Sealants can be a simple, conservative solution for protecting teeth that are more likely to decay, particularly molars, which have more complex anatomy. At Prostho Endo Dental Group, our team discusses sealants with you based on the tooth anatomy, age, cavity risk factors, and preventive needs specific to you. For North Bethesda, MD, families and adults, sealants may prevent complicated dental issues down the road.
Preventing Cavities On Back Teeth
Teeth on the inside of your jaw (molars) are the back teeth that chew your food. As such, these teeth naturally contain narrower grooves and flatter chewing surfaces compared to your front teeth. Brushing alone is sometimes not sufficient for cleaning all grooves. Because these grooves are so narrow, the bristles of your toothbrush cannot always reach into the small space. When bacteria, food, and plaque build up and remain in the grooves, you have a greater chance of developing cavities.
Sealants are a thin material that is applied to the back side of a tooth, specifically to the groove. The purpose of this material is not to change the natural structure of a tooth. Rather, we look at these areas and see which areas can benefit from protection, especially the back teeth. This is why it’s so important to look at your tooth anatomy when considering sealants. The sealants are meant to cover and protect those areas where cavities typically begin.
How Sealants Help Prevent Cavities From Developing
Sealants can help prevent cavities because they provide a thin protective layer for the groove of a tooth. These small pits and crevices are where cavities are likely to develop. Sealants help prevent cavities because the material is applied to the area and seals the small space, preventing bacteria from accumulating in that area.
Sealants are used for a preventive purpose to stop further decay from developing. If a cavity is allowed to develop on a molar, this tooth may eventually require a filling. Once it gets severe enough, the tooth will likely require a root canal or may need to be extracted. That is why it’s important to seal the grooves of your teeth.
Who Can Benefit From Sealants?
Although many people think sealants are for children and adolescents, sealants may be beneficial to other groups, such as adults. For younger patients, sealants are often applied once the permanent molars come in because it’s a good opportunity to protect those new teeth from decay. Sealants may be considered for teenagers who have deep pits and crevices in their teeth, braces, orthodontics, or difficulty cleaning the back teeth.
Sealants can also be a good preventive option for adults whose teeth have deeper crevices without any existing decay or restoration. Sometimes adults have teeth that are just more challenging to keep clean. Additionally, other factors such as diet and dry mouth may increase your risk of cavities. At Prostho Endo Dental Group, the goal is to prevent cavities on the molars, so we look at this on an individual basis.
Sealants Help Preserve Enamel
One of the benefits of sealants is that they are preventive and preserve the natural structure of the tooth. Because sealants are preventive, there is no need to drill out and restore an area. With sealants, the tooth is cleaned and prepared for a thin layer that bonds to the tooth and creates a protective barrier.
This allows the tooth to be left as natural and healthy as possible, for as long as possible. Because sealants can help prevent the tooth from needing a restoration, they are a beneficial and conservative procedure for preventing decay from forming and progressing.
More Than Just A Routine Dental Visit
Routine preventive cleanings and dental exams are vital to good oral health, but prevention can involve a visit twice a year. Additional support may be needed for those with higher risk factors. Factors that may put a patient at higher risk for cavities include:
- The anatomy of their tooth
- Diet
- Oral hygiene
- Medical problems
- Dental treatment history
Sealants are one part of a broader plan to help you maintain good oral health. When you are in for your exam, the team may use visuals and x-rays (when needed) to determine the health of each tooth and check for trouble spots. Sealants may be recommended when your dentist is also recommending fluoride, home care instructions, discussion of nutrition, and additional monitoring, for example.
Prevention is a necessary approach because you may not always know when you are developing cavities. Your tooth may look and feel fine, but bacteria could still be doing damage to the enamel in small areas. Sealants can protect these vulnerable areas before discomfort or tooth decay sets in.
Long-Term Benefits Of Early Protection
The prevention can be beneficial for years to come. Preventing decay and the need for fillings and other restorations through sealants can help reduce future treatment on vulnerable teeth. Over time, this can help you keep more of your natural teeth and make dental treatment less invasive.
Children and teens who still struggle to properly floss and brush regularly can benefit most from sealants. Sealants can be particularly helpful to children and teens during the years when they are just developing proper oral hygiene habits and may be neglecting it. For adults who keep their teeth in good condition at home yet are prone to cavities, sealants can also be helpful. Again, the goal is to prevent more serious trouble that could require additional dental treatment.
Patients in North Bethesda, MD, who want to take an active approach toward their dental health may find that sealants are a great preventive tool.
How Sealants Pair With Comprehensive Care
Sealants are helpful, but they are not a stand-alone option. Brushing, flossing, cleanings, and regular exams must continue as the backbone of your dental health. And although sealants may help protect your teeth from decay, they only protect the chewing surfaces of your teeth. You will still need to take care of the rest of your teeth. Sealants are a complementary service in the office that is a part of a broader preventive treatment plan.
The team can recommend sealants with a full plan that may also include tips for flossing and brushing, a fluoride treatment and recommendations, nutrition discussion, and regular preventive exams. Together with the dentist, you can understand the recommendation and see why it may be a benefit to you. The team is here to help you understand your treatment so you can make the best decisions for your dental health.
Keeping Sealants Intact For Long-Term Health
Although sealants are relatively strong, regular check-ups with a professional may still be needed to check their condition. Sealants will wear over time, and they may not last forever. Normal biting and chewing can eventually wear down or chip off sealants. Regular check-ups give the dentist the chance to check for any damage that may have occurred and replace the sealant if it is necessary.
Sealants should continue to be checked on with follow-up appointments for a dentist. If damage is found, the process of re-applying the sealant is often very quick and easy. The dentist will be sure that the sealant is still doing the job it needs to do on the tooth. Of course, the patient will also help ensure the sealant stays in place by keeping up with brushing, flossing, not snacking on too many sweets and other sugary foods, and by coming in for their check-ups.
Choose Prostho Endo Dental Group For Dental Sealants
Prostho Endo Dental Group offers dental sealants in a thoughtful and patient-focused manner that includes education and prevention, and the goal of preventing cavities for years to come. Our team looks at your dental history and current condition, the health of the enamel in individual teeth, and risk factors to determine if sealants may be right for you, rather than offering the same service to everyone.
If you are looking for quality, thoughtful dentistry in North Bethesda, MD, sealants can be an important, preventive service to help keep your teeth in top condition and to prevent future issues. Prostho Endo Dental Group will work with you to make sure you understand the treatment so you can feel comfortable and confident in the care you receive.