A thorough and efficient dental hygiene routine is the number one way to protect your teeth from cavities. However, other methods, such as dental sealants, can be helpful too. But can adults get dental sealants, or is this preventive dentistry tool only available to children and teenagers? Please read our article to learn the answer to this question and about the benefits and risks of the procedure.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a special protective coating typically applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth at the back of your mouth. The primary function of a dental sealant is to act as a barrier between the teeth and bacteria and food debris to reduce the risk of cavities. It works by preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating and getting trapped in the grooves and pits of the teeth.
Usually, dental sealants are made of a raisin-based plastic material, typically bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate. However, dental sealants can also be made of such materials as glass ionomer, resin composite, or acrylic resin. All these materials are biocompatible and safe to use in the mouth. In fact, resin composite and glass ionomer are also frequently used for dental fillings.
Most often, dental sealants are recommended for teenagers or children who already have permanent teeth. However, adults can also have dental sealants and can benefit from them, especially if their teeth are susceptible to getting cavities.
The Advantages of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants can be a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of cavities in the molars at the back of your mouth.
In children, dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities up to three times.
By preventing tooth decay, dental sealants reduce the risk of pricy and complex procedures, such as dental fillings or root canal treatments, in the future.
The Disadvantages of Dental Sealants
- Not everyone is a good candidate for dental sealants. Thus, people with partially impacted teeth (typically wisdom teeth hidden underneath the gum line) or teeth that already have cavities or dental fillings can not have sealants.
- Dental sealants are not a very long-lasting solution, with an average lifespan of about 5 years.
- If the procedure of sealant application is done incorrectly, the sealant can trap bacteria and lead to more rapid cavity formation and tooth decay.
- Consult your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for getting dental sealants and if this procedure will benefit your oral health.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied
The procedure of applying dental sealants is painless and does not require the use of any anesthetic. On top of that, it takes just a few minutes per tooth. The steps of the procedure include:
- Thorough cleaning of the teeth
- Preparation of the teeth for sealant bonding by roughening up their chewing surfaces (typically done using a special acid etching solution)
- Drying the teeth’s surfaces
- Applying the sealant material to the teeth
- Curing and hardening the sealant material with a special light
The procedure does not require any recovery time, and you can return to your daily activities as soon as it is complete. However, you should abstain from drinking or eating anything for at least two hours after the procedure to allow the sealant material to harden all the way.
Also, you should be careful when biting down and chewing with your new dental sealants for the first couple of days after the procedure to avoid accidentally dislodging the sealant.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Sealants
The main rules for taking care of your dental sealants include:
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods (crackers, nuts, popcorn with seeds) that can crack or dislodge your dental sealants.
- Avoid sticky foods (such as toffee), as they can also dislodge the sealants.
- Brush your teeth twice a day thoroughly but gently, especially in the areas of your dental sealants.
- Floss every evening, but be careful not to dislodge your sealants by snapping the thread against your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth after meals, especially if your meal includes sugary or acidic foods.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for routine checkups and professional cleanings.
Get Dental Sealants at My Dentist Upland
If you are considering whether dental sealants are the right solution for you, do not hesitate to sign up for a consultation with an experienced dentist at the My Dentist Upland office today. Our specialists will examine your teeth to determine if you will benefit from sealants or offer you one of various alternative solutions. We are looking forward to your visit.