Dental sealants are a great preventive measure that helps protect teeth from cavities. The process is painless and only takes a few minutes per tooth.
First, the dentist will apply a mild “etching” solution to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up a bit for better adhesion. Then, the tooth is rinsed and dried and the sealant is painted on.
They Prevent Cavities
Dental sealants prevent the most common kind of tooth decay by covering the chewing surfaces of molars with a protective layer. When germs meet leftover food particles on your teeth, they turn them into acids that create holes in your tooth- called cavities. When you seal your child’s teeth, the food particles can’t stick to them, so the germs can’t use them to make acid and cause tooth decay.
Unlike many children’s dental procedures, which require a local anesthetic and may involve the use of drills, sealants are quick, painless, and virtually pain-free. First, your dentist will clean and dry the tooth surface before applying a thin coat of a conditioning gel that “roughens” up the chewing surface of the teeth. The gel is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried again. Finally, your dentist will paint on the liquid sealant to fill in the tight pits and grooves of the molar teeth, even over fillings. Some sealants are “light-cured” so they harden on their own in about a minute, while others need to be exposed to a curing light.
There are some concerns about BPA (Bisphenol A) in sealants, but the vast majority of professionals agree that the amount of exposure a child gets from having their teeth sealed is much lower than what they get from using baby bottles or drinking from plastic cups. In addition, a dentist can scrub and rinse the surface of a sealed tooth to remove any compounds that could turn into BPA.
They Are Painless
Sealants are a noninvasive preventive treatment, making them one of the least invasive treatments in dentistry. They are a thin plastic coating that protects molar tooth fissures from food remains and plaque.
The sealant procedure is quick, easy and painless. It involves cleaning the teeth to be sealed and then drying them. A special acidic gel is then applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to slightly roughen them up, allowing the sealant to adhere more effectively. After this, the tooth is rinsed and dried once again. The dentist then paints on the liquid sealant and uses a curing light to harden it.
Dental sealants are typically recommended for children as a preventive measure to help keep their first molars and premolars cavity-free. This is because the grooves and pits of these teeth are more prone to decay. However, adults can also benefit from this treatment, especially if they have deep depressions and grooves on their molars.
Even if you have dental sealants, it is still important to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. In addition, be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. The dentist can inspect the condition of your dental sealants and reapply them if needed. It is also important to eat a healthy diet that avoids sugary or sticky foods that may cause your teeth to stain or pop off the sealants.
They Are Affordable
Tooth decay is a serious issue that can lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth loss. However, this can be prevented with dental sealants, a non-invasive treatment that creates a protective barrier on the grooves and pits of your molars. Sealants are particularly useful for children, but adults and anyone at risk of developing cavities can benefit from them as well.
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that protects the chewing surfaces of molars from food and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. The procedure is painless and quick, taking only a few minutes per tooth. Once the teeth are cleaned and isolated with cotton or another absorbent material, an acid solution is applied to the grooves of the tooth to roughen them up, which allows for the sealant to bond more effectively. The sealant is then painted on the surface of the tooth and hardened with a curing light.
Getting sealants is recommended for kids as soon as their first molars and pre-molars come in to prevent tooth decay, which can be more costly later on in life if left untreated. It is also recommended for adult patients who are at high risk for tooth decay due to their diet, oral hygiene habits, or history of tooth decay. The good news is that dental sealants are affordable, last a lifetime and can be easily replaced by a dentist at regular checkups.
They Last a Lifetime
Getting dental sealants is as simple as a routine office visit. The dentist or hygienist will thoroughly clean the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, and dry them so that bacteria won’t get trapped between the tooth surface and the sealant material. Then, they’ll apply an acid etching solution to the tooth surfaces to roughen them up and help the sealant bond properly. Next, the teeth are rinsed and dried again. Finally, the sealant is painted onto the tooth in liquid form and hardens quickly with a curing light.
The sealed teeth are less likely to develop decay, especially in the narrow pits and grooves of their biting surfaces. Most cavities start in these areas, and poor oral hygiene combined with a diet high in sugar and starch contributes to them.
Fortunately, dental sealants can protect these areas from plaque and food debris that are otherwise difficult to reach with a toothbrush. While they can’t replace a regular brushing regimen, they can reduce the risk of decay and help your child maintain a healthy smile. In most cases, dental sealants last for several years before they need to be reapplied, but you’ll need to schedule routine visits with your dentist or hygienist every six months. During these visits, the dentist will check to see if your child’s sealants need to be replaced.