Dental Sealants.....................

Things to know about Dental Sealants

What are dental sealants?

The term "dental sealant" or " tooth sealant " refers to a plastic which a dentist bonds into the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth as a means of helping to prevent the formation of tooth decay ("cavities").

 

Why are dental sealants placed on teeth?

Tooth decay is caused by the white film that forms on a person's teeth, dentist's refer to this film as "plaque". The longer plaque remains on a tooth's surface the more likely it will be able to create a cavity. The idea behind brushing teeth is that the plaque that has accumulated on a tooth's surface is scrubbed off. Some teeth however, because of their anatomy, are harder to effectively clean than others.

Some back teeth, especially molars, are difficult for a person to clean because the grooves in the chewing part of the tooth (the tooth's "pits and fissures") are deep and narrow. Even though the person brushes they can not clean the plaque off adequately because the bristles of their toothbrush are literally too large to gain access into the bottom of the tooth's grooves. Because some plaque is not cleaned off a cavity can develop.

A dentist can combat this situation by bonding plastic (the dental sealant) into the grooves of a tooth. The net result is that the surface of the tooth is somewhat flatter and smoother. There are no longer any places on the chewing part of the tooth that the bristles of a toothbrush can't reach and clean. Since plaque can be removed more easily and effectively, there is much less chance that decay will start.

Another difficulty related to deep grooves in teeth is that sometimes the thickness of the enamel at the base of the groove is thinner than the enamel that encases other portions of the tooth. This means that not only can deep narrow grooves make it more likely a person's tooth will develop decay (because the tooth can't be cleaned effectively) but also that the cavity which does form has an easier time of penetrating the enamel layer because it is thinner.

 

 

How does a sealant help prevent decay?

 

A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

 

 

Is sealant application a complicated procedure?

 

Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then 'painted' onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.

 

 

Sealants are just for kids, right?

 

The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.

Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are twice-daily brushing with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners; eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly. Ask your dentist about whether sealants can put extra power behind your prevention program.