Dental Sealants Aren’t Just for Children Anymore  

Dental sealants in Scottsdale, AZ offer added protection against tooth decay and cavities, so why wouldn’t patients want them? The answer to that question seems to be that a lot of misunderstandings about dental sealants still exist. This is especially true when it comes to the age of patients, since many people assume dental sealants are only appropriate for children whose molars haven’t fully erupted yet.

What Are Dental Sealants? 

Certain teeth are well-known for being difficult to keep clean, particularly the back molars. With little space between teeth and the molars sitting furthest back in the mouth, both adults and children can struggle to keep the molars clean enough to prevent tooth decay. Poorly maintained molars can also crack, require extraction, require a dental cap, or need an onlay or inlay if the filling material is inadequate to protect.

Dental sealants are invisible plastic coatings that our dentists apply to the sides and top of molar teeth. Here are some benefits and quick facts about the procedure:

• The entire procedure is painless and takes just a few minutes to complete.
• Dental sealants prevent food from becoming lodged between molars and other teeth, which can eventually cause decay.
• Dental sealants cost less than having cavities filled and are a great deterrent.
• Sealants contain no harmful materials.

How to Care for Dental Sealants

Children and adults must be careful after receiving dental sealants by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding especially hard or sticky food that could damage them. Sealants do eventually break off, and patients can decide at that time if their benefits are great enough to have them installed again. Getting a great report from the dentist with no cavities is hugely motivating as well.

Contact Waldman Dental Group in Scottsdale, AZ with additional questions or to request an appointment.