Sealants

Did you know that tooth decay ranks as the second most prevalent disease globally, right after the common cold? Shockingly, 60-90% of children and almost all adults have encountered tooth decay. This highlights the importance of taking preventive measures to safeguard your teeth, such as opting for dental sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

A sealant is a thin layer of plastic coating that is carefully applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, as well as the deep grooves, known as pits and fissures, on these teeth. These grooves are where more than 75% of dental decay typically begins. Because these areas can be difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing, teeth with deep grooves are highly susceptible to decay.

The purpose of a sealant is to safeguard the tooth by effectively sealing these deep grooves, thus creating a smooth and easily cleanable surface. By doing so, it provides a protective barrier against the bacteria and acids that lead to cavities.

While sealants are durable and can protect teeth from decay for many years, it's important to have them regularly checked during dental visits. This ensures that any wear or chipping of the sealant can be addressed promptly, maintaining its effectiveness in guarding against tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups help to ensure that the sealant remains intact and continues to provide optimal protection for the teeth.

Sealants for Different Age Groups

Children and Teenagers: It is highly recommended to apply sealants as soon as the six-year molars, which are the first permanent back teeth, emerge. These molars typically come in around the ages of 6 to 7. Additionally, sealants are beneficial during the cavity-prone years of 6 to 16 years old. This age range encompasses a period when children are especially vulnerable to tooth decay due to dietary habits, difficulty with thorough brushing, and the natural anatomy of their developing teeth. Applying sealants during this time helps to protect these newly erupted permanent teeth during their crucial early years.

Adults: Sealants are not only beneficial for children and teenagers but also for adults. Even if an adult has never had a cavity, they may still benefit from sealants if their teeth have deep grooves or depressions. These grooves can be difficult to clean effectively with regular brushing, making them prime locations for bacteria and food particles to accumulate. Sealants provide an extra layer of protection against decay in these vulnerable areas, helping adults maintain optimal oral health.

Baby Teeth: While less common, sealants can also be applied to baby teeth in certain situations. If a child's baby teeth have particularly deep grooves or depressions and the child is prone to cavities, a dentist may recommend sealants. Protecting these baby teeth is important not only for maintaining proper chewing function but also for ensuring that the permanent teeth underneath develop properly without being affected by decay or premature loss of the baby teeth.

The Sealant Application Process at Gen Z Dentistry

Cleaning: The teeth selected for sealant application undergo a thorough cleaning process. This cleaning is performed by the dentist or dental hygienist to ensure that the tooth surfaces are completely free from any debris, plaque, or bacteria. Cleaning is crucial as it prepares the tooth surface for the subsequent steps of the sealant application process.

Isolation: Once the teeth are cleaned, they are isolated and surrounded with cotton rolls or other materials to maintain a dry environment. This isolation is essential because moisture can interfere with the bonding process of the sealant. By keeping the teeth dry, it ensures that the sealant material will adhere effectively to the enamel surface.

Etching: After isolation, a special solution, typically a mild acid, is applied to the enamel surface of the teeth. This solution is called an etchant. The purpose of the etchant is to create a slightly roughened texture on the tooth surface. This rough surface allows the sealant material to form a strong bond with the enamel. The etching process is relatively quick and painless.

Rinsing and Drying: Following the application of the etchant, the teeth are thoroughly rinsed with water. This step is crucial to remove any residual etchant from the tooth surface. After rinsing, the teeth are dried completely. Ensuring that the teeth are dry is vital for the sealant to adhere properly to the enamel without any interference from moisture.

Sealant Application: Once the tooth surface is clean, dry, and etched, the dentist or dental hygienist carefully applies the sealant material. The sealant is typically a clear or tooth-colored liquid that is painted onto the enamel surface of the teeth. The material flows into the deep grooves and depressions (pits and fissures) of the teeth, creating a protective barrier. Our dentist ensures that all vulnerable areas that are susceptible to decay are thoroughly covered with the sealant.

Curing: After the sealant material is applied, it may harden on its own over time through a chemical process. Alternatively, some sealants require the use of a special curing light. The curing light emits a specific wavelength of light that activates the sealant material, causing it to harden and bond securely to the tooth surface. This curing process ensures that the sealant forms a strong and durable barrier against decay.

Avoiding dental issues before they start is not only more cost-effective but also far less uncomfortable than undergoing treatment later on. Dental sealants are a formidable tool in the battle against cavities, and they've become a cornerstone of our preventive dental care.

To determine whether you or your children could benefit from sealants, we highly encourage you to schedule an evaluation with us at Gen Z Dentistry today. By taking proactive measures now, you're not just safeguarding your oral health; you're also saving yourself both time and money down the road. We're proud to be your trusted dentist in Glendale, NY, and we can't wait to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!