What are Dental Sealants and Who Should Get Them?

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Home » What are Dental Sealants and Who Should Get Them?

Good dental hygiene truly can prevent a multitude of problems. One of the most remarkable and simple types of prevention are dental sealants.

what are dental sealants and who should get them in Tucson AZ area

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants (also termed pit and fissure sealants, or simply fissure sealants) are a thin plastic coating that is painted on to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Sealants have been around for a long time, but like most things they have improved dramatically. Modern dental sealants are generally resin or glass ionomer based. Hybrid materials, such as polyacid modified resin, are between these two categories.  Once applied, the sealant can protect the teeth from bacteria and acids. It’s like putting an extra coat of armor on each tooth to provide a barrier against the things that cause tooth decay.

When Should Dental Sealants Be Applied?

Dr. Martin recommends children have dental sealants applied twice at the very least. The first application when the child is 5 or 6 years of age at which time the first permanent molars have come in. Then a second application at around 12 to 13 years of age when the second set of permanent molars have come in. Sealants, once applied, generally last 10 years. Your child’s dentist does need to regularly check the sealant adherence however.  

Should Adults Ever Get Sealants?

Adults can often benefit from sealants, especially if they never had sealants put on when they were a kid or they have those deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of their teeth. Sealants can prevent bacteria and acid from collecting in those deep fissures and causing tooth decay at any age.

How Effective are Dental Sealants?

Protecting the chewing surfaces of teeth, especially ones with deep grooves, has proven an extraordinarily effective prevention against decay. The American Dental Association states that putting a sealant on a tooth with deep grooves or anatomy can cut the rate of decay down by 80%!  With odds that great, no negative side effects, and the relatively low cost of the procedure, getting dental sealants applied is an easy choice.

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Martin Taylor Dentistry

Dr. Jeff Martin and Dr. William Taylor

Martin-Taylor Dentistry is a partnership between Dr. Jeff Martin and Dr. William Taylor. Highly skilled and experienced, they provide emergency, preventative, restorative, cosmetic, children’s, and implant dentistry services.

Dr. Martin is an alumnus of the University of Arizona and Baylor College of Dentistry. He established his practice in 1978. Dr. Martin has completed on 1,500 hours of continuing education in dentistry. Dr. Taylor studied at the University of Arizona and the University of Southern California. He is experienced in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. Dr Taylor has also completed many hours of continuing education.
Both are licensed and skilled in sedation dentistry, so you can be as comfortable as possible.

Together with their excellent team, Martin-Taylor Dentistry will take great care of you.

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Dr. Taylor, Dr. Martin, and their entire staff are the very best. The front desk staff, the dental assistants, and dental hygienists are excellent. I’ve been to many dentists over the years, and they are the most skilled and professional group of people that I have encountered. You can be confident you will be fully informed about what is recommended for a treatment plan and what it will cost. I’ve had the gamut of dental procedures — crowns, implants, root canals, and more routine care. It’s been made as pleasant and comfortable as possible by their skill, as well as their kindness and understanding. I wholeheartedly recommend Martin and Taylor Dentistry.

Alice L.

Alice L. 4 months ago

I have been a patient of Dr. Taylor’s for most of my adult hood. I have had everything done from a filling to multiple dental implants. All of my procedures have been straightforward with zero complications and as little discomfort as possible. Even after my implants I had minimal pain! Before I saw Dr. Taylor I was terrified of dentists, but he put me at ease with his expertise. The hygienists are kind, thorough but gentle, and knowledgeable. The office staff is very friendly and helpful. The office itself is modern and impeccably clean. I highly recommend Martin Tayler dentistry and won’t trust my teeth to any other dentists.

Rosemary B.

Rosemary B. 3 months ago

Welcome the newest member of our team at Martin Taylor Dentistry, Dr. Melvin Abraham!