The Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a type of preventive dental measure against tooth decay and cavities. It is living proof that adults who are affected by dental carries can restore their teeth. Tooth decay is the most common dental problem affecting both kids and adults. It is caused by a build-up of plaque, food remains, and tartar.
Luckily, with advancements in modern dentistry, dental sealants can help with cavities. They serve as a protective shield, and they are a thin plastic coating placed on molar tooth fissures to prevent the accumulation of food remains or debris.
Dental sealants are placed on the back of your mouth, at the molars, or premolars to seal teeth. Fissure sealants are placed on chewing surfaces. This is because it is difficult to clean these parts while brushing, making them susceptible to dental cavities.
Before opting for dental sealants, you should understand what it is, the available types and how they are placed. Your dentist can advise you and recommend the best preventive measure. You should also be cautious before opting to have sealants for sensitive teeth. This article will help you understand everything about sealants, including their pros and cons.
The Pros of Dental Sealants
Dental, as the name suggests, are used for sealing holes caused by cavities. It has the following benefits:
- They reduce the effects of cavities on one’s tooth, especially in children. Children are affected mainly by cavities, and with dental sealants, cavities have decreased by approximately 60% in children.
- The procedure is simple and painless. Most children are haunted by dental paranoia, but with sealants, they are no need to worry. The application only takes a few minutes, and the coating is placed on the teeth using a straw dispenser. It does not involve any filing or drilling, making it a painless treatment.
- Dental sealants are long-lasting and durable. They can last for a long period with the same efficiency. Children should adhere to their check-ups for the dentist to check if they are in good condition. Reapplication is necessary.
- It saves time. Dental sealants application takes up to one hour. Cavity filling, on the other hand, takes more time. So it is therefore important to prevent a cavity from causing complications and taking much time.
- It saves money. Dental sealants, as mentioned earlier, are preventive dental measures. By having sealants, you are preventing cavities, which will save you exorbitant costs that you could spend in the future if you don’t get sealants now.
- Healthy life. Cavities can affect your overall health in one way or another. It can lead to periodontal disease, oral cancer, or further complications. With sealants, you can prevent this and have a healthier life.
- Dental sealants are cheaper as compared to dental fillings
- Dental sealants are clear and cannot be easily noticed by others.
The Cons of Dental Sealants
Everything comes with its drawbacks, and for dental sealants, it includes the following:
- Dental sealants are not applicable to everyone. It cannot be applied if you have a filing or a cavity.
- Though they are highly durable, they may be ineffective sometimes in both adults and children. Sometimes good dental habits such as thorough brushing can minimize the durability period of dental sealants.
- Dental sealants are ineffective if you have deep dental cavities or dental caries. This scenario may require a complex approach like root canal treatment.
- Some sealants, often resin-based, contains a minute amount of BPA chemical. That can induce unhealthy effects on your health, such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, and premature birth to expectant mothers.
How to take care of Dental Sealants
Just like your teeth, dental sealants need to be taken good care of. It can be done so by:
Practicing good oral hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing. Use a soft-bristled brush to brush all your teeth. Brush the tops and the bottoms just as the way you would do a tooth without dental sealants.
Rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash to get rid of any remains or plaque that can build up on the gumline after brushing, making you susceptible to periodontal disease.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings to inspect the nature and condition of the sealants.