeth. Bacteria and food debris will no longer have a place to hide, thus protecting your teeth from decay.

Statistics show that tooth sealants can protect your teeth by reducing the risk of getting dental cavities by 80%.

When Are Dental Sealants Recommended?

Children and teenagers develop cavities more than adults. Teenagers and kids are still trying to grasp the brushing and flossing techniques; that’s why they are prone to cavities. Plus, lack of proper eating habits since kids indulge in sweets and other sugary drinks and foods. These are the foods that bacteria thrive on, so getting cavities will be inevitable. So, kids and teenagers will benefit more from tooth sealants than adults.

Some sealants contain fluoride to help bolster the protection against cavities and help those developing teeth become robust and healthy.

Even though it may seem that sealants suit kids more, it doesn’t mean that adults cannot enjoy the perks that sealants offer. If you are at risk of developing cavities or wish to protect your teeth against tooth decay, our dentist in Satsuma, AL, will gladly help you.

Benefits of Tooth Sealants

Here are the main advantages of dental sealants:

Protection Against Plaque

Sealants provide a protective layer over the back teeth. They work daily to ensure that the enamel has extra protection against bacteria. Plaque is a combination of saliva, food debris, and bacteria that coats the teeth. If you cannot remove plaque through brushing and flossing, it hardens to form tartar. In no time, tartar will destroy your enamel, leading to tooth decay.

Pain-Free Application

Getting a tooth sealant is painless. Our dentist will prepare your back teeth and apply the liquid resin over the surface. After a few seconds, the resin will cure, and our dentist will rinse your teeth. Just like that, your teeth will be protected. There’s no need for anesthesia so that kids can undergo the procedure.

They Last Long

If you are keen on cleaning your teeth as you should, sealants can serve you for a long time, even a decade. However, the average lifespan of sealants is between five and ten years.

They Are Covered By Insurance

Tooth sealants are a preventive service, which most insurance companies are willing to cover the cost. But you need to check with your insurance company for clarification.

Consult a Dentist Nearby

In any case, getting sealants is an excellent idea. Contact us at Satsuma Family Dental to schedule an appointment for dental sealants in Satsuma, AL 36572.