Despite regular and proper brushing,
food particles accumulate in the pit of molars and premolars because of their
uneven surface. It forms plaque over time, causing tooth decay. The tooth pit
is filled using a liquid sealant that hardens to form a protective layer on the
surface of a tooth, helping in eliminating the formation of a cavity.
Dental sealants are plastic materials
used to cover the surface of molars and premolars for protecting them against
bacteria and acid, that is, to prevent tooth decay.
Types
of Sealants
There are two types of sealants,
depending on their composition:
·
Unfilled Sealants – It
is made by mostly using resins and fillers.
·
Filled Sealants – It is
made by resins, fillers, and chemicals.
Who can use
Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant can be used for both
children and adults. Once a child has permanent premolars and molars, dental
sealants may be used to protect the teeth from decaying at earliest.
Side-effects
of Dental Sealants
There are no side effects of using
dental sealants, and there are rare chances of a person developing allergic
reactions. This will depend on the overall health of a patient, and one should
consult the doctor for such possibilities.
Duration
of Sealants to Last
Sealants, when exposed to rigorous
brushing, flossing, and grinding, tend to wear out over time. In such a
condition, they last for 6-8 years. One can increase their durability by
following a proper care routine.
Procedure
for Applying Dental Sealants
A series of activities are followed while
applying sealants that may take 15-45 minutes, depending on the number of teeth
to be treated with a sealant. The procedure followed include these activities:
- Initially, the tooth is cleaned by the dentist.
- Gauze is then placed over the tooth to keep it dry.
- The surface of the tooth is then roughened using an acidic solution so that the sealant sticks well to the surface.
- The tooth is rinsed and dried.
- Finally, the sealant is applied and giving it time to dry.
Taking
care of Sealants
After dental sealants are applied, one
needs to follow the usual oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and
flossing.
Dental sealants are
safe and reliable for protecting the tooth against decaying among children and
adults as well. These can't be applied on a decaying tooth, and not everyone
can be benefited from this technique to protect teeth against decay. The best dentist in Bangalore suggests dental sealants according to the
requirements and condition of a person. Once through the procedure, do visit
your dentist twice a year for regular cleaning and check-ups.
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