Dental sealants are a popular way to prevent cavities, especially in younger kids. There are many benefits of dental sealants, but patients and their parents must understand the pros and cons of dental sealants. For more information, reach out to us today online or call us at 855.528.3961 to learn about our dental sealant services.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
Dental sealants are specialized plastic resins that shield the teeth and treat the rear molars, premolars, and other teeth at risk of decay. When applied to clean teeth, they help fill in imperfections that could, over time, develop into cavities.
The sealant gets put on the chewing surface of the teeth, which prohibits acids and plaque from penetrating the tooth’s enamel. Because most food grinding occurs on the premolars and molars, food particles can easily gather in the grooves. This food buildup can lead to tooth decay.
Flossing and brushing can help eliminate the debris and bacteria, but a daily tooth care regime alone may not prevent decay and cavities. A dental sealant procedure may be necessary to shield those spots that your toothbrush cannot reach regularly. Before you decide to schedule a dental sealant procedure, you should first know all the pros and cons of dental sealants.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are safe and have no adverse side effects for patients of all ages, from children to adults. However, there are still pros and cons of dental sealants every patient should consider before booking their appointment for a dental sealants procedure. Here are some of the benefits of dental sealants:
Painless
Dental sealants are painless because they do not require an invasive surgical process. The dental sealants process is easy, quick, and pain-free.
Fast
One of the best benefits of dental sealants is how fast the procedure is. It takes only a few minutes per tooth, so you can have all of your molars treated in a single appointment.
Long-Lasting
The typical dental sealant lasts up to 10 years and can be re-applied once it deteriorates. The long-lasting nature of dental sealants is a significant benefit of having the fast, painless procedure.
Reduced Cavity Risk
Dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay by up to 80%, which can significantly improve your dental health. Reducing your risk of cavities and tooth decay can also help you avoid costly procedures in the future.
The Dangers of Dental Sealants
While the benefits of dental sealants are evident, they are not perfect. Here are a couple of the dangers of dental sealants every patient should be aware of before deciding to have the dental sealants procedure.
They May Not Be Necessary
With proper oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing, many patients can prevent cavities adequately. Still, because some people have deeper pits and fissures than others, their teeth can trap plaque, making it difficult to clean properly.
No Protection Near the Gumline
For all the good dental sealants can do, they do not protect against cavities near the gumline.
Cannot Be Used On Filled or Decaying Teeth
Teeth that have already been filled or are decayed will not benefit from a dental sealant procedure.
Small Amounts of BPA
While the American Dental Association (ADA) says sealants are safe, some patients are worried about bisphenol-a (BPA) and consider them one danger of dental sealants. BPA, associated with chronic health conditions, is found in small amounts in dental sealants.
Learn More About Dental Sealants from Greenwood Dental
If you are at a high risk of developing cavities or you want to protect your child from tooth decay, dental sealants may be a great choice. See why our patients love us, and you may also get to spend time with Dr. Kurziak’s office-loving dog. Call us at 855.528.3961 or reach out online to fully explore the benefits of dental sealants.
