The Science of Dental Sealants: How They Work to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Dental sealants serve as an effective way to prevent cavities from developing, especially in those hard-to-reach spots on the molars. Once these thin coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, they can help prevent up to 80 percent of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50 percent for up to four years. To understand the benefits of dental sealants, it’s essential to learn the science behind them. Find out how sealants work to help keep your teeth healthy.
Dental Sealants: What are They and How Do They Work?
A dental sealant is a liquid protective coating applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, including the molars and premolars. After using the sealant, your Clermont dentist will cure and harden the material with a special light. This process creates a barrier between the tooth surface and cavity-causing bacteria. Sealants are among the safest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of cavities, especially in young children.
Sealants are a standard part of a routine preventive dental treatment plan. While they are often placed on children’s teeth, they can be used on adult teeth to protect them from decay. The liquid sealant material helps fill in the deep grooves on the molars and premolars, which can collect food and debris. With sealants, food, and bacteria can’t enter these small pits and grooves, significantly reducing the risk of cavities.
Dental sealants are made of several materials. These materials include medical-grade glass ionomers, which are water-soluble acids combined with glass powder and resins, either plant-based or synthetic. While sealant material is highly durable, it has an average lifespan of about five years, at which time it will need to be replaced.
How are Dental Sealants Applied to Teeth?
Applying dental sealants is a quick and straightforward process that takes just a few minutes. No local anesthesia is required as it is a painless process. Your dentist in Clermont will:
1. Perform a thorough teeth cleaning.
2. Dry the areas that will receive sealants with cotton gauze.
3. Paint an acid etching solution on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to slightly roughen them up to achieve a stronger bond between the tooth and sealant material.
4. Rinse the teeth and dry them again.
5. Paint the sealants onto the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars.
6. Shine a special curing light onto the sealant material to cure and harden it.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Applying Sealants?
Applying dental sealants to your back teeth has pros and cons, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
Although good oral hygiene removes most of the food, plaque, and debris from your teeth, reaching the tiny pits and grooves of the back teeth can be challenging. Dental sealants help prevent cavities from forming by creating a shield that stops bacteria from harming these teeth. There is essentially no recovery time after getting sealants, and you can resume eating and drinking typically soon after your appointment.
There are very few drawbacks to applying sealants. As they have a relatively short lifespan, you’ll need to replace them every few years to maintain complete protection. It’s also essential to ensure they are correctly placed, as improper placement can seal in bacteria and contribute to tooth decay. Finally, you can’t have sealants placed on teeth with existing dental fillings or cavities.
Ask Hancock Village Dental About Dental Sealants
Hancock Village Dental offers dental sealants as a significant cavity preventative. Our dentist in Clermont, FL, offers specialized care tailored to your child’s oral health needs.
Our comprehensive pediatric dentistry services include:
- Routine check-ups.
- Education on oral hygiene practices.
- Preventative solutions like sealants and fluoride treatments.
To learn more about our dental services or to schedule an appointment with our friendly dental staff, contact Hancock Village Dental at 352.989.5815.
