When should you consider dental sealants, and why are they beneficial? What should you expect from the process? Here's what you need to know.

Studies by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research have found that 92% of adults ages 20 to 60 have had cavities in their permanent teeth. Prevention is one of the best things you can do to avoid developing cavities.

This includes doing preventative dental care, improving oral hygiene habits, and even getting dental sealants. 



What are dental sealants? Keep reading this guide for everything you need to know about dental sealants, how they work for protecting teeth, and what you should expect from the process when you visit a dentist in Sewell, NJ.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Before you can decide if dental sealants are right for you, you must learn more about this treatment. 

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that is typically applied to the back teeth in your mouth, especially in the deep pits and grooves of the molars.

They are used to protect your teeth from bacteria, plaque, and acids. Dental sealants act as a barrier on your teeth to protect your enamel.

They are essentially painted onto chewing surfaces to prevent tooth decay in your mouth. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

The dental sealant procedure is a quick, non-invasive, and painless process, which makes it an ideal solution for those with dental anxiety.

First, your dentist will clean the tooth. This way, they can ensure that all the food particles and bacteria are removed from the grooves in the teeth before the sealant is applied. 

Then, your dentist will apply a compound to your tooth. This will roughen the surface of your tooth and make it easier for your dental sealants to stick to your tooth. 

When applying the sealant, your dentist will paint a thin layer of the material onto your tooth, specifically on the chewing surface. This sealant will either set on its own or will be cured with a light to help the sealant harden. 

The entire process will take only a few minutes for each tooth. 

When you get a dental sealant, you may notice that your bite feels a little bit different immediately after the treatment. However, this will adjust over time and will not cause any lasting problems. 



After your treatment, you do not need to take any precautions or downtime. You can eat and drink immediately after your sealants are placed!

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are often recommended for people that have deep pits or grooves in their teeth. This is because these divots make it easy for food, germs, and plaque to get stuck where the bristles of a toothbrush are not able to clean.

If you cannot properly clean these areas of your teeth, it can lead to cavities and decay. 

Even those who have excellent oral hygiene habits should consider getting dental sealants. People who have deep grooves in their back teeth may not be able to clean them properly, even with the best brushing technique. 



Generally, dentists will recommend that children and teenagers get sealants as soon as their permanent teeth come in. This way, they can avoid getting dental services for cavities as they get older. However, adults that don't have fillings or decay are also good candidates for this treatment.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

One reason why dental sealants are such a popular option for preventative dental care is that they are long-lasting. Dental sealants can last anywhere from five to 10 years.

Over time, the sealants on your teeth may begin to wear down or chip off. This is completely normal, as your teeth go through a lot of wear and tear as you chew your food or if you grind your teeth. 

If your dentist notices that the sealants are wearing down, they can touch them up at your next dental check-up. 

Benefits of Dental Sealants

The primary benefit of getting dental sealants is that they protect your teeth from cavities. Most people get cavities in their back teeth on the molars. This sealant protects from most of these cavities for years and will prevent plaque and food from building up in these areas. 

Another great benefit of dental sealants is that it is a quick, non-invasive procedure. The entire process can be completed in a single appointment and doesn't require any drilling or numbing in your mouth. This pain-free treatment is a great option for anyone!

They are also a cost-effective solution for dental care. As much as you may try, you may not be able to prevent cavities. The cost of fillings can quickly add up, even if they are covered by dental insurance. 

Not only are dental sealants inexpensive, but they will also prevent other dental work in the future. 

Finally, dental sealants are long-lasting and easy to maintain. As was mentioned before, dental sealants can be effective for up to 10 years. This means that you will be less likely to develop cavities years after your treatment. 



Plus, dental sealants are easy to maintain and repair if they do wear out sooner. 

Need Dental Sealants? Find a Dentist in Sewell, NJ Today.

When you prioritize preventative dental care and oral hygiene habits, you can prevent many unnecessary dental work treatments and you can better protect your teeth. Learning more about dental sealants and their benefits can help you decide if this type of preventative care is right for you.

Are you looking for a dentist in Sewell, NJ that offers dental sealants or cosmetic dentistry? Sewell Dental Designs can help! 



Contact us today to learn more about our preventative dental care services or to schedule an appointment for your dental sealants.