Aside from brushing, flossing, and keeping otherwise healthy dental habits, did you know there are additional ways to help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free? With the help of modern technology, patients of all ages can gain access to cavity prevention that lasts for years to come. Known as a dental sealant, this dentistry breakthrough has been used by thousands as an additional measure to keeping teeth free from growing decay.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a CDC-approved method of keeping back molars clear of food particles and germs. (When these items get trapped in teeth and cause holes to appear and/or grow in the form of cavities and tooth decay.) The cavity prevention method comes in a thin, liquid coating that is applied to the tops of molars. By coating the areas used to chew food, particles are kept from entering the tooth.
How are Dental Sealants Applied?
Starting in liquid form, the dental sealant is painted onto the teeth by a trained dentist. With a special brush, they will coat your molars and allow the mixture to dry and adhere in order to keep your pearly whites safe from food, bacteria, and more. It’s used within the uneven surfaces of your teeth, including crevices, which are most likely to develop cavities.
This procedure is fast, effective, and comes with minimal side effects. Some patients mention “sticky” teeth when chewing something sugary like gum or candy, but this varies from person to person. Patients also mention that the “stickiness” diminishes over time.
How Long do Dental Sealants Last?
Most dental sealants last with 50% effectiveness for up to four years. However, for the first two years, they are said to have 80% effectiveness at keeping cavities at bay and allowing teeth to widely remain debris-free.
Do Dental Sealants Hurt?
No! Having sealants applied is a quick and pain-free process. It’s widely considered to be preferable to most dental procedures, including having cavities filled. This is true of the process itself, as well as hours or days after, as there is no healing or pain that will take place.
What are the Benefits of Dental Sealants? Cosmetic Dentistry Columbus, Georgia
Aside from cavity and decay prevention, the addition of dental sealants allows for stronger, healthier teeth. Molars that are coated with a sealant is stronger and healthier even than a tooth with a filled cavity. Prevention helps you keep healthier teeth, and on a long term basis.
Having sealants applied is also cheaper, easier, and faster than having cavities filled.
Ready to consider dental sealants? Contact us today to schedule your appointment at Family Dentistry of Columbus. Our dentists are highly trained and certified in sealants to help keep you and your loved ones cavity-free.