Benefits of Dental Sealants for Teeth

Want to understand more about what a dental sealant can do to support good oral health? Dental sealants help protect teeth. They are also versatile, as both children and adults can benefit from using dental sealants.

Dental sealants are for children and adults

Whether it is you or some of your family members who would benefit from undergoing this preventive dental procedure, understanding the benefits of sealants allows one to make an educated decision. General dentists often place dental sealants in their patients' mouths, with children and teens being more commonly treated.

According to WebMD, a dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth – usually the back teeth – to prevent tooth decay. This coating forms a shield over the enamel of a tooth, protecting it from damage. When the liquid sealant is placed on a tooth, it fills in the pits and fissures of the tooth, making for an overall smooth surface. This smoothness helps prevent food from attaching to the tooth, as well as helps prevent a buildup of plaque.

Dental sealant benefits

The information below includes some of the more important benefits that come with choosing dental sealants.

Sealants prevent damage against plaque

The fact that dental sealants are placed over a tooth to protect its enamel from experiencing any type of damage, means that the tooth will no longer be affected by any plaque. A buildup of plaque is one of the more common reasons why a patient would be diagnosed with a cavity. Since cavities are to be avoided as they harm teeth, preventing the ability for plaque to harm teeth allows patients to feel confident that their teeth are being properly protected.

Sealant placement is completely pain-free

When general dentists place dental sealants on their patients' teeth, there is no need for the patient to receive any type of anesthetic. Numbing the mouth is not necessary because the process of placing sealants on a patient's teeth only requires the dentist to brush the liquid sealant onto each tooth. The entire process only takes about half an hour to perform, making this a convenient way for any dental patient to protect their teeth from harm.

Sealants can be replaced

While dental sealants are designed to protect teeth for many years, some dental patients need additional sealant treatment. Replacing sealants are similar to the initial treatment and will provide the patient with many more years of tooth protection. If a patient happens to experience any type of sealant loss, a general dentist can repair the problem in just one dental visit. It is essential for patients who have dental sealants to make regular dental check-up appointments to ensure the sealants are properly doing their job.

Find out more

Now that the above dental sealant information has been read, it should be understood how valuable dental sealants can be for both children and adults. The benefits listed above are some of the more important, as protecting teeth from harm supports a healthy mouth. Once someone decides that this treatment option is right for them, all they need to do is make a consultation appointment with a general dentist to learn more.

Request an appointment here: https://www.summerenlowdds.com or call Summer Enlow, DDS PC at (936) 314-2347 for an appointment in our Nacogdoches office.

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