Dental Sealants | The Shield Against Decay

May 13, 2024
Updated: November 5, 2024

You know that feeling when you flash a big smile, and it feels like the sun just came out?

That’s the feeling we want to preserve for you at Every Smile Dentistry in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

One of the best ways to keep that smile shining bright is by using dental sealants, the ultimate shield against tooth decay.

Let’s dive into what makes these tiny wonders such a big deal for your oral health.

Key Facts

Dental sealants act as invisible bodyguards for your teeth, protecting the chewing surfaces from decay.
The application process is quick and painless, involving cleaning, gel application, sealant painting, and light hardening in just one visit.
Sealants offer numerous benefits, including decay and cavity prevention, long-term cost savings, preservation of natural teeth, and improved oral hygiene.
Dental sealants are essential for maintaining a radiant smile, offering a simple yet effective solution for preserving dental health.

Understanding Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are like invisible bodyguards for your teeth.

They are thin, protective coatings made of a safe plastic material, applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars—areas where decay is most likely to occur.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

The chewing surfaces of molars and premolars have tiny grooves and crevices where food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped.

Regular brushing and flossing can’t always reach these areas, making them more susceptible to decay.

Dental sealants form a protective barrier that prevents bacteria and food from settling in these grooves, stopping decay in its tracks before it even has a chance to start.

Sealants are a preventive powerhouse, offering long-lasting protection and peace of mind. They’re ideal for kids, teenagers, and adults, especially those who are prone to cavities or have deep grooves in their teeth.

The Process Of Applying Dental Sealants

Getting dental sealants is a straightforward and painless procedure that can be completed in just one visit to Every Smile Dentistry. Here’s how it works:

Thorough Cleaning: Your dental team will start by thoroughly cleaning and drying your teeth to ensure the sealant adheres properly.
Application of Special Gel: A special gel is applied to the teeth to slightly roughen the surface, which helps the sealant bond more effectively.
Rinsing and Drying: The gel is then rinsed off, and the teeth are dried again.
Sealant Application: The sealant is carefully painted onto the chewing surfaces of your teeth. It flows into the grooves and crevices, forming a protective layer.
Light Hardening: A special curing light is used to harden the sealant quickly. Once hardened, the sealant becomes a tough shield against decay.

And that’s it—no pain, no needles, just a quick and easy process to protect your teeth!

The Benefits of Dental Sealants

Now, let’s talk about why dental sealants are the unsung heroes of oral health:

Protection against decay and cavities: Think of sealants as a force field, keeping those pesky bacteria at bay and preventing cavities from forming.
Long-term cost savings: By investing in sealants now, you’re saving yourself from potentially costly dental treatments down the road.
Preservation of natural teeth: Sealants help maintain the integrity of your natural teeth, avoiding the need for fillings or even more invasive procedures.
Boost in oral hygiene: With sealants on duty, it’s easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy with regular brushing and flossing.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are suitable for people of all ages, but they are especially recommended for:

Children and Teens: Sealants are most beneficial when applied to the permanent molars and premolars soon after they come in, typically between the ages of 6 and 14.
Adults: Adults who are prone to cavities or have deep grooves in their teeth can also benefit from dental sealants.