Dental sealants are thin coatings of liquid resin that are applied to teeth. As the name suggests, sealants help seal out plaque and debris, protecting teeth from decay. Sealants are routinely recommended for children ages 6 to 14, and adults who do not have any fillings are also candidates for sealants. Ideally, children should have sealants placed as soon as their permanent molars and premolars are in place. For children at an especially high risk of tooth decay, sealants may be appropriate for baby teeth. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars, areas which can be especially prone to decay and acid erosion. Sealants can only be applied to teeth that do not have active decay, fillings, or other restorative work.
The Procedure
Dental sealants can be applied by both dental hygienists and dentists. The entire process is painless, and no need needles to be used. Before applying the sealants, a dentist will examine the teeth to ensure that they are free from decay and able to be effectively sealed. Next, the patient's teeth are professionally cleaned to ensure that all plaque and other debris is removed. The first step in the sealant procedure is to dry the teeth that are to be sealed. This is done with the use of a dental tool that sprays small amounts of air. Next, cotton pads are placed around the teeth to keep them dry. A special acidic solution is painted onto the teeth. Known as etching, this process makes the teeth rough so that the sealant material will adhere to them. The acid is rinsed off, and the teeth are dried again. Then, the sealant itself is brushed onto the teeth. After a few seconds, it hardens and is successfully in place. To ensure that the sealants are as hard as possible, a curing light is sometimes shined onto the sealants as they dry. Patients can eat and drink normally immediately after the sealants are finished.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants generally last up to 10 years, and they should be checked at each dental visit to make sure that they are still properly functioning and free of cracks. To help sealants last as long as possible, patients should consider limiting certain foods in their diet. For example, chewing ice and hard candies may chip the sealants, and consuming chewy candies can also place pressure on the sealants. If sealants crack or chip, bacteria that causes decay may enter and become trapped underneath the remaining sealant. Since the area is sealed, normal brushing will not be enough to remove the bacteria, and this can result in the need for fillings or more extensive tooth restorations. If you believe that a sealant may have cracked or have any other concerns, we can examine your dental sealants at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in South Ottawa and reapply them if clinically appropriate.
Advantages of Dental Sealants
In addition to reducing the risk of tooth decay, dental sealants can also help people who experience enamel erosion, a condition which can occur when teeth are exposed to high amounts of acidic foods and drinks. Enamel erosion can cause tooth discolouration and increase the risk of decay. Sealants protect the back teeth from this risk. Sealants also help provide added protection against decay for patients who have particularly deep grooves and pits in their molars and premolars. Patients who struggle to brush and floss adequately and those who consume high sugar diets also have reduced risk of decay with sealants. Studies have shown that patients who have sealants can reduce their overall risk of decay by as much as 50 percent compared to those who do not have sealants.
Sealants are an extra layer of protection that will help keep your oral health in its best condition. At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in South Ottawa, we are highly experienced in placing dental sealants for both children and adults. Contact us today if you are interested in having dental sealants in Ottawa for yourself or a family member, our friendly dental team can answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
