Adults Can Get Dental Sealants Too

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Dental sealants in Scottsdale, AZ, are thin coatings that Dr. Owen Waldman or Dr. Jason Augustine paint onto the back teeth to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Children commonly receive dental sealants at preventive care appointments between six and 11 years of age.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that dental sealants prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in the back molar teeth. The CDC also states that 90 percent of tooth decay occurs in the back teeth. The statistic makes sense when you consider that it can be challenging for children to reach the back teeth with a toothbrush. The molar teeth also tend to fit together tighter than other teeth, making flossing more difficult as well.

How Do Dental Sealants Protect Teeth from Cavities?

The varnish that Dr. Waldman or Dr. Augustine paints onto a tooth prevents plaque and bacteria from invading it. The molar teeth’ deep pits, grooves, and fissures are especially vulnerable to decay. Oral hygiene plays the biggest role in whether cavities develop, but genetic factors also come into play. Providing patients with an added defense just makes sense in either case.

People of Any Age Can Benefit from Dental Sealants

As an adult, you may be at higher risk of tooth decay if your back teeth have deep pits or grooves since these features make teeth harder to clean. We are happy to apply dental sealants for adults or children who could use a little extra help keeping cavities away.

Contact Us to Schedule a Preventive Care Exam

Dental sealants in Scottsdale, AZ are just a small part of each routine check-up. We encourage you to request an appointment for yourself or your child if it has been more than six months since your last preventive care exam.

Dental Sealants Aren’t Just for Children Anymore  

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Dental sealants in Scottsdale, AZ offer added protection against tooth decay and cavities, so why wouldn’t patients want them? The answer to that question seems to be that a lot of misunderstandings about dental sealants still exist. This is especially true when it comes to the age of patients, since many people assume dental sealants are only appropriate for children whose molars haven’t fully erupted yet.

What Are Dental Sealants? 

Certain teeth are well-known for being difficult to keep clean, particularly the back molars. With little space between teeth and the molars sitting furthest back in the mouth, both adults and children can struggle to keep the molars clean enough to prevent tooth decay. Poorly maintained molars can also crack, require extraction, require a dental cap, or need an onlay or inlay if the filling material is inadequate to protect.

Dental sealants are invisible plastic coatings that our dentists apply to the sides and top of molar teeth. Here are some benefits and quick facts about the procedure:

  • The entire procedure is painless and takes just a few minutes to complete.
  • Dental sealants prevent food from becoming lodged between molars and other teeth, which can eventually cause decay.
  • Dental sealants cost less than having cavities filled and are a great deterrent.
  • Sealants contain no harmful materials.

How to Care for Dental Sealants

Children and adults must be careful after receiving dental sealants by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding especially hard or sticky food that could damage them. Sealants do eventually break off, and patients can decide at that time if their benefits are great enough to have them installed again. Getting a great report from the dentist with no cavities is hugely motivating as well.

Contact Waldman Dental Group in Scottsdale, AZ with additional questions or to request an appointment.