A dental sealant is a kind of protective coating, which is made up of tinted or transparent plastic. It is painted onto the chewing areas of the back teeth (both premolars and molars), where the possibility of cavity formation is more in comparison to other regions of the teeth.
Premolars and molars have pits and fissures in them, where the food particles normally get stuck. Some of the fissures present on the surface are so deep that the bristles of the toothbrush are unable to reach them. These holes and gaps on the surface of the teeth provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and generate cavities. The function of these dental sealants is to prevent the happening of the same. The dentists put a thin cover of dental sealant over these pits and fissures and food cannot accumulate in them.
The major application of sealants is on children’s teeth to prevent cavities at an early age. They are not only effective in function but are affordable as well. They cost well less than the amount spent on filling the cavities. It is advised by quite a few dentists that sealants should be applied on each molar teeth as soon as possible. It is important that while going for the application of sealants, the concerned tooth must be kept dry and free of saliva. If your child is facing a high threat of cavities, then it is best to seal pre-molars with sealants, along with molars.
This kind of process of sealing the teeth is not advisable for baby teeth. It is common with children although adults do get them as well. In adults it is confined to cases, where there is high risk of dental problems.
The application of sealants is not a complex process. It consists of a simple, quick and painless procedure. In this case, no preparation is required to be done in advance and can be concluded during a normal dental visit. There is no shots involved in the whole process either and that is the reason why children are not reluctant to go for a dental sealing procedure when compared to other dental treatments.
Before the application of sealant, the dentist cleans the affected area to remove particles of food, if there is any. It is important that there should not be any kind of wetness on the surface of teeth, so that it can properly stick to the surface of teeth. It is applied in liquid form, so that it can easily cover all pits and fissures. The sealant normally sets in its place within the time period of 20 to 60 seconds. If it does not set within that period of time, then it is set with the help of a special light.
Studies reveal that they are capable of lasting for a long time; sometimes they stay even for a fortnight. But as they are made of plastic, they are not durable for a very long period of time. If your child is going for it, then it is important to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. It is vital to get the right amount of fluoride during the treatment period and frequent visit to the dentist’s place is also important.
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