Dental Sealants: How They Protect Your Teeth and Enhance Your Smile

Looking for a simple way to protect your teeth and enhance your smile? Introducing dental sealants! Find out how these little wonders can be your superhero tool in the battle against tooth decay and cavities.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective layer applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, like molars and premolars. These teeth have hard-to-clean grooves where bacteria and food particles gather, leading to cavities. Serving as a shield, dental sealants seal these grooves, preventing bacteria from settling. Made of a safe, non-toxic plastic resin material, they’re tooth-coloured and nearly invisible. Offering lasting protection for several years, dental sealants ensure durable care for your teeth.

The benefits of dental sealants

Cavity Prevention: Dental sealants effectively prevent cavities by sealing off deep grooves and crevices in the back teeth, providing an additional layer of protection against tooth decay, particularly crucial for children with newly erupted permanent teeth.
Non-Invasive and Painless: A non-invasive and painless preventive measure, dental sealants require no drilling or removal of tooth structure during the quick and comfortable application process, making it an ideal option for individuals anxious about dental treatments.
Cost Savings: Investing in dental sealants can save money in the long run by preventing cavities and averting the need for expensive dental treatments such as fillings, root canals, or crowns.

Who can benefit from dental sealants?

Dental sealants benefit both kids and adults, especially focusing on young ones. Since children’s new permanent teeth are more prone to cavities, applying sealants to their back teeth adds an extra layer of protection during this important tooth development stage. Adults also benefit, especially when their molars and premolars have tricky grooves and fissures that are hard to clean effectively. Acting like a barrier, dental sealants stop bacteria and food bits from getting stuck in these tough-to-reach spots. It’s essential to know that, while sealants provide extra protection against tooth decay, they don’t replace regular oral care habits like brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups.

The dental sealant application process

The application of dental sealants is a simple and painless procedure typically done during a regular dental visit. The process involves several steps:

Cleaning: Thorough cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and debris.

Isolation: Using cotton rolls or a rubber dam to keep the teeth dry during the procedure, preventing moisture interference with sealant bonding.

Acidic Gel Application: Application of an acidic gel to the tooth surface, creating a rough texture for improved bonding of the sealant material.

Gel Rinse and Drying: Rinsing off the gel and ensuring the tooth surface is dry for optimal bonding.

Sealant Application: Applying the dental sealant material to the tooth, ensuring it flows into deep grooves and crevices and is evenly spread for complete coverage.

Curing: Using a special curing light to quickly harden the sealant, making it durable and long-lasting, with each tooth’s curing process taking only a few seconds.

Evaluation: Checking the sealants for proper bonding and smooth edges, trimming any excess material if needed.

After the application, you can immediately resume normal activities, including eating and drinking, as the durable sealants can withstand regular chewing and biting forces.

Dental sealants for a healthy smile

In conclusion, dental sealants are crucial for preventing tooth decay and cavities by creating a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. This painless application benefits both kids and adults, serving as a preventive measure for dental anxiety. While sealants provide extra protection, they complement regular oral care practices like brushing and flossing. Regular dental check-ups are essential, and investing in dental sealants means investing in long-term dental health for a bright and cavity-free smile. Call A&B Dental Clinic at 604-877-0664 to determine if dental sealants are the right choice for you or your child, taking the first step toward a healthier smile.