Dental work does not stop at what is seen or what can be treated. Many adults opt to get preventive care steps to keep long-term dental health by getting sealants for their teeth. Though it has always been thought of as a procedure for children, dental sealants for adults are now coming into the mainstream and, in fact, have more of a significant tie-in with people of all ages.
How Dental Sealants for Adults Work to Protect Your Teeth
Sealants consist of a fine plastic applied on the surface of the tooth where there is no need for any filler.The best way to describe it would be that sealants act as a covering over the surface of enamel which does not allow any food or bacteria to enter, hence preventing decay. The gap filling does not cause any pain, is not intrusive and happens in one sitting with a dentist.
Dental sealants for adults practice work by covering the teeth that have deep dentists or fissures usually in the plaque. The symptoms or treatments of adults are mostly different from those of children hence prevention carries more weight.
Gingivitis Prevention and the Role of Sealants
Dental sealants mainly work by preventing tooth cavities in the back teeth but they can play an indirect role in the gingivitis prevention too. This is how: since they reduce the decay and plaque buildup in areas that are hard to clean, you reduce the bacterial presence that might irritate your gums. Healthy molars and premolars make it easy to keep good oral hygiene for the whole mouth.
Plaqueโs long exposure often results in gum sensitivity in adults, this is important to note because it reduces the risk. For individuals who already participate in daily tooth cleaning and flossing adding sealants to their practice constitutes another method of defense.
Benefits of Getting Dental Sealants as an Adult
Less commonly does marketing to adults, but there are a couple of enticing qualities:ย
- Prevent areas with inadequate brushing.
- More effective compared to treating tooth cavities and the possibility of root canal treatment.
- Quick and painless procedure to add long-term protection.
- Snag along the pursuit for gum disease prevention with the other campaigns.
When taken in conjunction with sound oral hygiene, it can substantially reduce the tendency of acquiring more severe dental problems as one ages.
Myths vs. Facts About Adult Dental Sealants
Another widespread misconception is that sealants are only for children. In fact, there are many โadultโ molars that still remain in the mouth and would benefit from added protection. Their other commonly misunderstood aspect is their duration. They are not permanent but can last for five to ten years if properly maintained.
Some people think that after dental work or fillings sealants are not needed. Thatโs not entirely true. Sealants can be placed on areas of teeth that are healthy but have not been filled yet.
Ideal Candidates for Adult Dental Sealants
Sealers are indicated in those individuals who:
- Have deep grooves or pits on the molars.
- Are prone to dental caries &/or have a past dental history of extraction.
- Donโt want the expensive dental treatment to burden them in the future.
- They are committed to preventive steps towards periodontal disease and health sustenance in the mouth.
Sealants are generally not placed over caries or restoration, but if your dentist examines your teeth and finds them sound, he may advise sealing the unaffected parts.
Integrating Sealants Into a Holistic Oral Health Strategy
This is because dental sealants are only one portion of the picture. For complete dental health in adulthood, the following must be done:
- Visits to the dentist every six months to have regular checkups.
- Using toothpaste that has fluoride in it twice a day.
- Flossing the teeth each day to get rid of food particles in between them.
- Periodically cleaning the timetable to fight tartar and help with gum health.
Gingivitis can be prevented largely by preventive care, especially in such forms as sealants; hence, one can maintain consistently healthy gums through adulthood.
Why Butternut Family Dentistry Recommends Sealants for Adults
Butternut Family Dentistry strongly believes that prevention is better than cure. The practice does not stop at resolving issues but tries to beat them before they take place. That is the reason dental sealants fall under their adult standard of preventative care.
We do an accurate assessment of the oral health condition of every patient, recommend sealants only if there is a need, and convey the procedure in a manner that is comfortable and non-intimidating. Sealants may be applied as an adjunct to dailyoral hygiene practices for individuals desiring to avoid the inconvenience of further dental visits.
Begin at the onset of decay, or meddle to keep it at bay. We shall design a method that offers you the remedy your smile deserves. With contemporary techniques plus benevolent attention, Butternut Family Dentistry enables the regulation of oral health voyages for grown-ups.
Common Questions Answered (Curiosities Resolved)
Q1: Can they be sealed over permanent fillings?
A: Generally not, as the most effective application sites are the healthy enamel sections, although other sites may be used if other sections of the tooth are not affected.
Q2: How long do permanent sealants last for adults?
ย A: On average, between 5-10 years. Some may last a little longer with regular dental cleaning and checkups.
Q3: Are there any dangers or effects?
ย A: Very few. Some patients may develop a temporary change in the bite or mild discomfort after the application, but this fades quickly.
Q4: Do insurances pay for sealants if it is an adult?
ย A: That is all depending on your dental plan. Sealants are often offered for children through many providers but may not have the right kind of coverage for adults. Since they are so cheap, many patients do pay cash upon โsealing the dealโ so to speak, for comfort.
Final Thoughts (Summary Reflection)
In general. dental sealants for adults are safe and effective as an integral part of oral care therapy. They help in protecting your molars from decay which in the long run helps in advancing your gingivitis.
At Butternut Family Dentistry, we believe in personalized dental solutions that are meant to keep future expensive dental procedures at bay. If you wish to boost your smileโs strength and keep it safe from future issues, then dental sealants are probably the next best step for you.
