March 10, 2022
Dental sealants are a non-invasive preventive treatment and do not take long for a dentist to apply. Comprehending the dental sealant procedure can help you feel more confident and comfortable about the process. This guide presents an overview of what you can anticipate during your dental sealants treatment.
Procedure for Dental Sealant Application
The dental sealant application is an easy and painless procedure that needs just a few minutes for each tooth. Sealant procedure for a set of molars can be concluded in a single dental visit. Our West Jordan dentist wants you to know everything about dental sealants & what steps they follow for applying the sealant to an affected tooth:
- The tooth that will get the sealant, is first entirely cleaned and dried. The cleaning may be done using a prophylactic paste if the dentist feels the requirement of it.
- If there is any indication of even a small tooth decay on the chewing surface of your molars, it is extracted, washed, and dried.
- Now, comes the etching process performed on the dried tooth. It is an acidic gel placed for a few seconds on the crevices of the chewing surface of the tooth, then rinsed off with water and dried. The acid etchant roughens the tooth surface and creates tiny areas that allow the sealant to bind better to the tooth.
- Once the tooth is clean and dry again, your dentist will paint the sealant on the crevices and tracks of the tooth and solidify it with a curing light.
How Sealants Benefit Children?
Sealants reduce tooth decay by 90 percent in the first year and 60 percent after four years. They are generally applied as a preventative measure against cavities when a child’s permanent teeth erupt. In some cases, sealants can be used on baby teeth with deep tracks and cavities. Baby teeth secure space for permanent teeth, thus they need to be kept healthy, so they don’t fall out too early or have to be removed. Children’s teeth are more prone to decay because they grow new teeth. It takes three years for the protective layer of enamel to develop.
Young children usually find brushing and flossing difficult tasks to master, and this poses an additional risk of cavities. Besides providing a shield against bacteria, sealants make it simpler for children to clean their teeth effectively.
Kids should get sealants as soon as their adult molars emerge through the gums – before bacteria can attack the teeth. The first adult molars are called six-year molars because they erupt from the ages of five to seven. The second adult molars – 12-year molars –grow around age 11 to 14.
How Do You Take Care of Dental Sealants?
- Floss and brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes.
- Floss or brush your teeth after having acidic and sugary foods and drinks.
- Schedule routine dental visits to your dentist for professional cleaning.
- Limit the amount of acid and sugary foods.
- Eat more nutritious and stay hydrated.
- Contact your nearest dentist for dental sealant if it cracks or is damaged.
- Seek dental care as soon as possible for any dental issue
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants have a long lifespan & can last up to 10 years with proper care. The material used to make them can resist everyday chewing pressure. Yet, for it to last that long you will have to schedule regular visits to your pediatric dentist for check-ups.
Consult A Pediatric Dentist For Sealants
If maintaining a dental sealant can last up to 10 years, you still have to visit your dentist for an oral exam to keep your oral health & dental work in check. If you want to know more about dental sealants, you should see an experienced dentist near you.