What are dental sealants? What are they used for?

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.