What Is The Purpose Of Dental Sealants?

Tooth decay is very prevalent in the back teeth, in both adults and children. Usually, the molars and premolars are designed with small pits and fissures to aid in chewing and grinding food. Unfortunately, food particles and bacteria can get trapped on those surfaces that are also hard to clean thoroughly. When food particles and bacteria build up in the mouth, they form a sticky film deposit known as plaque.

If dental plaque isn’t removed in time, it hardens to form tartar, a yellow-brown deposit that can’t be removed with normal brushing and flossing. With time, plaque and tartar form on the teeth and along the gum line, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. These issues can lead to secondary complications such as tooth loss, jawbone damage, and synthetic issues such as sepsis.

Even with thorough brushing and flossing, the chances of food particles getting trapped in the back teeth are very high, especially among children and teenagers. Fortunately, you can prevent all these with dental sealants.

What are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin protective coating that is painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Covering these chewing surfaces provides a shield against plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth, significantly reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral infections.

Research suggests that dental sealants in children and adolescents reduce the risk of cavities by 70%. Since dental sealants are only applied on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, they should be used in conjunction with good at-home dental hygiene and regular dental exams and cleanings.

Dental Sealants are not only available for children and teenagers. You can also apply sealants to adult teeth.  Dental experts recommend applying dental sealants on your child’s permanent back teeth as soon as they develop. If you’re worried about the safety of dental sealants, they have been approved by the American Dental Association as a safe treatment for individuals of all ages.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

Fortunately, applying dental sealants is easy, quick, and painless. Since fissure dental sealant is very thin and clear or white, it won’t be noticeable by others or affect your aesthetics.

When applying sealants, the dentist begins by cleaning the teeth to be sealed. Next, each tooth is dried, and absorbent material is put around it to keep it dry. Next, an acidic solution is applied to the tooth’s chewing surface to roughen it. This helps the sealant to bond to the tooth easily. The tooth is rinsed and dried again.

Next, the dentist applies the sealant material onto the tooth’s chewing surface and hardens it with a special light. The procedure is repeated for other teeth. Please note that the procedure won’t permanently alter the tooth’s structure. A sealant is simply a coating, and it’s completely reversible.

What’s the Purpose of Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants provide a protective shield against the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The back teeth are more prone to plaque, and bacteria colonization, which release acids that damage the teeth enamel and cause tooth decay. Sealed teeth are less likely to develop plaque and tartar, the primary causes of cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, applying dental sealants smoothens the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them much easier to clean. Even if food particles are trapped when eating, brushing them off is easy. This reduces the risk of plaque and bacteria attacks that cause cavities and gum disease.

Similarly, since dental sealants protect your mouth from cavities and other oral issues, it prevents the need for more extensive and costly dental procedures such as root canals, dental crowns, dental implants, and dentures.

How long do sealants last?

Dental sealants can protect you and your family from cavities and other dental issues for ten years. For best results, it’s essential to use them in conjunction with proper oral hygiene and habits. It’s also worth noting that sealants aren’t destructible. They can chip, break, or wear out with time. For this reason, it’s essential to have them checked regularly to ensure maximum protection.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for dental sealants in York, Toronto? Contact Marlee Dental Office to book your appointment today.