How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Despite the best oral hygiene regimen, patients of all ages can be at risk for tooth decay and cavities.  Some patients are genetically prone to decay based solely on the shape and structure of their teeth rather than because they do not floss and brush regularly.  Should your dentist notice that you, or a member of your family, is prone to tooth decay despite sound oral hygiene, they may recommend using dental sealants to keep teeth healthy.  Naturally, patients may wonder about the process, its effectiveness, and how long the sealants can be expected to last.

While not suggested or necessary for all patients, dentists generally recommend dental sealants for the permanent back teeth (molars and premolars) of individuals that are prone to cavities, such as children and teenagers.  Because of the pits and deep grooves associated with molars and premolars, these teeth are especially susceptible to food particles becoming trapped and can be difficult to thoroughly clean.  Once food particles become trapped in these grooves, harmful bacteria can contribute to tooth decay and the formation of cavities.  By protecting the areas, either proactively or upon early onset of decay, with a dental sealant, the areas where bacteria can thrive is limited.

The procedure for applying dental sealants is virtually painless and generally can be done in 5 to 45 minutes depending on the number of teeth needed to be sealed.  Most dental sealants are made of a liquid resin that is brushed onto the prepared tooth surface before being hardened with a high intensity light.  The materials can be clear, white, or tinted to match the natural tooth color in order to minimize any differences in appearance.  After the sealant material is hardened, the dentist will check to ensure it does not inhibit chewing or talking.

Patients can expect their dental sealants to last up to 10 years with proper care and oral hygiene.  Though the hardened plastic sealants hold up well, as long as undue stress is not placed on them, they are not permanent and will gradually wear away over time rather than needing to be removed.  As such, patients will ultimately need to have new sealants placed once they wear off.  It is also important to remember that while a great method to prevent cavity formation, dental sealants are not a substitute for regular oral care.

Proper oral care is vitally important to overall oral health but is also one of the best steps a patient can take to maximize the longevity of their dental sealant.  Daily flossing and thoroughly brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush not only helps maintain the sealants but the natural teeth as well.  Continuing to visit the dentist or hygienist every six months for professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are also advised as part of a sound oral care program.

If you are a patient considering dental sealants, be sure to consult your dentist to find out if they are suitable for their situation.  Patients should also check with their dental insurance carrier to verify benefits as some carriers will fully or partially cover the costs associated with dental sealants.

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