HOW LONG DO DENTAL SEALANTS LAST?

Though more common in pediatric patients, dental sealants can be placed on any patient who is prone to decay. Dental sealants are a plastic coating that is placed on the occlusal surface of molars and premolars to help protect from the buildup of plaque and bacteria. They are placed by your dentist or dental hygienist and only take a few minutes. They do not need to be removed as they will wear away over time.

Who can benefit from having dental sealants placed?

Everyone is susceptible to plaque and bacteria but some patients may be more so than others. Pediatric patients are at higher risk but there are a number of factors that can come into play for adult patients as well. The protective coating helps seal the grooves and fissures on the occlusal surface of the posterior teeth which can be hard to reach during routine oral care. The occlusal surface is the flat part of the back teeth that we use for chewing. Sealants keep those surfaces shielded from food particles that can become trapped and cause decay to develop.

Adult patients can have dental sealants placed any time but pediatric patients benefit the most from sealants being placed upon eruption of each posterior tooth through the gums.

Does it hurt to have dental sealants placed?

The process is painless! Dental sealants are a quick and simple procedure that requires no numbing agents or anesthesia and only takes a couple of minutes. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use an etching solution to roughen the enamel on the occlusal surface. Think of this as sanding a piece of wood before painting it. The etching allows for proper adhesion of the dental sealant.

The sealant starts as a liquid plastic that is brushed onto the occlusal surface and then cured with an ultraviolet light, hardening the sealant into a protective plastic coating. Your dentist will check the sealants at your routine hygiene appointments. If they wear away and you would like them replaced, just ask!

How long do dental sealants last?

With good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, your dental sealants can easily last up to 10 years. Sealants are not placed to allow you to slip in your home care routine but as an extra measure against the fight of decay! Pediatric patients often need these as they grow and learn how to properly brush and care for their teeth.

If you are an adult, your dentist can help you determine if dental sealants would be beneficial to your overall oral health. For children, some schools have dental programs available and can place dental sealants at these visits. If you are prone to decay for any reason, speak with your dentist to see if dental sealants are right for you. Sometimes medications, other medical issues, or even genetics can cause us to have “bad teeth” and dental sealants may be just the thing to help keep your natural teeth healthy!

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