Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants

If you are considering getting dental sealants for your child, check out our list of pro’s and con’s so that you can be more informed.  Contact Dr. Payam if you want your child to have the best dental sealants in Stafford, Va.

Pros

Significantly reduces the chance of a child getting cavities

Dental sealants prevent plaque and bacteria from getting into the grooves of the back teeth that even a tooth brush has trouble cleaning which helps limit the chance of cavities

Dental Sealants are cheaper than filling cavities

Filling a cavity on average can cost up to four times as much as applying a dental sealant does!

The process is quick and painless

Dental sealants are easy for a dentist to apply and the process is completely painless. The dentist will clean the tooth and then brush the coating on top of the tooth, covering the groves that are hard to clean.  View our Dental Sealants video to learn more.

Cons

Dental Sealants are not a solution to existing cavities

If a child already has a cavity on a tooth, dental sealants are not helpful. They are a preventative measure that will reduce the risk of cavities on a tooth, but are not the solution if one is already present.

Rare chance that a cavity may be covered under the sealant

There is a very small possibility that an unnoticed cavity is covered by a the sealant, but the sealant would deprive the cavity of the bacteria that would make it grow so it will not get any larger.

They don’t last forever

Dental sealants last on average 10 years, because they are eventually worn down through the use of the tooth.   This means they need to be reapplied around this time to make sure that they are truly protecting the tooth for bacteria.

If you have any further questions about dental sealants come in to the office or contact Dr. Payam!  You can also take a look at our 5 Fun Facts About Dental Sealants Post

1. Protect Against Cavities

Dental Sealants help protect a child’s teeth from cavities by covering the top of their tooth with a “tooth-colored” plastic that makes it difficult for bacteria to remain on a tooth. As a result of the dental sealants, the bacteria cannot attack the enamel of a child’s tooth.

2. Useful to any Child

Even if a child brushes twice a day, that does not mean that they are completely safe from developing cavities. The grooves in a tooth are a place where bacteria love to sit and attack the tooth. The average toothbrush is unable to get deep in these grooves, so the bacteria is not removed no matter how often a child brushes. Dental sealants are an extra layer of protection to make sure each tooth stays as healthy as possible.

3. Quick and Painless Process

Applying dental sealants is a relatively fast and pain-free process. First the dentist will clean the child’s tooth and apply a sticky solution so that the sealant can bind tightly to the tooth. Next, the dentist will coat the tooth with a sealant and use a light to harden it. The drying process will take under a minute and then the tooth is sealed!  To get a better idea of the process, check out What are Dental Sealants?

4. Long Lasting

Dental sealants can last around 10 years depending on the brushing patterns and eating patterns of the child. That is a long time to have a highly reduced chance of tooth decay!

5. Saves Money on Future Cavities

Filling cavities can cost almost 4 times as much as purchasing dental sealants. Many dental plans also cover dental sealants. Why pay more for fillings in the future when a tooth can be protected with dental sealants now?  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Payam today!