Dental Sealant Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Dental Sealant
Cavities can develop when the grooves and pits in your teeth trap food and bacteria, even with regular brushing and flossing. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance, including the application of dental sealants to protect your teeth and maintain your oral health.
Understanding Dental Sealant
What is Dental Sealant?
Dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material bonds into the grooves and pits of the teeth, creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that shields the enamel from plaque and food particles. This preventive treatment is especially beneficial for children and teenagers, as it helps protect their teeth during the cavity-prone years.
Where is it used?
Dental sealants are primarily used on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves and pits that are more susceptible to trapping food particles and bacteria, making them more prone to cavities. By applying sealants to these surfaces, dentists can provide an extra layer of protection against decay. Sealants are especially recommended for children and teenagers, but adults can also benefit from them if their molars are free of decay and fillings.
What are the benefits of Dental Sealant?
The benefits of dental sealants include:
Prevents Cavities: Sealants provide a protective barrier against bacteria and food particles, reducing the risk of tooth decay in the molars and premolars.
Cost-Effective: Applying sealants is a simple and affordable preventive measure that can help avoid more expensive dental treatments in the future.
Quick and Painless: The application process is fast, non-invasive, and pain-free, making it suitable for children and adults.
Long-Lasting Protection: Sealants can last several years with proper oral hygiene, offering long-term protection for the teeth.
Easy Maintenance: Sealants create a smoother tooth surface, making it easier to clean and maintain good oral hygiene.
Enhances Oral Health: By preventing cavities, sealants help maintain overall oral health and reduce the likelihood of dental issues and complications.
Safe and Effective: Dental sealants are made from safe materials and have been proven effective in preventing tooth decay in both children and adults.
What happens during the procedure?
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment and do not typically involve surgery. They are applied as part of routine dental care and are especially recommended for children and teenagers to protect their molars and premolars from cavities.
The procedure for applying dental sealants involves the following steps:
- Cleaning the Tooth: The dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth to remove any plaque and debris.
- Preparing the Tooth: An acidic gel is applied to the chewing surface to roughen it up, helping the sealant bond to the tooth.
- Applying the Sealant: The tooth is rinsed and dried, and then the liquid sealant material is painted onto the tooth’s chewing surface.
- Curing: A special curing light is used to harden the sealant, forming a protective shield.
While dental sealants themselves are not associated with surgery, they can play a role in preventive care following certain dental procedures or surgeries. For instance, after a tooth extraction, root canal, or other dental surgeries, maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting vulnerable teeth with sealants can be beneficial to overall dental health.
What are the risks involved?
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in dental sealants.
Sealant Failure: Sealants can wear down or become dislodged over time, which might reduce their effectiveness in preventing cavities.
Tooth Decay Under Sealant: If a sealant is not properly applied, decay can develop underneath it, which may go unnoticed until it becomes more serious.
Temporary Tooth Sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity in the teeth after the sealant application.
BPA Exposure: Some sealants contain bisphenol A (BPA), but the amount of BPA exposure from dental sealants is extremely low and considered safe. However, it may still be a concern for some patients.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Sealant
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers, as their newly erupted permanent teeth are most at risk for cavities. However, adults without cavities or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.
Dental sealants are typically clear, white, or slightly tinted to match the natural tooth color, making them minimally visible.
Dental sealants can last several years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. They should be checked regularly by a dentist to ensure they are still intact.
Yes, adults can get dental sealants if their molars are free of cavities and fillings. Sealants can help protect against decay in adults just as they do in children.
No, applying dental sealants is a painless procedure. It does not involve drilling or removing any tooth structure, making it comfortable for patients.
Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing cavities. They provide a protective barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves and pits of the teeth, significantly reducing the risk of decay.