How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

How Many Years Do Sealants Last in Manakin sabot VA area

Keeping your teeth healthy involves more than brushing and flossing. If you or your loved one has certain genetic disorders or “hard-to-reach” spots in the mouth, it can be difficult to ward off cavities despite your optimal oral hygiene. In such cases, you need dental sealants to keep your cavity-prone teeth decay-free.

Dental sealants are a non-invasive procedure that creates a barrier between teeth and decay-causing bacteria. At Goochland Dentistry, Dr. Peter Murchie and Dr. Rachele Gillespie use teeth sealants to help children and adults achieve and maintain cavity-free smiles for many years.

How do dental sealants work?

Dental sealants are thin coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth, especially on the textured surfaces of molars that are susceptible to harmful bacteria. The dental sealant creates a barrier between the tooth and the external elements, such as plaque and bacteria.

Dental sealants are made from composite resin — the same material used to fill cavities. This tooth-colored material blends seamlessly with your smile for undetectable results.

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Longevity of teeth sealants

After dental sealant application, you’ll want to know how long the coating will stay put. Dental sealants can remain on the tooth’s surface for up to nine years. However, it’s vital to understand that dental sealants are mostly effective in the first two years, although they remain effective in the third and fourth years. Every year after that, the effectiveness of dental sealants becomes significantly diminished.

Because of factors like excessive chewing forces and inadequate oral hygiene, dental sealants can chip or wear down. For this reason, your dental sealants need inspection every time you book your semi-annual dental appointment. Should we notice any signs of wear and tear, we reapply the sealant to continue giving your teeth the much-needed protection.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, including diligent brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, is crucial to extend the longevity and effectiveness of dental sealants.

Protect your smile with dental sealants today!

Want to win the battle against cavities in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, and its environs?

Please call (804) 784 4624 to schedule an appointment with Goochland Dentistry for dental sealants. We can’t wait to help you and your loved one achieve a cavity-free smile.