MicrosoftTeams-image-1.webp

Dental Sealants for Adults: Are They Worth the Risks and Costs?

2022-10-09

Dental sealants protect sensitive and hard-to-reach parts of the mouth against tooth decay by sealing off plaque and food. Brushing and flossing frequently help eliminate food particles and plaque from teeth. However, this is not always the case, and you may still miss some of the more inaccessible areas in the rear of the mouth. Dentists often link sealants with children and teens because of the possibility of corrosion in premolars and molars. However, adult dental sealants are also gaining popularity, and many patients are interested in getting this treatment. Let us explore here whether getting adults dental sealants is worth it for adults.

What is it?  

Fissure sealant, or sealant, is a process used to partly cover deep grooves and fissures in teeth to make them simpler to clean, hence preventing decay, cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss and lowering the probability of having fillings later in life.

Can Adults Get this treatment?

The most considerable caution for Dental sealants is it does not apply to decaying or damaged teeth. The dentist will recommend dental sealants for adults only after fixing deteriorated teeth.

It's true that not every grownup should have sealants on their teeth. Adults considering fissure sealants should schedule a visit with their dentist to discuss their unique needs. 

  

How are Sealants Applied? 

Putting on sealant is a quick and easy procedure. Sealing each tooth takes very little time from your dentist or hygienist.

  1. Before sealing a tooth, the dentist must thoroughly clean it. The dental sealants procedure is as follows:
  2. After drying, cotton or a similar absorbent substance is placed all around the tooth to prevent it from being rehydrated.
  3. For the sealant to adhere well, the dentist should apply an acid solution to the biting regions of the teeth.
  4. After that, the dentist rinses and dries your mouth entirely. 
  5. Finally, the enamel surface gets the sealant, where it forms a strong bond and hardens.
  6. An appropriate setting light can hasten the curing of the sealant when required.

Benefits Involved

  • Sealants are an excellent option for adults who wish to protect their teeth from decay. They are also excellent preventive maintenance that may save much money on dental work by preventing germs and plaque growth. According to the ADA's study, pit and fissure sealants may reduce the prevalence of dental cavities by 75% during two to three years.
  • Tooth sealant should, like a filling, endure for a good number of years, around a decade. However, you should see your dentist often to guarantee the shield is still intact. Taking care of your teeth is essential because if the coating is chipped or cracked, germs may get underneath and cause damage.
  • Non-invasive procedures like this leave the tooth structure unchanged, and the sealant is easily removable whenever it is no longer needed.  
  • With age comes greater vulnerability to dental decay. Our gums and teeth no longer provide the same level of protection they did when we were kids. Saliva and tooth biochemistry evolve and alter as we age. All adults, anywhere around the globe, can gain by using sealants. Evidence shows that they are both secure and efficient.

Risks Involved

A cavity can develop below your sealants if your dentist is unaware of their cracks or chips. For this reason, it's crucial to have frequent dental checkups beginning at a young age and continuing throughout adulthood.

If your dentist recommends getting sealants, it's probably because your rear teeth are more susceptible to decay in those grooves and holes. As long as you keep up with your routine dental examinations, the risks associated with this operation are minimal. Additionally, it should lessen the likelihood that you'll need more extensive — and pricey — dental care on the road.

Conclusion

Maintaining good dental hygiene is of vital significance. Practicing good preventative dental care is key to maintaining a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Since dental treatment costs may pile up rapidly, it's better to prioritize preventive services that will pay off in the long term. That's why you need to make an appointment with your dentist soon to get some dental sealants, given that your oral condition allows this treatment.

Contact your dentist in Walnut Creek, Dr. Darvishzadeh, at  Walnut Creek Dental, to learn more about adults dental sealants.

Resource:

The Dental Sealant Procedure

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.


Share This Post


Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get Updates And Learn From The Best

Make an appointment

Complete the form and we will send you a confirmation within 24 hours.

Or Call US (925) 939-3421

Operating Hours

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 17:00