Dental sealants are helpful for both children and adults. Dental sealants are thin coatings that are painted on the chewing surface of the back teeth. They fill the pits and grooves of the teeth. If the molars have dental sealants covering them, they are more protected from cavities and tooth decay. If you did not get sealants when you were a child, it is not too late. The benefit of additional protection from tooth decay is important to consider at any age.
How Sealants Are Applied to an Adult Tooth
Getting a sealant is an easy dental procedure. When a sealant is applied to a tooth, it does not hurt. First, the tooth is cleaned. After that, a gel may be placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. Then we rinse the tooth and dry it. The next step is to paint the sealant on the tooth. Lastly, we shine a light on the tooth to harden the sealant to form a protective shield.
Protection Against Tooth Decay and More
For adults, the protection from sealants could drastically improve your oral health. Suppose you are taking medicine that decreases your lack of saliva. In that case, sealants can help keep harmful bacteria away from your tooth that may otherwise have been rinsed away with normal saliva production. Additionally, if you are prone to cavities or have deep crevices in your molars, sealants can provide the coating you need to combat tooth decay.
We Can Help You with Adult Sealants
If you suspect that you need adult sealants, make an appointment with our office for your next professional cleaning and exam. We look forward to discussing the possibility of applying sealants to your molars. We want to help you take every precaution possible to fight tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy for many years.