Dental caries is a prevailing oral problem suffered by millions globally. Untreated mild decay can lead to extensive tooth damage, negatively impacting your oral health. Fortunately, preventive measures help avoid the onset, or progression of oral diseases like tooth decay, and gum disease.
One such preventive measure for tooth decay is dental sealant offered by a Plymouth dentist and their team of public health dentists. Let’s find out more about these protective shields against tooth decay.
A comprehensive guide to dental sealants
Sealants are defined as thin, transparent varnish that is applied on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth, namely the premolars and the molars. The sealants are in a liquid form, which, when applied, can effectively settle into the deep pits and grooves of the teeth, sealing them completely.
Dental sealants find application in the following situations:
- Pits and fissures of deciduous teeth in children
- People with an increased risk of caries
- Pits and fissures of permanent teeth in children and adolescents
- Pits and grooves of permanent teeth in adults
- Incipient carious lesions in children, adolescents, and adults
- Teeth that are not accessible to regular brushing and flossing
Benefits
Here are a few incredible benefits sealants offer:
- Sealants protect against plaque and food buildup
- Sealants are suitable for all ages
- They prevent the development of cavities
- They reduce deep grooves
- The process is quick and painless
- They are long-lasting (last up to 10 years)
- It is easy to repair and maintain them
- Sealants are super affordable
- Reduce the need for invasive dental treatments in the future
Application
Applying dental sealants is simple and a painless procedure. It only takes a few minutes for the dentist to apply sealant to each tooth. Your dentist will:
- Clean the teeth thoroughly
- Air dry your mouth and place a piece of gauze in the area to keep your teeth free from moisture
- Paint or coat a small amount of acid etching solution on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of your teeth to roughen them up. This aids in good mechanical interlocking if the sealant to the tooth surface
- Rinse and dry your teeth
- Paint the sealant onto your enamel to bond it directly to the tooth.
- Shine or target a curing light on the sealant material to harden it.
Dental sealants are excellent, and affordable preventive measures that act as a protective shield that keeps your teeth safe from disease-causing bacteria. They can significantly reduce your risk of oral diseases like cavities, giving you the best chance for healthy teeth and gums.
