Your smile is a visual presentation of your oral health. 

Sadly, we risk our smile and oral health 80% of the time. Cavities happen when you fail to care for your teeth, resulting in recurring pain and discomfort. 

But thanks to dental sealants, you now have a way to win back your smile and oral health in the long run. 

In this blog, we take a closer look at:

• What Are Tooth Sealants?
• Dental Sealant Procedure: A Peek Behind The Scenes
• Do I Need Dental Sealents?
• Do Sealents Last Forever? 

Introduction:

No matter how thorough you are with your oral hygiene, there’s always room for cavities.

There’s no fun in not following regular oral hygiene in hopes you won’t be affected by cavities. 

Thanks to tooth sealants, you can maintain your flawless smile. Dental sealants are a great way to preserve oral health. Sadly, many individuals remain confused about whether they need these oral measures. 

Keeping the same in mind, we’ve listed different aspects of dental sealants in the following sections. Let’s get started!

What Are Tooth Sealants?

Sealants are a dental procedure designed to stop decay or cavities in your mouth. They are thin coatings applied to your teeth’ chewing surface (molars and premolars). This dental coating is a protective layer to prevent food particles and bacteria from accumulating in your teeth. 

While opting for the appliance, most individuals have a common question: What are dental sealants made of?

Here’s an overview of the different kinds of sealants you should know of:

• Composite Resin:

  Composite resins are great dental sealants that blend in with your teeth and are barely noticeable. It is strong, does not break easily, and has great retention and endurance against tooth decay.

• Glass Ionomer:

  Next, we have glass ionomer, an acid-based sealant that protects the teeth from cavities and infection. This oral sealant shields your teeth from tooth-damaging acids.

Dental Sealant Procedure: A Peek Behind The Scenes

Dental sealants are a non-invasive preventative procedure that dentists administer quickly. Understanding the dental sealant method might make you feel more confident and at ease during the operation.

So here’s an overview of the different steps followed for sealant on teeth to prevent cavities. Most dentists follow a similar process for dental sealants, which they divide into five stages, namely:

Stage 1: Clean And Dry The Teeth

Once the treatment is finished, this helps prevent problems and improves the efficiency of the sealants. Your dentist wraps cotton (or similar absorbent material) around each tooth to dry it after cleaning.

This helps to prevent problems once the treatment is finished and improves the efficiency of the sealants. Once cleaned, each tooth is dried by wrapping cotton (or similar absorbent material) around it.

Step 2: Apply An Acidic Solution

Applying an acidic solution is the next stage in the dental sealant procedure. This process aids in bonding the sealant covering to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. 

The solution does not cause any pain when applied or affect the dental enamel. The tooth remains natural until the sealant substance fades away, usually occurring between five and ten years after application.

Step 3: Rinse And Dry The Teeth

The third stage for applying sealant on teeth is generally behind with a rinse and dry of the teeth. After using the acidic solution, the tooth is rinsed off thoroughly and dried to ensure it’s clean and ready to apply the dental sealant. 

The process is short and requires less than a few minutes to apply. Once the teeth are dry again, your dentist will apply the sealant. 

Step 4: Paint The Sealant Over The Enamel

After adequately cleaning, drying, and roughening the tooth with the acidic solution, the sealant is painted over the enamel. This thin coating adds a layer of protection over the enamel without interfering with the look of the teeth in any manner. 

Step 5: Harden The Dental Sealant With A Curing Light

A curing light treatment generally follows the final dental sealant step. In this stage, your dentist will use a curing light to solidify the dental sealants. 

This ensures a firm and long-lasting grip and lowers the possibility of oral difficulties that force the dentist to re-apply the sealant substance. 

Do I Need Dental Sealents?

Seals for teeth are a common means of preventive oral care. They are a great preventative measure to avoid: 

• More invasive and costly procedures such as crowns and filling.
• To prevent the formation of oral plaque.
• Preventing periodontal disease like pulp infection that results in severe pain. 
• Removal of essential minerals from your teeth.

Dental sealants are also an excellent option for adults with permanent teeth. Besides, children with milk teeth can also opt for sealants to protect the primary teeth and keep them in optimal health. 

Do Sealents Last Forever?

No, sealants generally last for over ten years. Users must care for their sealants and check them for wear or chips. 

Here are some takeaway tips to maintain your sealants in the long term: 

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
• Flossing at least once a day because the gaps between teeth can store food particles.
• Consuming an abundance of fruits and veggies
• To avoid fractures in the sealant, avoid hard sweets and eating ice.
• Avoiding sticky foods that can pull the sealant out.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth.
• Attend frequent dental cleanings.

Remember, effective maintenance of your sealants is a great way to ensure longevity. Visit your sealant dentist if you ever feel your sealants are coming off. 

Takeaway

• We risk our smile and oral health 80% of the time.
• Dental sealants are a non-invasive preventative procedure that dentists may administer quickly.
• Sealants generally last for over ten years. 
• No matter how thorough you are with your oral hygiene, there’s always room for cavities.