Our dentists in Holland, MI, may recommend dental sealants if you’re prone to getting cavities in your back teeth. Since can help prevent decay for up to 10 years, many patients consider them to be well worth the cost.
Here’s how dental sealants protect your smile and oral health.
How Dental Sealants Work
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings we paint on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This helps prevent plaque from accumulating in the fissures and pits in your teeth.
It’s true that dental sealants reduce your risk of cavities in back teeth. But you’ll still need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily to maintain a healthy smile.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common issue we see with our young patients, but our dentists are able to prevent most cavities with dental sealants. A covers the chewing surface of your molar so it doesn’t collect food particles and plaque.
Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth and gums. Plaque feeds on sugar and starch left behind on your teeth, producing acids that erode enamel.
For this reason, it’s vital that you schedule your dental cleaning with us at least every 6 months. That way, we can while monitoring your oral health. Otherwise, plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and even gum disease.
Avoid Needing Fillings
No one likes the sound of a dental drill, especially when it’s meant for them.
Dental sealants help prevent plaque buildup on back teeth. That way, you can get a clean bill of health during your next appointment with us.
To place a dental filling, we would have to remove decayed tooth matter. We would then restore the tooth with a filling made from composite resin.
In contrast, dental sealants procedure is noninvasive. First, we would need to clean and roughen the surface of your tooth. Next, we’d paint the sealant onto the chewing surface.
Dental sealants are able to last for up to 10 years with proper care. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily to remove plaque.
Enjoy a Healthy Smile
Our dentists want to help you build a strong foundation for oral health. For this reason, we may recommend the tooth sealant procedure if we see that you’re prone to decay. Dental sealants are best for patients who have deep pits and divots in back teeth.
Recent studies hint at a connection between our genetics and the risk of cavities. But the good news is that sealants can prevent future cavities from forming.
Aren’t sure if dental sealants are the right choice for your smile? Ask our dentists what you can do to prevent tooth decay and other issues that compromise oral health. We would be more than happy to help!
Related: How Does Oral Hygiene Affect Your Overall Health? →
Save Money in the Long Run
In general, preventive dentistry costs less than restorative care. For example, you’d pay less for dental sealants than what you’d pay for root canal therapy. By investing in your oral health, we’re able to prevent a lot of issues so you can preserve as much natural tooth enamel as possible.
Preventive dental care is also kinder to your bank account because it helps you save money in the long run that may have otherwise been spent on restorative procedures.
Request an Appointment for Dental Sealants
Our dentists in Holland, MI, would be more than happy to help you avoid cavities. To request an appointment with the Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center, call (616) 399-3946. We hope to hear from you soon!
This blog post has been updated.
