If we could have a dime for every person who ignores preventive dentistry, we would have a billion dollars by now. People thoughtfully forget they have to pay an annual visit to the dentist’s office. General dental examinations and professional cleanings are necessary.
You don’t have to wait for a problem to set an appointment with your doctor. When you avoid your dentist, tooth decay becomes cavities, gingivitis becomes periodontitis, and dental plaque becomes dental tartar.
You can try to ignore dental health issues, but they will surely pop out sooner or later. Cavities cause pain, bad breath, and tooth loss. Gum diseases such as periodontitis can infect your bloodstream. So yes, you should prevent this from happening.
Preventive dentistry and dental care are not only for adults. Children need dental care as much as grownups do. In fact, even primary teeth have a crucial role to play in the future denture of your kids; that’s why preventing tooth loss is so important when it comes to young kids.
Oral hygiene is the first step to good dental health in adults and kids. But teeth brushing is just a fraction of your needs. Flossing must be included in your routine as well. And maintaining healthy habits enhances your overall health because dental care is part of it.
There are other preventive ways of taking care of your mouth and teeth. Dental sealants are one of them, along with annual checkups.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are resin covers that give extra protection to your teeth. They act like a coating against the oral bacteria responsible for decay, especially for molars and premolars. Dental sealants also protect your teeth from chipping.
Sealants are commonly recommended for kids since they are more prone to developing cavities. Teeth located at the back of the mouth have a higher risk of getting tooth decay since they are harder to reach. Dental sealants are great for covering nooks and crannies in your teeth.
This is a simple and painless procedure. No local anesthesia is necessary since the tooth’s surface is involved. But its effects last up to ten years. An examination will be needed from time to time to check and repair cracks of any kind.
When Should a Child Get Dental Sealants?
Kids can get dental sealants as soon as their permanent teeth erupt, which means their teeth would have protection from ages six or seven to fifteen. But sealants are not restrictive to permanent teeth.
On some occasions, toddlers may need dental sealants. A sealant can reduce the risk of cavities on a chipped tooth or in teeth with deep crannies.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
In no way are sealants exclusive to children. Adults of all ages can benefit from wearing them. Kids are not the only ones exposed to tooth decay.
Adults with smoking habits or certain diseases might have a major risk of developing cavities since their teeth are more fragile than normal.
Experts recommend dental sealants for any age.
How to Get Dental Sealants?
The process of applying dental sealants is easy and quick.
Once your tooth is clean and dry, your dental expert will apply an acidic-tasting product to prepare the tooth’s surface. After this chemical is applied, your tooth can receive the protective coat.
Your doctor will apply the sealant as it is a type of nail polish. And just like nail polish, the sealant hardens when it’s dry.
How Much Do Sealants Cost?
Getting dental sealants is not an expensive procedure. Of course, your dentist will dictate the final cost.
The average price for this dental protective coating is around $30 to $40 per sealed tooth. If you have in mind how long it lasts, it ends up being an affordable price.
Usually, patients use sealant in two or four teeth, which makes a total of $120 to $160. And you can consider this well-spent money because your oral health is not a luxury.
What Are the Types of Dental Sealant Materials?
Acrylic is the most common material for dental sealants. Your dentist mixed up a resin that’s tooth-colored and highly resistant. But there are other types of sealants.
Dentists use another material called glass ionomer. This material is also tooth-colored and easy to apply. The downside of glass ionomer dental sealants is that it tends to last half less than acrylic resin sealants.
Although both materials are at the same affordable price, the ones made of plastic resin have a higher cost.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
The answer to this question depends on the material of your sealants and how well you take care of your teeth.
All types of dental sealants can last for years, as we said. The ones made from acrylic are more resistant to wear and tear and can last up to eight to ten years.
Glass dental sealant is less resistant, explaining why dentists recommend its use in baby teeth. The protection period is around five years, which is also a lot when you think about it.
Dental patients wearing sealants do not require special care. Normal oral hygiene is enough to maintain your denture healthy and safe from bacteria. Remember to use mouthwash and floss on a regular basis to optimize your dental hygiene.
Dental Care Means Regular Dental Examinations
Going to the dental office can be a quick and pain-free experience if you follow experts’ indications.
- Don’t forget to wash and floss your teeth.
- Cut down on sugary foods and drinks.
- And visit your dentist twice a year.
Set an appointment at our dental practice in Newcastle, CA.
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