Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually the back teeth(the premolars and molars), to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Although brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, it is difficult to always get into all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by sealing against plaque and food.
Who Should Get Sealants?
Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.
Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, they can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.
In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for a baby's teeth, such as when baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves. The baby teeth play such a crucial role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth. It is necessary to keep these teeth healthy to stop them from losing too early.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Applying sealant is a quick and easy process. It takes only a few minutes for your dentist to complete the process.
The application steps are as follows:
- The teeth are cleaned.
- Each tooth is then dried, and cotton or another absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry.
- An acid solution is applied on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
- The teeth are then rinsed and dried.
- Your dentist will apply the sealant to the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens.
- Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years. But they need to be for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can replace sealants if necessary.
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