A sealant is a preventive clear coating painted and cured or “sealed” into the deep groves of a tooth, where bacteria and food get trapped and develop into cavities over time. Sealants aren’t just for children anymore, these non-invasive preventive coverings are highly effective at preventing cavities on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
There are many reasons to take extra protective measures to prevent cavities by placing a dental sealant. You may be cavity prone if you:
*Have a family history of cavities
*Are taking medications
*Have an acidic diet or acid reflux
*Eat or drink a lot of sugary foods or beverages
*Have trouble keeping up with your brushing and flossing habits
*Have a medical condition like cancer
A dental sealant is
*virtually invisible
*much less costly than a filling
*completely non-invasive
*applied without any discomfort
*highly effective in preventing cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth
How dental sealants are applied in a few short minutes:
- The tooth is cleaned and dried
- A solution is applied to help bond the sealant to the tooth
- The protective resin material called a sealant is applied
- A curing light is used to strengthen and harden the sealant
How long do sealants last?
From two to ten years, depending on how well they are maintained
How effective is a sealant?
Dental sealants can reduce cavity risk by up to 70%
If you care about preventing dental problems before they happen, or worry about getting cavities, gain peace of mind with dental sealants for children and adults at Dental Arts of Hastings-on-Hudson. Add this procedure to your next preventive checkup and cleaning for minimal time and cost.
