Dental sealants are plastic materials that protect the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. The grooves in these teeth (called fissures) collect pla 韓国インプラント que, which produces acids that attack enamel and 韓国インプラント cause cavities.
To apply sealants, the dentist or hygienist will first thoroughly clean the teeth. They will then dry and isolate each tooth, and then paint the sealant on and shine a curing light to set it.
Prevents Cavities
Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from cavities, a common cause of tooth decay. Though they are most often recommended for children, adults can also benefit from these protective coatings.
The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves, pits and fissures that make them more vulnerable to cavities than the smooth surfaces of front teeth. When food gets stuck in these grooves, bacteria can grow and release acids that eat away at the enamel covering of a tooth, eventually leading to a cavity.
Tooth sealants provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay by filling these deep grooves with a clear, plastic-like liquid that hardens to form a barrier that food and germs cannot easily penetrate. Typically, the procedure takes only minutes and does not require a local anesthetic. Once applied, the sealant can last for up to four years before reapplication is needed.
Prevents Plaque Buildup
Even with good oral hygiene, bacterial plaque can build up in the small cracks and grooves on your child’s back teeth. When left untreated, the resulting acid eats away at the enamel and can cause cavities. Sealants provide an extra barrier to protect the chewing surfaces of these teeth and prevent plaque buildup.
The process of applying dental sealants is quick and painless. First, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then, a thin liquid is painted onto the chewing surface of the tooth. This liquid is shaped into the pits and fissures of the tooth, and then hardened with a special curing light.
The liquid sealant fills in the nooks and crannies of the tooth, keeping food particles out and reducing your child’s risk of cavity-causing bacteria. Sealants should be checked at regular dentist visits and re-applied as needed.
Prevents Erosion
Dental sealants are an effective preventive treatment to help children avoid tooth decay. This is because it provides an extra barrier to bacteria that can cause cavities on the chewing surfaces of their molars and premolars.
These are the teeth that are most susceptible to tooth decay because they have deep grooves, or “fissures,” that can trap plaque and lead to a cavity. If brushing is not done effectively, these grooves can also become eroded.
During the application process, our dentists will clean and dry your child’s tooth before applying a thin layer of the liquid sealant to their chewing surface. They may use an acidic gel to roughen the surface of your child’s tooth, which helps the sealant bond to the tooth. After the tooth is prepped, the sealant will flow into the grooves and harden in about a minute. Your child’s teeth will feel normal after the sealants are in place, and they will last for several years if properly cared for.
Prevents Chipping
Dental sealants are an excellent preventive treatment that helps keep tooth decay from developing on molars. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, school-age children without dental sealants experience three times more cavities on first molars than children with them. These tooth cavities often require costly dental treatments like fillings and crowns.
A child can receive dental sealants in a comfortable, painless procedure. The dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any plaque or tartar before applying the sealant. The chewing surfaces of the teeth will then be roughened, which makes it easier for the sealant to bond with the tooth. Once the teeth are cleaned, dried and prepped, the sealant is painted on and hardened, usually in less than a minute with a curing light.
After the sealant is applied, the teeth should feel and look the same as they did before. Patients should continue to brush and floss their teeth and to schedule regular dental appointments every six months so that the dentist can check for signs of tooth decay or damage to the sealants.
Prevents Discoloration
Dental sealants are made from composite resins and can last for several years. They are painless and safe and can help prevent the need for other preventative treatments like dental fillings.
However, the material used in some types of dental sealants does contain BPA and bis-GMA, both endocrine disruptors, which should not be consumed by children. Parents can ask the dentist about safer options to protect their child’s teeth.
Dental sealants can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay on premolars and molars, which are the back teeth most susceptible to cavities. Damage to the enamel layer of these teeth can lead to debilitating toothache and cosmetic concerns. Sealants are especially recommended for kids, but adults with a high risk of cavities due to diet and genetics can also benefit from this treatment. The dentist can reapply sealants regularly during regular preventive visits to ensure that they are intact.
Prevents Dentist Visits
Dental sealants are a preventative treatment that can protect against tooth decay and save on costly dental treatments later on. Children who get this simple treatment when their first permanent molars erupt, usually between ages five and seven, are more than twice as likely to avoid cavities compared to kids who don’t receive sealants.
During the procedure, your dentist will clean and dry your teeth before applying a mild acid to the chewing surfaces of your teeth to roughen up the surface to better bond with the sealant material. After the tooth is dried, your dentist will paint on the sealant material in the pits and fissures, making sure to fill every inch of the affected area. After the sealant is applied, it’s exposed to a curing light and hardened.
The sealants are clear or tooth-colored, and they’re virtually invisible once they’ve been applied. Some people might experience slight sensitivity after the procedure, which is normal. However, the sensitivity should not last more than 48 hours and can be treated with a desensitizing toothpaste.