How Long Do Dental Sealants Last On Molars

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin, clear, or white plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. The sealant quickly bonds into the grooves and pits of these teeth, creating a barrier that protects them from tooth decay.

Most dental sealants are polyurethane, but other materials, such as glass ionomer or resin-modified glass ionomer, can also be used. Sealants can last several years but eventually need to be replaced as they wear down.

Dental sealants effectively prevent tooth decay, especially in children and adolescents at high risk for cavities.

Types Of Sealants

There are two main types of dental sealants: resin-based and glass ionomer. Resin-based sealants are made of a plastic material that bonds to the teeth and hardens, while glass ionomer sealants are made of a glass-like material that chemically bonds to the teeth.

Resin-based sealants are more common and last longer than glass ionomer sealants. However, glass ionomer sealants may be an ideal option for people with allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients in resin-based sealants.

Both types of dental sealants are effective at protecting teeth from cavities, but it is important to note that they are not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Sealants and good oral hygiene habits should be used to ensure the best possible protection against cavities.

Dental Sealant Procedure

Getting dental sealants near you is a simple, non-invasive way to protect your teeth from cavities. Sealants are usually applied to the pits and fissures of the back teeth (molars), where most cavities occur. The procedure involves painting the sealant material onto the grooves of the tooth. Once it hardens, it forms a protective barrier against plaque and bacteria.

Sealants can last several years but must be reapplied as they wear down over time. Regular dental checkups will help ensure that your sealants are still effective.

Who Should Get A Dental Sealant?

Dental sealants in Suffern are preventive dental care used to protect teeth from cavities in kids.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that sealants be placed on children’s permanent molars as soon as they come in – typically around age 6 or 7.

The ADA also recommends sealants for adults who have deep grooves in their molars, which can trap food and bacteria and lead to cavities.

Sealants can last many years, but they will eventually need to be replaced. The ADA recommends that sealants be checked at every routine dental visit and reapplied or repaired as needed.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last On Molars?

Dental sealants last up to 5-10 years, depending on the type used and how well it was applied. If you want your dentist near you to reapply a dental sealant after it starts to wear out, they may charge you extra money. If you do not want them to reapply the sealant, then it will last longer than that time frame.

How Can you Care for Dental Sealants?

Caring for dental sealants is simple, but it requires a bit of care.

When you brush your teeth, make sure to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth as well. This will remove any food particles that could cause dental sealant damage and also help keep them clean.

To avoid damaging the dental sealant while brushing, use a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles instead of a hard-bristled toothbrush.

It is important not to chew on hard or sticky foods while wearing dental sealants because they can cause damage to them or even break them off completely.

Also, avoid eating anything with high sugar content—which includes candy, gum, or ice cream—but also that you brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste for at least two minutes each time!

Over time, sealants will begin to chip. If you notice a chipped or cracked sealant, you must visit your dentist to replace it. Sealants can also be applied directly onto the teeth, but this is more expensive than using them on other parts of your mouth, like the gums or tongue.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Dental Wellness of Suffern for more information about dental sealants and how you can care for them.