What Are Dental Sealants?
Raleigh Dental sealants are often placed in childhood once adult teeth have erupted. They are a plastic coating applied to the permanent molars and premolars on the occlusal (chewing) surface to help protect them from decay and wear.
Why are Dental Sealants Placed?
The occlusal surfaces of our molars and premolars are imprinted with fissures which we use for chewing food. These fissures can be a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria to accumulate and wear away enamel. Toothbrushes can have a hard time reaching the tiniest crevices and sealants use a plastic coating to cover the surface and prevent bacteria growth. Using fluoridated products can further protect in the fight against cavities!
Even if you had sealants placed, it is a good idea to continue using fluoride and oral hygiene products containing fluoride since the sealants only cover one surface of the tooth. Though sealants can be placed on other surfaces of other teeth if they have pits or grooves.
When are Dental Sealants Placed?
Once the occlusal surface of a molar or premolar has erupted completely through the gums, a sealant can be placed. Children’s molars and premolars can continue to come in up to age thirteen and need to be protected. The wisdom teeth, or third molars, do not usually have sealants applied as they come in much later and are frequently removed.
Adults who are at risk for decay can opt to have sealants placed. It is not as common in adults but is a safe preventative treatment. Sealants are usually clear or white so they should not pose an aesthetic problem for adults.
How are Sealants Placed and How Long Do They Last?
Once your hygienist completes your routine cleaning, the tooth that is to be treated with a sealant is rinsed and dried. An etching solution is applied to the occlusal surface of the tooth which creates a rough surface for the sealant to adhere to. The tooth is dried and a liquid sealant is applied to the freshly etched surface. This liquid is then cured with an ultraviolet light, creating the desired plastic coating ready for chewing!
None of the procedure causes any discomfort so no anesthetic is administered. Sealants can last for many years and if one should come out or need replacing, your hygienist is able to provide that re-treatment.
Good home care is crucial in ensuring the integrity of your new sealants. They do wear away but should last for a few years. Make sure you maintain a routine schedule with your dental provider so they can be checked periodically. Using fluoride products is just one more layer of protection and we all know prevention is less costly than treatment so take the time to manage your oral health now so it will be there for you later!
More on Dental Sealants : Dental Sealants for Adults