About Dental sealants

 Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that seal over the narrow grooves found on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars).

When placed perfectly on these deep pits, sealants can prevent a significant amount of tooth decay (cavities) by protecting sensitive tooth surfaces from acid that causes cavities.

 Sealants are not generally placed on baby teeth but on the tooth enamel of permanent teeth (“adult” teeth). 

 Dental sealants function much like sealing cracks in a driveway or on the sidewalk. The grooves in the chewing surfaces of back teeth are sealed so that food particles and bacteria will not settle within the fissures, causing cavities. 

 Dental sealants function much like sealing cracks in a driveway or on the sidewalk. The grooves in the chewing surfaces of back teeth are sealed so that food particles and bacteria will not settle within the fissures, causing cavities. 

1. First, the teeth are cleaned of plaque or food particles and then thoroughly examined for tooth decay.
2. Each tooth is dried and surrounded by absorbent material so it remains dry throughout the procedure.
3. The tooth is cleaned with a mild etchant (acid etch solution) to roughen the tooth surface and encourage bonding of the sealant material.
4. The etchant is rinsed and the teeth are dried again.
5. Depending on your material of choice, a thin layer of bonding agent may be used prior to the placement of the very viscous sealant material.
6. The sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth.
7. Finally, a curing light may be used to harden the dental sealant.

The teeth must be nicely isolated so no contaminants, such as saliva, affect the bond.

If a small cavity is detected, air abrasion or a dental laser or drill can be used to clean out the infection prior to any material placement.

 Technically, clear sealants can be used over small cavities to prevent major spread of the decay. 

However, it’s best to treat any existing decay (or take steps to reverse it, depending on the extent of the decay) before placing a dental sealant.

Depending on the techniques used, sealants can last from 3-10 years or more.