Dental Sealants are incredibly useful for combating the development of tooth decay. However, they are commonly used to manage dental issues in children and young adults. This begs the question: Can Dental Sealants work for adults? Does it follow the same procedure? Some of these questions are what you should ask when debating on the need for dental sealant as an adult.

What is a Dental Sealant?

American Dental Association (ADA) defines dental sealant as a material designed to avert cavities in the tooth by being a shield. The dental sealant is made from plastic and is placed over the chewing surface of the tooth. It is typically used on molars and premolars, two of which are the most common sites for tooth decay.

Regardless of the effort and time you put into brushing, it is practically impossible for the toothbrush bristles to reach the entire chewing surface area, including the grooves and contortions of the teeth. These impenetrable areas are predisposed to the accumulation of plaque and food particles. Dental Sealants serve as a protective case to inhibit the development of decay in these sensitive areas.

Applying Dental Sealant

The process of applying dental sealant is easy and straightforward:

The step entails thorough cleaning and drying of the tooth’s surface. 

Afterward, the dentist will apply a form of “acidic gel” to mildly abrade the surface of the tooth to help the sealant stick to your tooth.

After some minutes, the dental expert will wash off the gel and dry out the tooth before putting on the sealant.

After applying the sealant, a blue light will be used to harden the sealant to the tooth.

Why Dental Sealants Help

Although the procedure has often been associated with children, there are some unique benefits of having dental sealants. Tooth decay can happen to anyone, irrespective of age. What sealants does is reduce the risk of tooth decay in anyone who chooses to have dental sealants.

Sealants also help inhibit the accumulation of food debris and plaque in the depressions and grooves of the tooth surface, which further reduces the risk of decay since bacteria have no breeding ground. In the long run, dental sealants are effective preventive measures. Shelling out cash for the procedure ensures that you will not have to spend on expensive dental procedures eventually.

Are there downsides?

Although sealants have advantages, they have drawbacks too. One example of such is temporary expenses. While you will be able to save money in the long run by giving your teeth a form of protection, you still need money to pay for the procedure. Sealants are also temporary and need to be replaced every 10 years.

Prevention of tooth decay

Dental sealants for adults are not the only method of preventing tooth decay. The smartest and easiest way to fight a toothache is to maintain proper oral hygiene. Make brushing and flossing a daily routine, not forgetting to visit the dentist twice per year for dental examination. Consuming nutritious food should be a part of your oral health plan.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with New York Dental Office, request an appointment in our New York dental office here: https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com. Or call us at (212) 548-3261.

Recent Posts

Preventative Dental Care - Oral Health And Overall Health Connection

Preventative dental care has long been the focus of dentists and patients alike. Taking proactive steps to protect your teeth and gums not only helps you prevent tooth decay and gum disease but can also decrease your risk of developing other illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Here’s how oral health affects…

Preventative Dental Care: Nutritional Tips

If you are new to preventative dental care, you may not know the importance of taking care of your teeth. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the advice available for toothpaste and dental floss, but there are a few simple things that will go a long way in helping to prevent problems down…

Preventative Dental Care: Oral Cancer Screening

Screening for oral cancer is an important part of preventative dental care. Unfortunately, oral cancer is a disease that is not often talked about. Very few events support oral cancer research and awareness, even though oral cancer takes one life every day in the United States. Many people do not seek or receive treatment until…

Important Benefits Of Preventative Dental Care

Preventative dental care is essential for a healthy mouth. The health of a person's teeth and gums says a lot about their overall health. Regular dental checkups and a proper oral hygiene routine are two of the best things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.Oral health will also aid in preventing…


Corey Brick, DDS

Share
Published by
Corey Brick, DDS

Recent Posts

What To Expect When Wearing Dentures for the First Time

Traditional dentures, or false teeth, are an effective way to replace missing teeth. While getting…

2 days ago

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups for Denture Wearers

Regular check-up visits are ideal for denture wearers to protect their smile and help ensure…

4 days ago

The Denture Repair Process

Occasionally, dentures need adjustments or repairs to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. Your mouth changes…

1 week ago

Getting Dental Implants for Dentures

Many people resort to using dentures instead of dental implants in managing tooth loss.

1 week ago

5 Common Questions About the Denture Process

Dentures are a great solution for people who have lost some or all of their…

2 weeks ago

Five Advantages of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are becoming an increasingly popular way to straighten teeth that are crooked, protruding,…

2 weeks ago