Dental Sealants Prolong the Health of Your Teeth

A dental sealant is a hard resin that is used to fill in small grooves and fissures that naturally occur on your teeth. These grooves and fissures can be difficult to clean which makes them optimal areas for bacteria to gather and create tooth decay. Sealing these areas creates a smoother surface that will not trap food and bacteria as easily and it is also easier to clean. Sealants are placed on the surface of the tooth called the occlusal surface or in other words, the chewing surface of the tooth.

Any person who does not have any preexisting decay in their teeth can get those teeth sealed. Many times we associate dental sealants with children because they are typically good candidates, but the truth is that adults or kids can get sealants if their teeth are healthy.

Sealants effectively fill problem areas that could trap food debris and bacteria. For this reason, many dentists and dental hygienists suggest getting dental sealants wherever possible. We recommend sealants for anyone who has potentially problematic areas on a tooth with no existing restorations or decay on that surface.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants are quite durable. While they are probably not going to last as long as your natural teeth, if you take care of them, they can last as long as almost any other restoration. You should expect that with the appropriate care, your sealants will last for at least five years.

What Do Sealants Look Like?

You have probably talked to dozens of people in your life who have sealants without ever noticing. That is because they are tooth colored, and if the dentist does a good job at matching the color, they are virtually invisible to the untrained eye.

Want to See if You are a Good Candidate for Dental Sealants?

Now that you are aware of all of the advantages that dental sealants offer, you may be wondering if you are a good candidate for dental sealants. You can discuss dental sealants with your dental provider. They can help you decide if they are a good option for your situation. At Oxford Dental Care, we are happy to provide dental sealants when the situation is right for our patients. Along with regular dental cleanings, dental sealants are an excellent way to keep your kids teeth healthy. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Drew. He can walk you through the exact process that you should take to safeguard your teeth and keep them healthy!