Although dental sealants are often recommended for young children, anyone with teeth can have tooth decay. By the time they have reached the age of 45, almost 70% of adults have lost at least one tooth. So dental sealants can also be extremely beneficial for adults.

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Poor oral hygiene is the typical cause for both conditions. You can help to lower your risks by maintaining an oral routine at home that involves regularly brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet. Genetics are also a factor.

If you are concerned about the development of tooth decay, you should consider getting dental sealants to protect your teeth. This treatment provides a clear barrier, completely coating all of the tooth surfaces that are most at risk of developing tooth decay to prevent the development of plaque.

Dental Sealants for Adults

Dental sealants have actually been around since the 1960s. There are two different kinds: resins and autopolymerizing sealants. Most dentists prefer to use resin sealants because they will not harden until the use of a curing lamp. As a result, the dentist can paint the sealant at their leisure, without time being such a factor.

The autopolymerzing form of sealants consists of two ingredients that, once mixed, cure by themselves. So the dentist must complete the process before the sealant hardens and can no longer be worked with.

Selecting Treated Teeth

The main candidates for dental sealants are the chewing surfaces of molars, because they are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay. These teeth are known for having many grooves and fissures that allow oral bacteria to hide from your best cleaning efforts. So deploying adult sealants in these locations is a logical choice.

Preparations

Your dentist will begin by carefully cleaning targeted teeth. Next, the teeth will be rinsed and dried. Then your dentist will roughen the surface of the teeth so that the sealant bonds more h2ly to them.

Sealant Application

Treated teeth must remain dry throughout the sealant application so that the bond will be h2. A barricade or dental dam may be used to keep saliva away from the area.

Next, your dentist will apply the dental sealant, which will be liquid at this stage. A small syringe or brush will be used to paint the material onto the teeth. Since it is liquid at this point, the sealant will fill in every fissure and groove so that every spot is completely sealed.

Finally, the sealant will harden. A special curing lamp may be used for this purpose. Your dentist will examine your bite so that there are no problems.

The Bottom Line

• Sealants are commonly used on back, hard-to-reach, molars.
• Sealants are not just for children.
• Sealants prevent tooth decay and unnecessary dental work.