Dental sealants are coatings that are made out of plastic and are used to protect premolars and molars from decay. The sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces. Grooves (fissures) present on the surfaces of the premolar and molar makes them vulnerable to decay.
These fissures are also deep and challenging to clean. Although brushing and flossing removes plaque and food particles from the smooth surfaces of the teeth, sometimes it isn’t easy to dislodge them from the teeth at the back.
Dentists suggest that kids, teenagers, and people with sensitive teeth are the best candidates for dental sealants. Dental sealants offer extra protection to areas that are pitted and grooved. Depending on the sealant used, some can be white or clear.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
- The tooth’s surface being sealed is cleaned. An enamoplasty is done by your dentist if the tooth has staining that is heavy and might have already stained the enamel. The procedure is non-invasive and helps to get rid of the stain. This also helps to make sure that beneath the stain, there is decay.
- A solution is placed to roughen the surface slightly or “etch” to aid the material to be more compatible. After some time, the solution will be washed off and dried.
- The mouth environment should be dry. You can place a cotton roll to help you acquire the desired atmosphere. The sealant material won’t bond well with the tooth if the tooth is moist.
- The sealant is then applied
- To help make the material harder, a curing light is used.
Reasons to Choose Dental Sealants
- Sealants prevent the development of cavities. Toothbrush bristles cannot remove acidic bacteria from a groove.Dental sealants seal out the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay. Most of the time, children lack good oral hygiene habits and brushing techniques, so the child’s teeth might end up with food particles.
- It is the most effective choice for your children in preventive dentistry. The sealants reduce the risk of cavity development in your child tremendously. Children are prone to cavities in some areas. The procedure is easy and painless.
- Dental sealants are inexpensive. Dental sealants are covered by many insurance companies until your child turns the age of fourteen. Even without the insurance company, you can still be able to pay for the treatment.
- It is non-invasive. The procedure of placing a sealant is straightforward and there is no involvement of drilling or injections. The child will not even be able to differentiate between their teeth cleaning and sealant placement; this is because of how the procedure is comfortable. You can have your dental sealants done by any dentist near you.
- They wear off. This treatment gives you a smile that is natural and also protects the teeth’s physical structure. The sealant wears off after several years without altering the tooth.
- The protection offered by the sealant is long-lasting. The bacteria plaque will not have any way to go to hidden areas of the chewing surface since the surface is covered by a sealant. Lack of cavities means that there will be an improvement in your child’s oral hygiene
A dental sealant can fail if the application is not done correctly, leading to salivary contamination. This can be as a result of the dentist’s lack of experience; the sealant material might be inadequate and lack of cooperation from the patient.
Factors That Might Help Retain the Sealant
- Prevention and isolation of saliva
- Using proper techniques
- Preparing the teeth properly
- Avoid applying dental sealants to teeth that have partially erupted
Dental Care of Morristown is dentistry located in Morristown, NJ. Our main objective is to give you your desired smile and ensure that you are comfortable. Our team is trained and dedicated to attending to all of your needs. Our services include dental sealants and many more. Book an appointment with us today and enjoy the services provided.