How Dental Sealants have Grown into an Adult Dental Defense

If you’ve been plagued by cavities all of your life, then dental sealants can help you kiss this decay goodbye. They’ve long been popular to protect children’s teeth, but now adults are taking advantage of this powerful preventative measure. Ask an affordable dentist if sealants could provide cavity relief for you.

Not Just for Kids Anymore

A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the grooved chewing surfaces of molars to create a barrier against food particles and plaque that can lead to tooth decay. These back teeth have the most exposure to food and bacteria, but their enamel is thinner and it’s hard for toothbrushes to clean them completely. As a result, 90 percent of tooth decay develops within their deep grooves. That’s why family dentistry experts say the best way to prevent this decay is by covering these areas with dental sealants. This not only saves you from cavities, but also saves you money because sealants are much less costly than fillings and root canals, even with an affordable dentist. Initially used only on children, dental sealants have become a popular form of decay defense for adults of every age.

The Sealant Placement Technique

The process of applying dental sealants for adults is the same as for children. Your family dentistry specialist will follow this simple procedure:

• The molars receiving treatment are well cleaned.
• A special material is placed on the molars for around 15 seconds, and then it is rinsed away. This prepares the teeth to adhere to the sealant.
• The sealant substance is applied to the grooves of the molars and cured, or hardened, with a powerful light.
• The sealant hardens rapidly so you can resume your normal activities quickly with the peace of mind of protection.

Make Your Sealants Stand the Test of Time

Sealants are strong and are designed to last for years. They are also recommended at any time for adults at a high risk for cavities. But sealants can also chip or fall off with time, leaving your molars vulnerable to decay. Therefore, your sealants must be examined at every dental check-up and cleaning appointment with your affordable dentist. If they have cracked or fallen off, they should be replaced immediately to keep your teeth protected. According to family dentistry experts, they can be replaced with minimal time and cost to keep providing big benefits.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in South Bend, call The Dental Center of Indiana today or make an appointment.