 |
| dental sealants |
Dental sealants are one of the main solutions to prevent the appearance of cavities in children. Cavities are among the most prevalent oral conditions. However, many do not know that 80% of cavities usually occur in the back teeth.
The reason is that
these are the first permanent teeth to emerge and with which children do most
of the chewing. Furthermore, due to their location in the mouth, these teeth
are not always accessible for brushing.
Dental sealants are,
therefore, a suitable preventative treatment for any child. In this article, we
will tell you at what ages it is necessary to use them, how they are applied
and how long they last in the mouth.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a
preventive technique that involves applying a thin film of resin to the chewing
surface of the back teeth. That is, in the molars and premolars.
Sealant for teeth aims to prevent
cavities. They are usually applied especially in children since they are more
at risk of suffering from this disease once their permanent molars have
erupted. These teeth appear between 6 and 12, so sealants should be used.
Sealants are
especially indicated for children with several cavities in their primary teeth
due to a genetic predisposition or inadequate oral hygiene.
Although less common,
sealants can also be used in adults at high risk for cavities.
What are dental sealants used for?
Dental sealants are
used on the back teeth (molars and premolars) because they have the most favorable
anatomy for the development of cavities. This is because an irregular surface
characterizes them with deeper cracks and grooves.
These characteristics
make it easier for food debris and bacteria to accumulate. And in addition,
they remain longer between the grooves since the brush does not reach all areas
well.
So that all this does
not happen, the coating provided by dental sealants is applied. Said film
adheres to the teeth and covers the grooves to prevent the accumulation of
bacterial plaque. Therefore, sealants are a physical barrier against caries.
Types of dental sealants
Different types of
sealants can be classified based on their material, the type of polymerization
they need, or their composition (whether they include fluorine or not).
- Material: sealants can be made
of composite resins (composite) or glass ionomer.
- Type of polymerization: dental
sealants can be classified as self-curing (they polymerize by themselves)
or light-curing. The latter needs a light lamp to polymerize, that is, to
dry.
- Fluoride composition: there are
some types of dental sealants that, in addition to sealing, contain
fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more
resistant to decay.
How are dental sealants applied?
Sealants are usually
applied by pediatric dentists (dentists specializing in children). Its
application is relatively simple and painless since it does not require
damaging the tooth structure. Therefore, it is not necessary to use any type of
anesthesia either.
To apply dental
sealants, a series of steps are followed:
- Tooth cleaning: First, the tooth to be sealed
is thoroughly cleaned using a cleaning agent. Since the coating is applied
to the chewing surface, cleaning has a particular impact on this area.
- Conditioning Gel: An acidic conditioning gel is
then applied to the tooth's upper surface. After a few seconds, said gel
roughens the tooth surface.
- Rinsing and drying: a second cleaning and drying
of the tooth is carried out.
- Sealant application: the sealant is spread with a
brush in the tooth's grooves.
- Final Cure – Finally, the sealant dries
and hardens. A curing light is usually used for about 20-30 seconds. This
lamp dries and hardens the coating using a special light. Once all this is
done, the sealant becomes a layer of hard varnish but very thin, which
allows the chewing process to develop normally.
How long do dental sealants last?
Generally, dental
sealants are designed to withstand normal chewing forces, so they usually last
between 5 and 10 years.
However, it is
necessary to visit the dentist (every six or twelve months) to review the state
of the sealant and determine if it is necessary to replace it in case it has
deteriorated.
As you have been able
to read, treating dental sealants is relatively simple and suitable for any
child. And is that, to avoid cavities, it is essential to teach children the
importance of brushing their teeth after each meal. Sealants will be effective
in preventing cavities as long as they are combined with good dental hygiene
and regular visits to the dentist in Arlington VA.
