5 Benefits of Dental Sealants

Cavities are among the most common dental concerns. Dental sealants are a great way to reduce the risk of cavities in the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. This article discusses the reasons you should consider dental sealants for your child.

5 benefits of choosing dental sealants

The benefits of dental sealants include protection from cavities, an easy and noninvasive application process, optimal durability, an invisible appearance, and affordability. The following is a detailed review of each benefit that dental sealants can provide children.

1. Protect the grooves of teeth from cavities

Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, which are often the areas of teeth most vulnerable to tooth decay. Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface of teeth. This helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and food particles that could cause acidic attacks on the enamel, the outermost and visible layer of teeth.

2. Easy for pediatric dentists to apply

The dental sealant placement process takes less than an hour and does not cause much (if any) discomfort for the patient. Complications are incredibly rare. Specifically, the application process for dental sealants involves thoroughly cleaning the teeth, applying an acidic solution to help the sealant bond to the teeth, drying the teeth, and then applying the resin sealant material.

3. May last for several years

Dental sealants can last for more than five years in most cases. In some instances, they can even last for over a decade. Sealants slowly wear down over time, and an entire loss of a sealant at once is rare. This means there is no sudden need for replacement or any uncomfortable process of the sealant falling out. Instead, it slowly wears away, and a new sealant can be easily applied if desired.

4. Essentially invisible to others

Dental sealants contain a tooth-colored resin material, making them essentially indistinguishable from the natural shade of teeth. This means the patient can continue to show their smile without worrying about the sealants being noticeable. However, if cavities were to develop in the grooves of molars and premolars, then it could cause a cosmetic concern as well as an oral health issue.

5. An affordable preventive treatment solution

Dental fillings and root canal therapy are the two most common ways in which dentists treat cavities. Dental sealants are, however, an affordable way to prevent the need for these procedures. Opting for sealants can save parents money and save children pain and discomfort, as sealants work to prevent tooth decay before it happens.