All You Need to Know about Dental Sealants

Simply put, dental sealants are protective measures taken to protect your teeth from cavities. Dentists usually suggest these to teenagers or children who are more prone to develop cavities in their teeth. However, adults too can have dental sealants applied to their teeth for protection. Here are all the details you may need to know about dental sealants.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin and protective plastic coating that is placed on the chewing surface of the back teeth – the molar and premolar teeth. Dental sealants bonds with the teeth and keeps them protected from cavities.

Who should get dental sealants?

Practically, anybody can get a dental sealant. But usually, the teenagers and children, who are more prone to develop cavities, should get dental sealants. Adults too can get these to be safe from such teeth hazards. Dental sealants can also be applicable to baby teeth. Baby teeth are important later proper spacing of the permanent teeth later. So, dental sealants can ensure that the baby teeth are not damaged or do not fall off too early.

How long do dental sealants last?

Dental sealants usually last and protect your teeth up to 10 years. However, it is necessary to follow up with you dentists to check for any chipping or wearing at regular intervals. Your dentist can fix your dental sealant if necessary.

What is the process of getting sealants?

Getting dental sealants applied to your teeth is very simple and completely painless process. Your dentist can do this in minutes.

At first, the teeth are cleaned properly and then dried. Your dentist then applies an acid solution to roughen up the chewing surfaces so that the sealant bonds with the teeth quickly and strongly. After few seconds, your teeth will be cleaned and dried again. Then finally the sealant will be applied on the chewing surface of the teeth. The sealant will automatically bond and harden upon your teeth. Sometimes a special light is used to harden the sealant faster.

Brushing and flossing regularly are the best ways to keep your teeth protected from dental cavities. But it is not always easy to properly clean every corner of your teeth. And from these unclean corners cavities start to form. However, with dental sealants, every groove and corner of your teeth remains protected and you become free from worries for at least 10 years.