Dental Sealants: Purpose, Procedure and How Long They Last?
Getting dental sealants placed on your teeth is a quick and painless way to protect them from decay. With just a simple procedure, the dentist can seal up the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, guarding them against bacteria and acids that wear away enamel and cause cavities.
What is the Purpose of Dental Sealants?
The purpose of dental sealants is to act as a protective shield over the pits and grooves of your molars. These indentations on the top of the teeth are hard to reach areas that are prone to plaque buildup. Plaque harbors bacteria that produce acids that decay tooth enamel. Sealants form a smooth barrier that keeps food particles and bacteria out, preventing decay from taking hold.
Sealants are commonly placed on permanent molars that have erupted in children ages 6 to 14 when cavities are most likely to develop. Getting them early helps safeguard the teeth through a child’s cavity-prone years. However, adults can benefit from sealants too. Anyone with pits and grooves that are difficult to keep clean can get protection from sealants.
The Procedure for Placing Dental Sealants
Getting dental sealants placed is a quick and easy office procedure. Your dentist will follow these simple steps:
Cleaning the Teeth: The teeth are brushed and flossed to remove any food debris or plaque. They are then rinsed with water to ensure the surface is clean.
Isolation from Moisture :Cotton rolls or other devices are used to keep the area free of saliva. Your dentist may even use a rubber dam.
Etching With Acid: Your dentist will use a gel containing a mild acid to roughen the chewing surface of the teeth. This etching process helps the sealant bond securely to the enamel.
Rinsing and Drying: After a few seconds, the acid is rinsed off with water. The tooth is then dried completely.
Application of Sealant: Your dentist uses a small brush to paint the liquid sealant evenly over the pits and grooves. It seeps down to fill in crevices and cover the entire chewing surface.
Curing With Light: A special light is used to cure and harden the sealant into a protective shield.
The full procedure usually takes only 20-30 minutes for multiple teeth. You can return home and use the sealed teeth right away.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
With proper placement and good oral care, dental sealants can last 5-10 years. However, regular dental checkups are key. Your dentist in Pleasant Hill will inspect the sealants and reapply them if necessary. With continued maintenance, sealants may even last as long as 20 years.
Sealants only last if they remain fully intact. Chewing on hard or sticky foods can cause fracturing or loss of the sealant. Poor brushing of the area can also reduce longevity. That’s why regular dental visits are important for monitoring sealants. Your dentist can spot issues right away and repair or replace sealants as needed.
Protect Your Teeth with Preventive Dental Sealants
Getting dental sealants near you is a smart, proactive way to defend your teeth against decay. The simple procedure seals those vulnerable pits and grooves where acids attack. Maintaining your protective sealants with regular dental care ensures long-lasting prevention. Guard your smile and skip the drilling and filling by getting dental sealants from your dentist today!
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