Caring for your teeth and protecting them from harm is essential. This proves to be beneficial down the line, especially for young children who are more prone to dental problems like cavities. This is due to poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating habits. A good diet and proper oral hygiene practices can help achieve a healthy mouth. In addition to this, the dental clinic in Weston, MA, offers dental sealants that act as oral guards against dental problems.
Read on to learn everything about dental sealants, their benefits, and how they are applied.
What are dental sealants?
Dental 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.
Why are sealants used?
The indications for placing dental sealants are as follows:
- Pits and fissures of deciduous teeth and permanent in children and adolescents
- People with an increased risk of caries
- Pits and grooves of permanent teeth in adults
- Teeth that are not accessible to regular brushing and flossing
Are sealants worth the hype?
Dental sealants are popular among pediatric patients since they provide the following versatile benefits.
- They are easy to apply
- Sealant application is less time-consuming
- The sealant application does not require any tooth preparation, thus preserving the natural tooth structure
- A dental sealant is an affordable material
- The sealant is easy to maintain
- A sealant significantly reduces deep grooves
- Applying a sealant is a painless procedure
- Sealants are long-lasting
The process of getting a dental sealant
The process of applying sealants is easy, quick, and painless. The following steps are involved:
- Tooth isolation
This involves moisture control, which is a crucial aspect of sealant application. Inadequate isolation leads to compromise in sealant retention. A rubber dam, cotton rolls, suction, and evacuation tips are used.
- Acid etching
37% orthophosphoric acid is used in the form of a gel, which is applied and cured with a suitable curing light for 15 seconds for permanent molars and 15 to 30 seconds for primary/deciduous molars. The tooth surface is then rinsed with water and air-dried to achieve a frosty, opaque appearance.
- Sealant placement and curing
A sealant is applied using a dispenser and allowed to flow into the pits and fissures. It is finally cured and hardened using a special LED light.
Dental sealants are an extremely simple and affordable preventive care procedure that you should invest in so that you can protect your teeth.