Dental sealants are a protective measure to prevent tooth decay in molars and premolars, teeth that often have deep grooves or fissures. These grooves can collect food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean, even with thorough brushing. Sealants are made from a plastic material applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, creating a barrier against the bacteria contributing to decay.
Dental sealants are applied quickly and painlessly by a dental professional. After cleaning the tooth’s surface, an acidic solution is applied to roughen the texture, ensuring a strong bond. The sealant is painted on and hardened, usually with a special curing light. This treatment is particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, who are more prone to cavities, but adults without fillings or decay can also benefit from sealants.
Key Takeaways
- Dental sealants act as a barrier to protect teeth from decay.
- The sealant application is a simple and painless process.
- Both children and adults can benefit from dental sealants.
Understanding Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are crucial in preventing tooth decay by acting as a barrier against plaque and acids. They are primarily used on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where decay occurs most often.
Types and Materials
Dental sealants are typically made of resin-based materials or glass ionomers. The resin-based sealants are the most common type, often composed of a plastic material that bonds to the surface of your tooth. Glass ionomer sealants release fluoride gradually and are less commonly used but can be beneficial in certain cases. Both types of sealants are applied as a liquid and harden to form a protective coating over the enamel of each tooth.
Function and Benefits
The primary function of a dental sealant is to protect your teeth from bacteria and the acid they produce, which can lead to cavities. When applied, the sealant fills in the grooves and depressions of your tooth surfaces, creating a smoother surface less likely to harbor plaque. They are not a substitute for fluoride varnish but can be used in conjunction with it for added tooth protection. Sealants are especially advantageous for children and teenagers, as they often have deeper grooves in their teeth that are more vulnerable to decay.
Application Process
The application process for dental sealants is a meticulous procedure that involves several key steps for successful outcomes. Your dentist or dental hygienist plays an instrumental role in each phase to ensure the sealant adheres properly and sets to offer long-term protection.
Preparation Steps
First, your dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth surface to prepare for sealant application. This step is crucial to prevent debris from trapping under the sealant. The tooth is then dried, and an absorbent material is placed around it to keep it dry. Next, an acid solution is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth to roughen it, which helps the sealant bond to the tooth.
Sealant Placement
Once the tooth is ready, your dental professional applies the sealant material directly to the tooth’s surface. The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, filling the grooves and depressions of the tooth’s chewing surface. The sealant must cover all pits and fissures to form a shield over the tooth.
Curing and Setting
After the sealant is placed, it must be hardened or cured. This is usually done with a curing light, which may emit a blue light to set the sealant. The light is held over the sealant for a specific time determined by the product used. Once cured, your dentist or dental hygienist will evaluate the sealant and check your oral hygiene to ensure the sealant is properly set.
Candidates for Sealants
Identifying suitable candidates for sealants is key in preventing tooth decay. Sealants are most beneficial when applied to molars and premolars due to their groove-filled surfaces where cavities tend to form.
Children and Teenagers
Your child may be an ideal candidate for sealants when permanent molars and premolars erupt, typically between the ages of 6 and 12. School-aged children particularly benefit from sealants because they might not have established thorough oral hygiene practices yet, increasing their risk of decay. Sealing these teeth early can significantly reduce the chance of cavities.
- Permanent Molars: Typically appear around age 6 and again around age 12.
- Premolars: Appear shortly after the first molars.
For children with baby teeth, if these teeth have deep depressions and are at high risk for cavities, sealants might be recommended by pediatric dentists to protect these teeth from decay.
Adults and Risk Factors
While less common, adults without fillings or decay can also benefit from sealants, especially if you have molars with deep grooves that are difficult to clean. Adults with a history of or high risk for dental cavities can also consider sealants as a preventive measure. It’s important to evaluate your risk factors and discuss them with your dentist to determine if sealants are appropriate for your permanent teeth. Key factors include:
- Deep Grooves in Molars: More likely to trap food and bacteria.
- History of Cavities: Indicates a higher risk of future decay.
Adults have a particularly advantageous opportunity to protect their molars from decay with the help of dental sealant programs linked to community healthcare initiatives.
Post-Application Care
After applying dental sealants, it’s crucial to maintain them through proper care and routine dental visits. This not only ensures the longevity of the sealants but also promotes overall oral health.
Maintenance and Hygiene
Maintaining your dental sealants involves diligent oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste; this helps to prevent plaque buildup around the sealants. Flossing daily is also imperative to clean the spaces between teeth, which the sealants might not cover. Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or hard candy, which can damage the sealants.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Scheduling regular dental visits is essential to monitor the condition of your sealants. Dentists can identify sealant issues, such as chipping or wear, and reapply them if necessary. During these visits, regular cleaning can be performed to complement your at-home care, and dental fillings can be checked for their integrity. Your dentist will also advise if additional pit and fissure sealants are needed.
