Dental Sealants: Protecting Your Teeth from Cavities
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth from cavities by creating a barrier on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Unlike the smooth front teeth, molars and premolars have deep grooves and pits where food particles and plaque can hide. Brushing may not always reach these areas, but sealants can effectively block out plaque and acid, preventing cavities and keeping your smile healthy.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer numerous benefits for people of all ages, from children to adults.
Sealants have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cavities in molars, with up to an 80% reduction within two years and 50% within four years. This helps lower the overall risk of cavities. When properly cared for, sealants can last up to 9 years and can be easily reapplied during regular dental checkups, providing long-lasting protection. The application process for sealants is quick and painless, as the sealant is simply painted onto the tooth and then hardened under a curing light. This makes it a simple and easy process. Sealants are especially beneficial for children, who are more susceptible to cavities due to developing enamel and brushing habits. They offer an additional layer of protection for their growing teeth.
Who Can Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a good choice for individuals of any age, but are particularly recommended for:
- For children, sealants are most effective when applied around age 6 and 12, shortly after permanent molars erupt.
- Adults with deep grooves or pits in their teeth can benefit from sealants for added protection against cavities.
- If you are prone to cavities, sealants can help prevent future decay.
Dental Sealant Procedure at Prospect Dental Group, LLC in Cambridge, MA
Our dentists at Prospect Dental Group, LLC in Cambridge, MA are committed to preventive dentistry and recommend the use of sealants to safeguard your teeth. The application of sealants is a simple and painless procedure.
- Examination: Prior to sealant application, our dentists will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth to identify any cavities that may require treatment.
- Cleaning and Conditioning: The tooth surface will be meticulously cleaned and dried to ensure optimal adhesion of the sealant.
- Sealant Application: Our dentists will carefully apply the liquid sealant to the grooves of your teeth and use a special light to cure it.
- Quick and Painless: The entire process is fast and painless, typically taking only a few minutes per tooth.
Do You Need Dental Sealant?
To learn more about the benefits of dental sealants for cavity protection, contact Prospect Dental Group, LLC in Cambridge, MA to schedule an appointment. Dental sealants are a reliable, effective, and affordable way to protect your teeth.