“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Benjamin Franklin famously said. As part of Julie Glud’s commitment to preventative care, she offers dental sealants along with exams, cleanings, and digital x-rays at Dental Care of Lombard in Lombard, IL.
Along with regular dental visits, sealants can play an important role in preventing decay. If you have questions about dental sealants and how they work, this overview will help.
Benefits of Tooth Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin coating (usually made of tooth-colored plastics or other dental materials) that are applied to teeth to provide a barrier between enamel and environmental conditions that can lead to cavities. A recent report published by the Centers for Disease Control noted that dental sealants can help prevent cavities, but only 43 percent of adults in this country are aware of the preventative treatment.
Sealants can be applied to any tooth, but Dr. Glud will most likely paint them onto the chewing surface of your molars. The CDC noted that 90 percent of cavities in adult teeth occur in molars. The CDC report went on to note that sealants “prevent about 90 percent” of molar cavities during the first year after placement and around 50 percent of cavities over the next five years after placement.
Patients who undergo sealant treatments can enjoy these benefits:
- No age restrictions: Dental sealants are beneficial at any age. Dr. Glud places sealants in children, adults, and senior citizens.
- Proven effectiveness: The American Dental Association notes that sealants are effective at “preventing and arresting” dental cavities. The CDC found that 90 percent of cavities in molars can be prevented with sealants.
- Great for “groovy” teeth: If your molars have deep grooves, you are at increased risk for cavities, which often form at the bottom of grooves. Sealants create a protective layer over the low-lying areas of your molars.
- Fast procedure: Dr. Glud can place sealants during your routine exams or cleanings. The special material can be applied quickly in only a few minutes.
- Fast protection: As soon as your new sealants are applied, your teeth are effectively protected from cavities for the life of the sealants.
- Durable material: Sealants are designed to remain attached to your molars for years. They can withstand the wear and tear of normal chewing. When applying your sealants, Dr. Glud or one of our staff will ensure that the material does not interfere with your bite.
- Affordability: Sealants are very affordable, and they are certainly more affordable than invasive procedures that can result from tooth decay. If you wish to avoid dental crowns, inlays, onlays, or other restorative treatments, dental sealants are one cost-effective preventative treatment. Some types of dental insurance cover part or all of the cost of sealants.
- Natural-looking results: Sealants are made of white, tooth-colored material. Once they are applied, they will be virtually invisible.
Contact Our Lombard, IL Office Today
Dental sealants are a great way to prevent tooth decay and even tooth loss. If you are a new patient, you can trust that you are in skilled and compassionate hands with Dr. Glud. She strives to create a welcoming environment for all of her patients. To schedule your next appointment with Dr. Glud, call our Lombard, IL practice to schedule an appointment. You can reach a member of our staff online or at 630-629-5700.
