How to Solve Problems with Your Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a common and effective way to protect teeth from decay. They are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where decay often occurs. While sealants are generally durable and long-lasting, problems can sometimes arise. In this article, we’ve discussed some common issues that can occur with dental sealants and provided some tips and solutions for addressing them.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants for adults and kids are thin, plastic coatings that the dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to prevent decay. They act as a barrier, protecting the teeth from the harmful effects of plaque and bacteria.

Applying dental sealants is quick and painless, and they can last many years with proper care. Sealants are a valuable tool for preventing decay and maintaining good oral health, especially for children and teenagers who may have difficulty reaching the back teeth when brushing.

What are the Benefits of Dental Sealants

Some of the benefits of dental sealants near you include:

Protection against tooth decay: Sealants form a barrier over the pits and fissures of teeth, which are vulnerable to decay-causing bacteria. They help prevent cavities from forming and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Long-lasting: Sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care, providing long-lasting protection against tooth decay.

Non-invasive: Sealants are a non-invasive procedure that does not require drilling or tooth structure removal. This makes them a comfortable and painless way to protect teeth.

Cost-effective: Sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay, as they are much cheaper than fillings or other treatments.

Easy to apply: The application process is quick and easy, typically taking only a few minutes per tooth. The teeth are cleaned and dried, and the sealant is painted on and cured with a special light.

No Effect on Speech or Eating: Dental sealants are not noticeable and do not affect speech or eating.

Suitable for Children and Adults: Dental sealants are recommended for kids and adults at risk of developing tooth decay.

Overall, dental sealants are a safe, effective, and easy way to protect teeth from decay, especially in children who may have difficulty brushing and flossing correctly.

Tips and Solutions on How to Solve Problems with Dental Sealants

Some of these tips and solutions include:

Sealant Comes Off or Wears Away

One of the most common problems with dental sealants is that they can come off or wear away over time. This can happen due to normal wear and tear from biting down on hard foods or objects.

Solution: If your sealant has come off or worn away, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Columbia, MD, to have it repaired or replaced. In the meantime, avoid biting down on complex objects or chewing on ice, which can further damage the sealant.

Sealant Traps Bacteria or Food Particles

Food particles or bacteria can sometimes become trapped under the sealant, leading to decay and other dental problems.

Solution: Regular dental cleanings and exams can help detect and address any issues with trapped food particles or bacteria.

Sealant Causes Sensitivity or Allergic Reactions

Although rare, some people may experience allergic or sensitive reactions to sealant materials.

Solution: If you experience discomfort or allergic reactions after getting a dental sealant, contact your dentist immediately. They may recommend removing the sealant and using an alternative material, such as fluoride varnish.

Sealant Fails to Prevent Decay

While dental sealants are generally effective at preventing decay, they are not foolproof. In some cases, decay may still occur underneath the sealant.

Solution: Regular dental exams and cleanings can help detect any issues with decay and allow your dentist to address them before they become more severe.

Sealant Becomes Discolored

Over time, dental sealants can become discolored, making detecting new decay underneath the sealant difficult.

Solution: Regular dental cleanings can help prevent discoloration by removing surface stains. If discoloration persists, your dentist in Model Dental Clinic may be able to replace the sealant with a new one.