Have you ever noticed the thin, plastic coating applied to teeth for protection? These are called dental sealants, a valuable tool for maintaining dental wellness. As the name implies, they seal the teeth to shield them from cavities. Protective layers are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth; dental sealants are thin plastic coatings. Primarily used on molars and premolars to reduce the risk of cavities, they are made from durable materials, such as plastic, that form a protective barrier over the tooth’s grooves and fissures. Sealants effectively block food particles and bacteria, which get trapped in these crevices, from causing tooth decay. Here is an insight into this dental tool, its uses, and precautions.
Also Read: The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Sealants?
Beneficial for children, teens, and even adults with healthy molars, sealants are a proactive step toward long-term oral health. Here are some of the benefits of dental sealants:
Cavity Prevention: They can protect the teeth from decay due to unhealthy dental conditions.
Cost-Effectiveness: They can delay and prevent or avoid expensive treatments which may be necessary if dental hygiene is not practiced.
Painless Application: Dental sealants are quick and non-invasive methods for dental health
Durability: One of the best parts is that they can last up to ten years if proper oral hygiene is maintained.
Improved Hygiene: They help to simplify the cleaning of tooth surfaces.
Also Read: Tooth Decay: Causes, Risks. Steps To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
How Dental Sealants Work?
Molars are particularly vulnerable to cavities due to their intricate structure, making them harder to clean thoroughly with brushing alone. Sealants work by smoothing out these surfaces, providing an additional line of defense against acids and plaque. Once applied, they form a robust, long-lasting shield that preserves the tooth enamel.
Also Read: 5 Easy And Effective Ways To Remove Dental Plaque
How To Apply Dental Sealants?
Sealants last for years but require periodic dental check-ups for maintenance. While this non-invasive treatment is highly effective in protecting teeth and maintaining oral health, the application process is simple and painless. As a primary step, the dentist thoroughly cleans and dries the tooth. An acidic solution is applied to roughen the enamel, ensuring better adherence. The liquid sealant is applied onto the tooth’s surface. Forming a durable barrier, a special light is used to harden the sealant.
Precautions Before Using Sealants
When using dental sealants, it is essential to take certain precautions for their effective application and longevity. Here are some of them:
Proper Preparation: The doctors must ensure that the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before application to achieve a strong bond.
Avoid Contamination: The tooth is then kept isolated from saliva during the procedure to prevent sealant failure.
Check For Allergies: The doctor verifies that the patient has no known allergies to the sealant material.
Regular Monitoring: The patient must schedule routine dental visits to inspect the sealants for wear or damage.
Healthy Oral Habits: Continue good oral hygiene practices, as sealants complement but do not replace brushing and flossing.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
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References:
A concise review of dental sealants in caries management
Toby Cheuk-Hang Ng, Chun-Hung Chu , Ollie Yiru Yu.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10149715/
https://www.ejpd.eu/pdf/EJPD_2018_1_14.pdf