Protecting decay-prone teeth from damage with easy, economical dental sealants
At Brighton Park Dental, we believe in preventing and protecting rather than treating and reacting whenever possible. Similarly, our office in southwest Chicago, Illinois, prioritizes preventative dentistry, and dental sealants play an important role at our office in the fight against destructive tooth decay.
How do dental sealants protect the teeth?
The term “sealant” is appropriate. These thin, plastic coatings are applied to the surfaces of the teeth to “seal out” the damaging substances that contribute to the development of cavities and other types of tooth decay.
Do you apply sealants to all teeth?
Drs. Aroon Pal, Nilay Patel, and Taylor Jemilo generally recommend sealants for the back teeth. Bacteria and particles of food often become stuck in the uneven surfaces of the backmost premolars and molars. Lingering food and bacteria can give rise to damaging acids and harmful plaque. These acids wear away at the structure of the teeth, and eventually produce holes or cavities that require restorative treatment with procedures like dental fillings.
Are sealants for patients of all ages?
Sealants are often associated with children, as they tend to be recommended as a preventive measure. Our dentists may incorporate sealants into your child’s checkup or visit as soon as their molars start to erupt (beginning at around the age of six). By applying sealants right away, we do not give bacteria, plaque, and other “nasties” the chance to damage your child’s teeth. With that being said, we do not limit the placement of sealants to kids and teenagers. The back teeth can be challenging to clean properly at any age. Plus, you may encounter new challenges to consistent and thorough brushing and flossing over time. For this reason, this can be a great preventative service for our patients who are “children at heart,” too.
How do you treat my teeth with sealants?
Sealants are generally applied as a liquid to clean and dry tooth surfaces that have also been conditioned with a special gel. This conditioning step helps to ensure the strongest bond between the sealant and the underlying tooth. Once the sealant liquid has penetrated into the deep grooves, fissures, or pits of the teeth, we harden the sealant with a curing light. It’s as simple as that! Sealants are:
- Not invasive
- Painless – no numbing necessary
- Appropriate for patients with dental fear or anxiety
- Fast, can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes (depending on how many teeth we have to “seal”)
- 100% covered as a preventative service by many dental insurance plans
- Highly effective – the CDC reports that they protect against 80% of cavities for two years and 50% of cavities for up to four years.
We also regularly check your or your child’s sealants during routine visits to Brighton Park Dental. We want to ensure that your sealants are holding up well and working as intended to protect your teeth and prevent cavities. As needed, our team in southwest Chicago will repair or replace your sealants. To find out more about what sealants and other preventative dentistry options at our office can do for your smile, contact us at (773) 801-5171 today.
