How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
A common dental sealant in cary north carolina, after applied properly and with good daily oral hygiene habits, can easily last around 10 years. Dental sealants, if the situation is in need of the process, can easily be well worth the investment. Let’s run through the reasons for considering the application of a dental sealant, the simple procedure itself and the benefits for the patient when having the sealants.
The Reason Behind having Dental Sealant
Every single day we all have millions of bacteria in our mouth. It’s a fact of life. We need to keep the number of bacteria in check. After only four hours the bacteria will start to create a clear, sticky substance called plaque that will form on the teeth. This is why the health industry strongly suggests that we brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once. These simple oral hygiene habits remove the damaging plaque from the surface of the teeth. If that plaque is allowed to remain on the tooth the acid in the plaque immediately attacks the enamel resulting in a cavity. Dental sealants can be yet another step in that preventative process by not allowing the plaque to attack the enamel so you can remain cavity free.
The Dental Sealant Procedure
Having a dental sealant applied to your teeth is a very simple and pain free procedure. After your teeth are professionally cleaned and polished in the dental office the teeth will be isolated and dried. Then a gel will be applied that etches the teeth. The teeth are rinsed and dried again, and the dental sealant will be brushed on. The plastic like liquid will be hardened and cured quickly with an ultraviolet light and just like that you have a protective coating on your teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants for All Ages
As hard as the enamel surface of the tooth is, each tooth is covered with microscopic fissures, cracks and gaps. These tiny imperfections are where the plaque likes to hide from your tooth brush. The dental sealant fills in all of those areas creating a smooth, slick surface that is easier to keep clean and therefore tougher for the plaque to adhere too.
The biggest age group that benefits from the application of a dental sealant is that of children. For obvious reasons, children simply do not brush adequately. Plaque doesn’t care about your age. A tooth is a tooth. Therefore, children are far more susceptible to getting cavities. By having a dental sealant applied on your child’s teeth you can get them through these difficult years. Studies have proven that a child without a dental sealant have a three times greater chance of getting a cavity.
Just remember, the dental sealant is not to replace brushing and flossing daily, it is designed to be in addition to. Dental sealants can be beneficial to adults as well. Your molars are difficult to reach properly and covering those surfaces with a protective coating will deliver the same benefits to adult. Take care of your teeth and smile often.
More information on Dental Sealants : Dental Sealants for Children