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Healthy teeth are a hallmark of good oral health. Protecting them is essential and proves to be beneficial down the line, especially for young children. A good diet and proper oral hygiene practices can help achieve a healthy mouth.
The team of Fairfield, ME family dentistry offers an effective way to prevent oral problems in children through dental sealants.
| 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. This prevents plaque and bacterial adhesion by forming protective coatings that shield your teeth from harmful disease-causing bacteria. |
Indications of dental sealants
- Pits and fissures of deciduous teeth in children
- People with an increased risk of caries
- Pits and fissures of permanent teeth in children and adolescents
- Pits and grooves of permanent teeth in adults
- Incipient caries lesions in children, adolescents, and adults
- Teeth that are not accessible to regular brushing and flossing
Compelling benefits of dental sealants
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
Dental sealant application
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.
- The gel is applied and cured with a suitable curing light for 15 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
- Sealant is applied using a dispenser and allowed to flow into the pits and fissures.
Dental sealants are an extremely simple and affordable preventive care procedure that you should invest in so that you can protect your teeth. While anyone can benefit from sealants, it is most beneficial to young children.
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