Dental Sealants: Why the Benefits Outweigh the Concerns
Careful brushing is one of the best ways to prevent cavities from forming. Unfortunately, it’s not always foolproof. Sugar-loving bacteria can still get trapped in the grooves of your teeth. The good news? Dr. Stelianos Bredologos and Dr. Maria Mendrinos Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, offers dental sealants to help you improve your oral health.
A dental sealant is a thin coating that keeps bacteria off your tooth enamel. When combined with regular brushing and flossing, sealants reduce the risk of cavities and help your whole family maintain winning smiles.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a painless treatment that protects against cavities (dental caries). Cavities are tiny holes that form when something damages the protective layer of a tooth. Initially, a small cavity can make your tooth look a bit discolored. Over time, cavities can cause black or white spots to appear on your pearly whites.
Dental sealants are usually made from plastic resin. This material bonds well to your tooth enamel, creating an effective seal. It’s thin enough to protect your teeth without interfering with eating and drinking.
Best of all, dental sealants are suitable for family members of all ages. If you’re always reminding your child to brush and floss, getting dental sealants now can help them avoid the pain of having a cavity later.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Applying dental sealant is a simple, painless process. Sealants work well on all teeth, but we usually apply them to the molars at the back of your mouth. Molars have ridges, so it’s easy for bacteria and food particles to accumulate. It’s also harder to reach your molars with a toothbrush, making it easier for cavities to form.
The first step is to clean your teeth. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar, leaving a clean surface behind. Then we’ll do the following:
- The dentist will then apply an etching solution to the tooth’s chewing surface. This solution is acidic, but it doesn’t hurt and it won’t damage your tooth.
- The sealant is painted onto the grooves and pits of your teeth
- The sealant hardens either on its own or with a special light
- Your dentist then checks the sealant to make sure it doesn’t affect your bite.
The whole process takes a few minutes, but it provides years of protection. No drilling is needed, and you can eat normally once it’s set.
Advantages of Getting Dental Sealants
The biggest advantage of dental sealants is that they’re effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth over a two-year period.
Considering that most cavities form in the back teeth, this is truly remarkable. Taking 30 minutes out of your busy schedule today can help you or your child avoid the negative effects of cavities later.
Seamless Protection
It’s natural to worry about how a dental procedure will affect your smile. We’re happy to report that dental sealants blend in with your natural tooth enamel. They’re practically invisible protection. You can combat cavities 24/7 without worrying about what other people think.
Sealants are also ideal for young people who stress about fitting in with their peers. Once we apply a sealant, no one will ever know it’s there unless your child tells them.
No Recovery Needed
Applying a dental sealant is completely painless, so no anesthesia is needed. You can drive yourself to the office and drive home immediately afterward. The procedure is also noninvasive. There’s little to no risk of pain, swelling, bleeding, or other complications. All you have to do is relax while we apply the sealant to your teeth.
Extended Cavity Protection
Brushing and flossing are important, but the effects only last for a few hours. To have the best chance of preventing cavities, you need to brush your teeth multiple times a day. In contrast, dental sealants last up to 10 years.
Once we apply a sealant, you can rest easy knowing that you have an extra layer of protection against cavity-causing bacteria.
Proven Preventive Care
Once a cavity forms, it requires immediate treatment. Otherwise, you may eventually need a root canal or a tooth extraction. Getting dental sealants now can prevent cavities later, helping you avoid uncomfortable and invasive treatments.
Safe for Kids and Teens
Being a parent isn’t easy. You get bombarded with information on everything from oral health to nutrition in school lunches. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s right for your child.
Dental sealants offer a painless solution to a common dental problem in children. Getting sealants today can help your child avoid the pain and cosmetic issues associated with cavities as they get older.
Easy Maintenance
Dental sealants don’t require any kind of special care. All you have to do is maintain regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits.
Protection Against Plaque Buildup
Those harder-to-reach areas in the mouth can easily trap food particles and bacteria. This can lead to plaque buildup and eventually cavities. The dental sealant will fill in those tiny grooves where these things like to hide, making it a slick surface that plaque has a harder time sticking to. It’s perfect for kids who haven’t yet developed good brushing habits.
Supports Overall Oral Health
Fewer cavities mean better gum health and possibly fewer oral infections over time. Ultimately, this means less gum inflammation and fewer fillings and dental procedures.
Myths About Dental Sealants
Some people shy away from dental sealants due to the presence of BPA in the plastic resin. BPA stands for bisphenol A, a chemical compound found in a variety of products.
We understand how important it is to protect your family against harmful substances. However, there’s no need to be concerned about the tiny amount of BPA in dental sealants.
In a study conducted by the American Dental Association, researchers found that 12 sealants all had levels of BPA far below the daily safe exposure limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Why Dental Sealants Make Sense for Your Family
The benefits of dental sealants far outweigh any concerns over exposure to a small amount of BPA. After all, few procedures offer the same degree of cavity protection. Even fewer do so with no anesthesia or recovery time and less than 30 minutes in the dentist’s chair.
At Dr. Stelianos Bredologos and Dr. Maria Mendrinos Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re proud to offer dental sealants to patients of all ages, from school-age children to older adults. Our Virginia Beach family dental practice can answer all your questions. Reach out to our caring staff members to learn more about what to expect.
Book an appointment today to enjoy a healthier smile tomorrow.
