Who Needs Dental Sealants? How Long Does It Last?

What Are Dental Sealants?

They are special dental fillings used in preventive dentistry to protect teeth from oral cavities. Dental sealants in Knoxville feature two materials; composites and acrylics. Composite sealants are similar to typical composite fillings. The only difference is that the dentist applies them before tooth cavities develop.

Acrylic sealants are unique and more effective. They are called glass ionomers. They contain fluoride, releasing the natural element on teeth gradually over time. Therefore, other than just sealing and layering your teeth, glass ionomers increase your teeth’ resistance to cavities by releasing fluoride.

What Should You Expect When Getting Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants do not entail a complex procedure. Instead, your dentist in Knoxville will clean your tooth to remove food residue and debris. The cleaning process will also help identify any early development of cavities on your tooth. After cleaning, the dentist will rinse and dry the tooth completely. The sealant material is painted on a dry tooth surface. In its putty-like state, the sealant fills the deep fissures of your chewing surfaces. The dentist will use a laser or UV light to harden the oral sealant, bonding it to your tooth structure.

Who Needs Dental Sealants in Dentistry?

Dentists in 37919 use dental sealants to lower the risk of dental cavities. Usually, dental sealants are ideal for children between ages 6 – 14, when they are most prone to dental cavities. However, children of other ages and adults can get dental sealants.

For adults who get teeth sealants in dental clinics in Knoxville, sealants can serve a different purpose other than preventing dental cavities. In some cases, dentists will recommend tooth sealants to overcome sensitivity.

Are Dental Sealants Worth the Hype?

Know enough about what you are signing up for if you want to visit a dentist in Knoxville for dental sealants. Dental sealants have several advantages to your oral health, including the following:

• Fighting dental cavities – dental sealants create a barrier over your teeth to prevent the entry of bacteria that cause dental cavities. Technically, dental sealants protect your teeth against 80% of dental cavities for the first two years. After that, they can fight up to 50% of tooth cavities for 4 – 5 years.
• Improving oral hygiene – patients with deep fissures can have difficulty cleaning their back teeth. Dental sealants in Knoxville even out the surface of the fissures so you can brush your teeth without leaving a spot.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth?

Dental sealants protect natural teeth for up to five years or longer. However, the better you care for your teeth after dental sealants, the longer they will last. Some tips that a dentist near you will recommend to increase the longevity of your sealants are:

• Keep your teeth clean – even though the sealant material protects the chewing surfaces, bacteria will eventually breach the sealant f you do not brush your teeth.
• Avoid hard and crunchy foods – dentists in Knoxville will tell you that dental sealants are not are sturdy as strong teeth. If you insist on hard and crunchy foods, you can chip, crack or break your dental sealant. If this happens, you will need urgent care from an emergency dentist in Knoxville to repair your sealant.
• Visit your dentist regularly – routine dental cleanings and exams are paramount for preserving the state of your natural teeth and dental sealants. Besides, how else will you know if you need to replace your tooth sealants if you do not know their conditions?
• Wear a night guard at night – this tip is particularly crucial for patients who suffer from bruxism. It is a condition for excessively grinding teeth at night. The pressure of teeth grinding wears down natural teeth, leave alone dental sealants. Besides, teeth grinding can chip, crack or break your sealants.

When Should You Replace Your Dental Sealants?

Around the five-year mark, you should know that your dental sealants may need replacing. However, it differs for patients depending on various factors, including lifestyle choices and habits. Either way, if you have been consistent with dental visits at TLC Dental Care, you will know the right time to replace them.