Dental Sealants

Do you know what causes tooth decay?

If you said sugar, you would be correct!

More accurately, the answer is sugar and bacteria. Food often gets stuck in your teeth and when bacteria in your mouth come into contact with food (especially sugary and starchy foods) the bacteria form a harmful acid that causes tooth decay (a cavity). Fillings are the only option once a tooth becomes decayed.

Fortunately, the incidence of cavities can be reduced by having dental sealants placed on teeth that are susceptible to decay. The sealants “seal” your teeth and protect them from the decay-causing acid. It is best for children to get sealants as soon as a permanent tooth comes in, but dental sealants can also be advantageous for teens or young adults who are prone to getting cavities.

About Dental Sealants

Dental sealants have been used since the 1960s. A sealant is a plastic coating that is applied onto the surface of the tooth to smooth out the grooves and pits on the biting surfaces of teeth. This prevents food from getting stuck in those grooves and pits and in turn reduces the possibility of tooth decay.

The two types of sealants that exist are the resin based and glass ionomer sealants. While the resin-based sealants are commonly used and are longer lasting than the ionomer sealants, there are no differences in effectiveness between the two.

The Procedure

The sealant application is painless. Here’s how it works:

1. The tooth will be cleaned thoroughly to remove any food or bacteria that could be in the pits and grooves.
2. The tooth is dried and a piece of cotton is put around your tooth to absorb any moisture.
3. A solution might be applied on the tooth to make the surface rougher as sealants stick to rough surfaces.
4. Finally, the sealant material is applied onto the tooth enamel in a liquid form that hardens within a few seconds.

The Benefits

The most recognizable benefit of sealants is that they reduce the chance of tooth decay by sealing the teeth from harmful bacteria that can cause cavities. Using sealants to prevent tooth decay is a sound investment since dental sealants cost significantly less than fillings, or even more extensive future treatment that might be required if teeth become decayed. Some insurance programs cover the cost of sealants.

Ask Your Dentist

With time, sealants undergo normal wear and tear. Therefore they might need to be touched up every few years. During your check- up appointments, your dentist will check the condition of your sealants and let you know if they require touch ups or not.