There are plenty of practical ways to prevent tooth decay, and it all starts with regular oral hygiene. But some patients can do everything right and still suffer from cavities. In children, where brushing isn’t always as effective, cavities are quite common, with half of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 experiencing at least one cavity that requires treatment. Dental sealant is a treatment option to protect teeth from cavities. It’s an extra line of defense against tooth decay, and it is strangely underutilized in the industry today.

Discover the advantages of dental sealant and find out if this is the right type of preventative treatment for you and your family.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are applied to back teeth (the molars) by your dentist in NYC. Sealants can prevent cavities by creating a barrier between the mouth and the tooth enamel. The material blocks food particles and germs and can make teeth easier to clean.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can protect against 80% of cavities in the first two years after application and will protect against 50% of cavities for the following two years. In children between the ages of 6 and 11, the risk of developing a cavity is three times higher if dental sealants aren’t used.

How Sealants are Applied by Your Dentist in NYC

If Dr. Condos determines that treatment with sealant is right for you or your child, the procedure can usually be carried out in the same appointment.

• Teeth are thoroughly cleaned and examined for decay by your dentist in NYC. Decay and cavities are treated before sealants are applied.
• The tooth is dried and prepared by your dentist in NYC with materials to absorb fluids during the procedure.
• Dr. Condos will apply a mild etching solution to prepare the tooth for adhesion. The solution is then rinsed from the tooth.
• The sealant is applied onto the surface of the tooth, and it quickly hardens.
• Your dentist in NYC will check that the procedure went as planned and that the sealant is properly applied.

The procedure is quick and comfortable when performed by an experienced dentist in NYC like Dr. Condos. Treatments are individualized and there may be additional preparation work required in some cases. Dr. Condos provides extensive treatment planning and the entire process will be explained in detail before you give the go-ahead.

Can Sealants Prevent the Need for Restorative Treatments like Tooth implants in New York?

Dr. Condos and his team provide effective treatment for tooth loss with tooth implants in New York. At the stage where a patient requires tooth implants in New York, the decay or damage is advanced.

Dental sealants are used to protect teeth while they’re still healthy, meaning that the patient wouldn’t be anywhere close to requiring tooth implants in New York.

Protecting teeth with sealants could prevent tooth decay and limit the risk of tooth loss and the need for tooth implants in New York later. So, there is a relationship there, but there are various steps removed between having sealants and getting tooth implants in New York. Essentially, a lot goes on in between to get to a lost or heavily damaged tooth.

Think of dental sealants as a first line of defense. They’re designed to prevent cavities, often in young patients, so that teeth are protected into adulthood. They aren’t a replacement for good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and routine dental care. Patients will still need professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months even when treated with sealants.

Are There Dental Sealants for Adults?

Although not as common, treatment is sometimes recommended with dental sealants for adults. If you have a higher risk or a history of cavities, then sealant can be applied to your molars to provide additional protection.

Dental sealants for adults are identical to those used for children. The application method is the same and dental sealants for adults provide an identical level of protection.

Dr. Condos may recommend dental sealants for adults if you have:

• Experienced frequent cavities in teeth around the molars or have had treatment for cavities on your molars.
• Have deep ridges and grooves in your molars that make cleaning difficult.
• You have limited motion which makes it difficult to clean your back teeth.
• You have any kind of medical condition that increases the risk of cavities.

Dental sealants for adults aren’t extensively utilized but they can be highly effective. If you’re interested in this type of preventative treatment, you can book your appointment today.

Dr. Condos provides detailed care no matter the recommended treatment. His compassionate and informative nature means you can get the best consultation with all the options available to protect and enhance your dental health. Whether it’s dental sealants for adults, children, or anything else, you will appreciate his individualized approach to care and attention to detail. Protect your teeth and your smile. Book now at Dental Implant Center NYC.