Dental Sealants: A Simple Step to Help Prevent Cavities The chewing surfaces of your back teeth are some of the most cavity-prone areas in the mouth, largely because their natural grooves and pits are difficult to clean thoroughly, even with careful brushing. Dental sealants offer a simple, preventive way to protect these vulnerable areas. At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi offers sealants for both children and adults as part of a broader approach to preventing decay before it starts.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, typically the molars and premolars. The material flows into the natural grooves and pits of the tooth, then hardens to create a smooth, protective barrier that shields the enamel from plaque and food particles that would otherwise settle into these hard-to-clean areas. The application process is quick, painless, and doesn't require any removal of tooth structure or anesthesia.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
1. Protect Hard-to-Clean Areas
The deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars are often too narrow for toothbrush bristles to clean effectively, even with careful brushing. Sealants create a smoother surface that is easier to keep clean.
2. Reduce the Risk of Cavities
By sealing off these vulnerable areas from plaque and food particles, sealants significantly reduce the likelihood of decay developing on the chewing surfaces of treated teeth.
3. Quick and Comfortable to Apply
Sealant application is fast, typically taking just a few minutes per tooth, and doesn't require drilling, anesthesia, or any significant preparation of the tooth.
4. Long-Lasting Protection
With proper care, sealants can last for several years, providing an extended period of added protection during a time when the teeth are especially prone to decay.
5. A Cost-Effective Preventive Measure
Sealants are a relatively simple and affordable way to help prevent cavities, potentially reducing the need for more involved and costly treatment, such as fillings, down the road.
Common Myths About Dental Sealants
Myth: "Sealants are only for children." While sealants are commonly applied to children's molars soon after they erupt, adults without existing decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants as a preventive measure.
Myth: "Sealants replace the need for brushing and flossing." Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of certain teeth, but they don't cover the sides of teeth or the spaces between them. Regular brushing and flossing remain necessary for full protection.
Myth: "Sealants make teeth look or feel different." Sealants are typically clear or tooth-colored and applied only to the chewing surface, so most patients don't notice any significant change in appearance or feel once the sealant has set.
Myth: "If a tooth already has a small cavity, it can't be sealed." In some cases, very early, minor decay confined to the enamel surface can still be addressed with a sealant, though more advanced decay requires a filling instead. Dr. Ebrahimi can evaluate whether a sealant or another treatment is appropriate for a specific tooth.
Myth: "Sealants last forever once applied." Sealants can wear down over time due to normal chewing forces and may eventually need to be reapplied or repaired. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor their condition.
Myth: "Sealants aren't necessary if you already use fluoride toothpaste." Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay generally, but it doesn't physically seal the deep grooves of the chewing surface the way a sealant does. The two work well together as complementary preventive measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for dental sealants? Sealants are often recommended for children and teenagers soon after their permanent molars erupt, but adults with deep grooves in their molars and no existing decay or restorations in those areas can also be good candidates.
Does getting a sealant hurt? No. The process is painless and doesn't require anesthesia, drilling, or removal of tooth structure. It's a straightforward, non-invasive procedure.
How long do sealants last? Sealants can last several years with proper care, though their durability can vary based on individual chewing habits and how well they're maintained. Regular dental visits help monitor their condition.
Are sealants only applied to molars? Sealants are most commonly applied to molars and premolars, since these teeth have the deepest grooves and pits, though other teeth with particularly deep grooves could potentially be considered as well.
Will my insurance cover dental sealants? Many dental insurance plans, particularly for children, cover sealants as a preventive treatment. Our office can help verify your specific coverage.
Can sealants be reapplied if they wear down? Yes. If a sealant wears down or comes off over time, it can typically be reapplied, and Dr. Ebrahimi will check the condition of your sealants during regular checkups.
Do adults really need sealants if they've never had one before? It's never too late to consider sealants if your molars have deep grooves and no significant decay or restorations. Dr. Ebrahimi can evaluate whether sealants would provide meaningful benefit for your specific teeth.
Consider Sealants for Extra Protection
At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi evaluates each patient's teeth to determine whether sealants could offer meaningful protection against future decay. If you or your child could benefit from this simple preventive step, we welcome the opportunity to discuss it at your next visit.