How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants are common, effective preventive treatment that can complement an effective oral hygiene routine by protecting vulnerable tooth surfaces from damaging bacteria and food debris. Taking only moments to place, dental sealants can last a decade, if not longer. While dental sealants are most frequently used on children and teenagers, they can also help adults who don’t already have tooth decay or fillings on their molars or premolars. Many dentists recommend sealants on permanent molars and premolars as soon as they erupt, which helps protect the teeth through the early adolescent years when young people are most prone to cavities. Dental sealants are particularly beneficial on molars and premolars, whose biting surfaces, also known as occlusal surfaces, are typically full of grooves and ridges that can easily trap bacteria and debris and be more difficult to clean. Although they are most often recommended on the permanent teeth, dental sealants can also be used to protect primary teeth with particularly deep grooves, helping to keep these primary teeth securely in place until they fall out naturally. This is important because primary teeth serve a key role in maintaining dental alignment and preserving space for the secondary, or permanent, teeth.
How Can I Preserve the Longevity of Dental Sealants?
Typically, dental sealants last 5-10 years, though they can last longer in some cases. Your dentist will evaluate your sealants during routine dental examinations, checking for areas of wear, chips, or damage. Additionally, if you habitually grind or clench your teeth, your sealants may wear down more quickly. If sealants are significantly chipped, they may need to be repaired, though some patients simply grow out of the need for sealants, particularly when the sealants are placed during adolescence. It is also common to replace sealants that have significantly worn down, when needed, and is considered a worthy investment against the ravages of tooth decay.
How Do I Know If I Need Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are an effective tool that helps reduce the risk of tooth decay, but they’re not ideal for every patient. However, when the teeth are only partly erupted, sealants aren’t recommended. They should also not be used on teeth that already have decay, fillings, or crowns, which is why they’re recommended for adults less frequently. Most dentists recommend dental sealants for children, whose newly emerged molars are deeply pitted and often difficult to clean. In fact, children who don’t have dental sealants are significantly more likely to develop tooth decay. While dental sealants can help reduce the incidence of tooth decay among children, there are other factors that contribute to higher occurrences of tooth decay among children, which is part of what makes sealants such a good idea for most children. As children take over their own oral hygiene practices as they mature, it can take some time for them to learn to clean their teeth properly; during this time, their risk of tooth decay increases. Regular dental checkups for all people, no matter their age, can help determine when it’s time for dental sealants, when dental sealants should be repaired or replaced, and whether there are any other issues or concerns with the teeth and gums. If you’re curious about dental sealants for yourself or for your child, call your dentist today to learn more about this effective preventive dentistry treatment.