Protecting Young and Adult Teeth Against Decay
Are you looking for more ways to keep your smile healthy and strong? Dental sealants are a simple, fast, and cost-effective way to protect your teeth against decay and cavities. At Downtown Dental Group, our Manhattan family dentists offer dental sealants to help our patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. Keep reading to learn more about dental sealants, including their benefits, their quick and easy application, and aftercare.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to protect them from decay. These teeth have grooves and pits that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush, making them more susceptible to cavities. Sealants fill in these grooves and pits, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and less likely to trap food particles and bacteria.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Whether they’re for a young child still learning to care for their smile or an adult who’s prone to cavities, dental sealants provide numerous benefits, including:
- Protect teeth against decay and cavities by up to 80 percent
- Painless and non-invasive procedure
- Quick and cost-effective
- Can last up to 10 years with proper care
- Effective for kids and adults alike
The Dental Sealant Procedure
The dental sealant procedure is straightforward and painless. It typically involves the following steps:
Cleaning
Before the dental sealants are applied, our experienced dental hygienists will thoroughly clean the teeth that will receive the treatment. That way no plaque or food particles become trapped in the resin.
Etching
Once the tooth is clean and dry, your Manhattan dentist will apply a special gel to the teeth to roughen the surface and help the sealant bond to the tooth.
Application
The sealant is applied to the tooth and allowed to dry. Your dentist may use a special light to harden the sealant.
Evaluation
Your Manhattan dentist will evaluate the sealant to ensure it’s properly placed and fully covers the tooth.
Dental Sealant Aftercare
After the dental sealant procedure, it’s vital to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Visiting your Manhattan dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
- Avoiding chewing on hard or sticky foods that can damage the sealant
Frequently Asked Questions
Many dental insurance plans cover dental sealants, especially for children. However, coverage may vary depending on the plan and the age of the patient. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
Dental sealants are non-toxic, safe, and easy to apply. There are virtually no side effects. Some patients may experience a temporary altered bite due to the thickness of the sealant material, but this is temporary.
The molars are most prone to decay and should be sealed. The first permanent molars come in around age six, while the second permanent molars come in around age 12. Sealants should be applied as soon as the teeth fully erupt.
Yes, dental sealants can be reapplied if they wear down or chip off. Make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to check on the sealants every six months and have them reapplied if needed. With proper maintenance, sealants can be effective for up to 10 years.
Call Downtown Dental Group To Learn More About Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a fast, affordable preventive measure that can protect the smiles of children and adults alike. If you’re interested in getting some extra protection for your smile, contact your Manhattan family dentist at Downtown Dental Group by dialing (785) 776-0097. You can also click the button below to request an appointment and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Downtown Dental Group proudly serves new and returning patients from Manhattan and surrounding areas such as St. George, Junction City, and Riley, KS.