A dental sealant is a plastic coating that is applied to the fissures and pits in the teeth to prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants have been used for over 30 years, and are most often placed on the molars or premolars that face a higher risk of decay. The sealant blocks harmful particles from penetrating the teeth. The benefits of dental sealants are obvious; they protect your most at-risk teeth from tooth decay (like cavities) and make it easier to clean up food and bacteria that gets stuck to your teeth.
Benefits of dental sealants
You may be wondering why you need a dental sealant. After all, dentists used to only recommend brushing at least twice daily and flossing; nothing about dental sealants. Well, we’re here to tell you those dentists of your past were wrong. Getting a dental sealant is a great idea if you or your dentist believes you are at risk of tooth decay. Whereas a dental filling can cost a lot of money and cause discomfort, a dental sealant is a preventative measure to ensure your teeth stay protected. Additionally, dental sealants cost about $25 to $50 per tooth and can last up to 10 years. Cavity fillings can cost you up to $200 for a single filling. Essentially, dental sealants are cheaper, more effective, and less painful. Of course, you will still need to brush and floss to maintain your teeth, but a dental sealant can make your job significantly easier for you.
Side effects and drawbacks
Now that you know the benefits of dental sealants, we’re going to go over the known side effects and potential drawbacks of them. The procedure itself does not hurt, and you can eat almost immediately after your appointment. However, there have been studies into the side effects of these plastic sealants, though nothing has been conclusive. Some of the sealants contain bisphenol-A, a plastic used to seal the teeth and may be damaging. At the very minimum, this binding agent will wear off in time meaning you are very slowly ingesting this plastic over the course of 10 or so years. Again, nothing conclusive has been found or else dental sealants wouldn’t be approved by the FDA, but it is something to bear in mind as you make your decision.
Dental sealants are only one part of a person’s complete dental care. Brushing twice or more daily, flossing, eating the right foods, and regular dental care are all significant parts of complete dental care. By following this plan, you can ensure your teeth look and feel healthy for years to come. If you have read through this and believe you need a dental sealant, consider using TalkLocal to find a top-quality dentist in your area. TalkLocal is a free service that connects you with the best professionals in just a few minutes. All you need to do isenter in your specific problems, location and availability, and TalkLocal will contact multiple dentists who will then call you directly, ready to help. Save time, stress and pain from searching for the right, most affordable dentist, and let TalkLocal do it for you.
