“What are your views on dental sealants for adults?”
I want to get a dental sealant. What are your views on dental sealants for adults?
5 Answers
DentalHygienistDentist
Dental sealants can be a great option for adults, especially if you're prone to cavities or want an extra layer of protection for your teeth. Traditionally, sealants have been used for children, as their molars are particularly vulnerable to decay. However, adults can benefit from them too, especially if:
1. **You have deep grooves** in your back teeth, which can be hard to clean properly.
2. **You have a history of cavities** or are at higher risk for tooth decay due to diet, lack of good oral hygiene, or other factors.
3. **You want extra protection** to prevent decay from forming in those hard-to-reach places.
Sealants are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, where cavities tend to form. The process involves applying a plastic resin that bonds to the tooth, creating a smooth surface that makes it easier to clean the tooth. They can last for several years, and the procedure is non-invasive and quick.
For adults, they may be particularly helpful if you're dealing with **receding gums** or **dry mouth** (both of which can increase your risk of tooth decay). However, if you don't have any risk factors, sealants may not be necessary. It’s worth discussing with your dentist, who can evaluate your needs and decide if sealants are a good fit for you.
Does that help? Or do you have more questions about the process?
1. **You have deep grooves** in your back teeth, which can be hard to clean properly.
2. **You have a history of cavities** or are at higher risk for tooth decay due to diet, lack of good oral hygiene, or other factors.
3. **You want extra protection** to prevent decay from forming in those hard-to-reach places.
Sealants are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, where cavities tend to form. The process involves applying a plastic resin that bonds to the tooth, creating a smooth surface that makes it easier to clean the tooth. They can last for several years, and the procedure is non-invasive and quick.
For adults, they may be particularly helpful if you're dealing with **receding gums** or **dry mouth** (both of which can increase your risk of tooth decay). However, if you don't have any risk factors, sealants may not be necessary. It’s worth discussing with your dentist, who can evaluate your needs and decide if sealants are a good fit for you.
Does that help? Or do you have more questions about the process?
Sealants for adults are great at preventing cavities, just as they are for preventing cavities in our pediatric patients. If you're an adult who has never had a cavity and is considered "low risk" a sealant may not be necessary, however if you're a patient who has a history of cavities, getting a sealant on your permanent teeth will help prevent the biting surfaces from trapping food and developing cavities (but they won't protect in between the teeth, so you'll still need to take good care of them!). Best of luck!
They are just as effective for adults and I am in favor of using them
Dental sealants are an extremely conservative way of preserving natural tooth structure in a site of incipient (very early) decay. If it has been determined that the decay has not worked its way to the layer under the enamel, a well placed sealant may be okay. If the decay is more extensive, then, the decay should be removed and the cavitated area repaired with a good restorative material.
Rarely necessary
