Your guide to dental sealants

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealant is a plastic material that acts as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth  like premolars and molars. The prime reason is  that  these are the teeth that are most prone to decay .

Why are sealants used?

Molar and premolar teeth have grooves or fissures on their chewing surfaces. These fissures can be deep and really narrow making it inaccessible while cleaning. Though routine dental hygiene of brushing and flossing removes food particles and plaque accumulation to an extent, it is never enough for the teeth at the back. As these teeth are difficult to clean, plaque accumulates and bacteria in the plaque release acidic by products. These acids then attack the enamel and result in cavities. Dental sealants when applied to these grooved surfaces transform  them into smooth surfaces, making them easy to clean and prevent accumulation of food or any such debris.

Who needs dental sealants?

Children are the best candidates for a sealant treatment as they have newly erupted permanent teeth. Kids should get this treatment as soon as their permanent premolars erupt and are completely out of the gums. This way dental sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity prone years between the ages of 6 and 14. Dental sealants also suit a child’s baby teeth as even they have deep depressions and grooves. It is important to keep a check on the health of baby teeth as they are important in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth. Also, health of the permanent teeth depends on the health of baby teeth.

Adults too can use sealants provided they are without any decay or fillings in their molars.

How are sealants applied?

Applying a sealant is easy for your dentist. Your dentist will first clean and dry the specific tooth surface.   He will then apply an acidic solution on the fissured area for a few seconds and will later rinse it off. This creates a rougher surface making it easy for the sealant to bind to the tooth. After rinsing off the acidic solution, your tooth is dried.  The liquid sealant is later placed on the tooth and hardened. Sealants are often dried using light or by using a two-component dental sealant that sets without using any light. After the sealant is dried it hardens and becomes a hard plastic varnish coating on the teeth.

Dental sealants are highly durable and can last for many years. Even if they wear off it is possible to replace them with a new dental sealant.

Many people from Southington come to our office because we are conveniently located next to Target. Our flexible hours and family dental practice makes it easy for busy families to schedule visits for both parents and children.To know more about dental sealants contact Green Meadow Dental at 3579 B Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111 (860)-865-0056. We also provide dental service for areas including plainville, berlin and meriden.