Tooth decay occurs as a result of dental plaque that forms when the bacteria in the mouth mixes with saliva and residue of starchy foods. Tooth decay leads to dental cavities which can cause severe pain and makes tooth extraction compulsory. Regular brushing and flossing can get rid of plaque and food stuck in the teeth, but they can not always get into the nooks and crannies of the teeth. Children also are not capable of taking care of their teeth to the fullest all by themselves. In a bid to solve this problem and prevent tooth decay, dental cavities, and tooth loss, dental sealants were invented.
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is usually placed on the chewing surface of the permanent back teeth (premolars and molars) to protect them from decay and dental cavity. The sealant bonds into the tooth and forms a protective shield over the enamel of the tooth. Dental sealants are safe and effective and they protect the tooth from 50 percent of cavities.
Children and teenagers get dental sealants more because of their increased chances of having tooth decay and dental cavities. Adults who do not have decay or fillings in their premolars and molars can also get dental sealants if they wish to. Children should get dental sealants immediately after their milk teeth are replaced with permanent teeth. This helps to protect their teeth through the cavity-prone years.
Uses Of Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants are used to cover the teeth and prevent them from elements of tooth decay.
- Dental sealants fill up small grooves and pits of the teeth that are hard to clean. It makes them smooth and easy-to-clean surfaces.
- Dental sealants help to restrict food from getting stuck in between the teeth.
- Dental sealants help to stop the formation of plaque to an extent.
- Dental sealants help to cut costs and prevent you from frequenting the dental clinic for dental treatment.
Dental Sealants Application Procedure
Dental sealants can be applied by dentists that are in charge of dentistry for families, general dentists, and other qualified dental professionals. The process of coating the teeth with dental sealants is simple, painless, and fast. The steps to applying dental sealants on the teeth are as follows:
- The nooks and crannies of the teeth to be sealed are to be thoroughly cleaned.
- The teeth are then dried and wrapped with an absorbent material to keep them dry.
- An acid solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This roughens them up and helps the sealant bond to them.
- The acid solution is rinsed off and the teeth are dried.
- The dental sealants are then applied directly to the tooth enamel. It bonds directly to the tooth and then hardens. Special dental devices can be used to aid the hardening of the dental sealant on the tooth.
Dental sealants can protect the teeth from decay and cavities for a long time. They can last for as long as ten years but they need to be constantly inspected for chipping, wearing, and tearing when you go for dental checkups. They can be replaced over time.
Benefits Of Dental Sealants
The benefits of dental sealants are as follows:
- Sealants are simple and easy to apply and they bond quickly making the process fast.
- Sealants produce immediate results as they start protecting the teeth immediately after application.
- Sealants protect the nooks and crannies of the teeth from food particles.
- Sealants are more affordable and effective in the prevention of tooth decay and dental cavities.
- Sealants take the natural color of the teeth and are thereby inconspicuous. They protect the aesthetic value of your teeth.
- Sealants are durable and can last for long under the force of normal chewing. It can take several years before a reapplication is needed.
- Dental sealants can be used by both children and adults in the fight against tooth decay.
