Sealants
Sealants are thin coatings that form protective covers over the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Regularly and thoroughly brushing and flossing teeth helps keep cavities away. A big challenge faced in keeping teeth clean is that it is difficult to reach every nook and cranny. This is especially true for the rugged upper surfaces of molars and premolars. The rough upper teeth surfaces are a popular place for leftover food to remain and for bacteria to hide.
Sealants, which are manufactured materials such as plastic that cover and protect the teeth to keep cavities and browning of teeth surfaces as a result of decay. For teeth that are already in the early stages of decay, they help prevent their progression into advanced tooth decay. They reduce the risk of molar decay by about 80% but are not substitutes for proper brushing and flossing. Studies also indicate the usefulness of sealants with the center for disease control reporting that school-age children having sealants have about three times less cavities than those without sealants.
Sealants act as raincoats for teeth by keeping the ‘rain’ of food particles out of the rugged surfaces of the teeth. By preventing food particles from getting stuck, cavity-causing bacteria lack room to accumulate and feed; effectively keeping them from producing the cavity-causing acids. The acid if produced doesn’t reach the tooth surface to cause cavities.
How they are placed
They can be placed on the teeth of both adults and children as early as 6 when the first molars appear on average. They are placed in a quick, painless procedure in which the teeth are first cleaned and dried. An acidic gel is then applied on the teeth to roughen up the prepared tooth surface so that a strong bond can be formed between the teeth and the sealants. This is followed by a few seconds’ wait after which the gel is rinsed off. The sealant is then applied on the dried tooth grooves. The sealant is hardened by shining a special blue light on it.
What you need to know
- Sealants can be applied over areas that are mildly decayed to keep further damage from occurring. However, it is critical that a dentist regularly checks the sealant to ensure that it is effective. Talk to your dentist about whether sealants are a viable option for you.
- Sealants have no known side effects though in some cases allergic reactions may occur.
- Note that sealants do not substitute regular flossing and brushing of teeth. Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth as recommended and set up regular dental visits to have you teeth professionally cleaned.
- Sealants can last for several years before they must be reapplied. Regular examination of the sealants is important to check its condition, determine whether a reapplication is necessary.
- Not all dental plans cover sealants so it’s important to contact your dental plan provider to determine whether your sealants will be covered.
- Sealant can in the long run save you time and money may otherwise be spent in efforts to restore severely decayed teeth.