When it comes to protecting your teeth, it is easier to prevent damage than to try to repair it. If you have been asking yourself if sealants are worthwhile for your molars, you have plenty of company. A lot of people want to know the answers to if sealants are worthwhile or not, how they work, and if they make sense for you. A Kendall Park dentist can help you determine what is best for your needs, but here is a little outline to help you out.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that cover the chewing surface of your back teeth, the molars. These teeth have deep grooves and pits where food and bacteria can hide and cause cavities.
- Sealants can prevent decay by acting as a barrier and preventing food and plaque from sticking to the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth.
- The procedure takes no more than a few minutes, and it is painless.
- Once applied, sealants can last several years with proper care.
Why Do Molars Need Extra Protection?
Molars take on a lot of workload when chewing food! Their shape and contours allow them to catch food and bacteria even if you brush and floss daily, which is why there is a higher rate of decay in these teeth than in the front teeth.
Here’s where a sealant can help:
- Deep grooves—Simply brushing does not always reach the pits on molars.
- Children and teens—Young teeth are still developing, so they are more susceptible to cavities.
- Preventive care – Sealants provide an extra layer of protection before problems arise.
Are Sealants Necessary for Molars?
This question comes up frequently! Whether sealants are necessary depends on your dental health and cavity risk!
- If you or your child has deep grooves throughout their molars, we typically recommend sealants.
- Sealants are particularly helpful for kids because they are at greater risk for cavities on their back teeth.
- Adults can also get sealants on teeth without fillings or decay.
In summary, sealants aren’t “necessary” for everyone, but they can be a smart option for anyone looking for added protection.
What Happens During the Sealant Procedure?
It is simple to apply and will only take a few minutes per tooth.
- The first step is to clean and dry the tooth.
- Next, we apply a special gel to specifically prepare the tooth surface for sealant.
- After rinsing the gel off, we dry the tooth again.
- Then we paint the sealant material on the tooth.
- Finally, we harden the sealant material with light.
You have a strong, protective covering for your tooth that looks like the rest of your tooth!
How Long are Sealants Good For?
Sealants are not permanent and will need to be touched up in a few years. At regular checkups, we will check your sealants, and we have adhesive in the office if they need to apply sealants.
If you take good care of your teeth and gums, sealants will protect your teeth for a long time.
Below is a quick overview:
Sealant Lifespan | Care Tips to Make Them Last |
5–10 years on average | Regularly floss and brush twice a day |
Checked at every cleaning | Don’t bite into hard things like ice |
Reapply if worn down | Keep up with frequent dental checkups |
Where Can You Get Sealants Applied?
If you’ve been looking for a dental office near you in Kendall Park, you might be pleasantly surprised to find out that sealants are a preventive care service commonly provided.
Sealants are considered a safe, effective, and inexpensive method to protect the molars from cavities.
Protect Your Smile with Smiles By Dr Levine
Sealants are a very quick preventive measure that keeps your teeth from having bigger issues in the future. Whether you’re the parent wanting to protect your child’s molars or an adult looking for preventive care, now is as good a moment as any.
At Smiles By Dr. Levine, we want our patients to keep their smiles healthy and functional for many years to come. Don’t wait until a cavity has become painful or more damage has occurred. Call us today to book your appointment and ask about whether sealants could work for you. Your molars will appreciate it!
