Dental Sealants for Adults
Tooth decay can develop at any age, and dental sealants can help prevent tooth decay, which means that anyone with teeth could be a good candidate for dental sealants. However, dental sealants aren’t applied on teeth with existing decay or on dental fillings or crowns, which means that some adults won’t be good candidates. Adults are also less cavity-prone than children, as adults often have healthier diets and more rigorous oral hygiene routines than children, which may render dental sealants unnecessary for some. If your dentist tells you that your teeth have deep or complex grooves, or if you have a family history of tooth decay, however, you could be a great candidate for dental sealants. Sealants can also be an excellent option for patients who habitually grind their teeth, which compromises dental enamel and increases the risk of tooth decay.
Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants for Adults
Dental sealants are a preventive dentistry tool that’s used to protect the teeth from the bacterial invasion that leads to tooth decay. Sealants are applied during routine dental visits, sealing the fissures and grooves of the molars and premolars to give food debris fewer chances to adhere to the teeth and to make deeply grooved teeth easier to clean. Many dentists recommend dental sealants for children whose secondary teeth have recently erupted, before any decay can form and to prevent decay from forming. When adults are considering dental sealants, it’s imperative to visit with a qualified dentist who will evaluate and treat any existing tooth decay, removing damaged tissue and filling cavities before applying sealants, as sealing decayed teeth is not beneficial and could be harmful.
In adults, dental sealants come with their own set of pros and cons.
- Pros:
- Applying sealants is non-invasive, painless, and quick
- Adults who take medications that lead to dry mouth are more cavity-prone
- As we age, our teeth grow more brittle, increasing our risk of developing tooth decay
- Because they are clear or tooth-colored and resist food debris, dental sealants can help enhance the appearance of the smile
- Dental sealants are considerably less expensive than dental fillings and help prevent the need for dental fillings
- Dental sealants are safe and effective
- Cons:
- If there is any tooth decay present on the tooth that is sealed, the sealant will seal in the decay and make it worse
- While rare, some patients may be allergic to certain materials used in some dental sealants
- Some insurance plans won’t cover dental sealants for adults, though some do
- Dental sealants aren’t designed to last forever, protecting the teeth for around 10 years on average
If you already have several fillings or extensive tooth decay, you may not find dental sealants worth it for you. If you have reasonably healthy teeth, however, it’s worth it to talk with your dentist to learn whether dental sealants are a good choice for you. Even if you have meticulous brushing and flossing habits, you may have particularly pronounced grooves or fissures in your molars that would benefit from the protection provided by dental sealants. Only your dentist can tell you for sure, so make an appointment today. This quick phone call and small investment could save you a fair amount of time, money, and discomfort in the future and protect your teeth from decay well into old age.