Are Sealant Worth The Hype: Exploring The Top Perks

Dental practice in Livermore, CA, helps patients, especially children, prevent the onset or progression of tooth decay since it is the most prevailing oral problem. The team of dental specialists offers a comprehensive preventive approach through dental sealants.

Read on to explore dental sealants, their uses, benefits, and the procedure for applying them.

A comprehensive guide to dental sealants

Sealants are defined as thin, transparent varnish that is applied on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth, namely the premolars and the molars. The sealants are in a liquid form, which, when applied, can effectively settle into the deep pits and grooves of the teeth, sealing them completely. This prevents plaque and bacterial adhesion by forming protective coatings that shield your teeth from harmful disease-causing bacteria.

Some surprising benefits of dental sealants

Dental sealants are popular among pediatric patients since they provide the following versatile benefits.

• They are easy to apply 
• Sealant application is less time-consuming
• The sealant application does not require any tooth preparation, thus preserving the natural tooth structure
• A dental sealant is an affordable material
• The sealant is easy to maintain
• A sealant significantly reduces deep grooves
• Applying a sealant is a painless procedure
• Sealants are long-lasting

The procedure involved 

The steps involved in the application of dental sealants include:

Tooth isolation

• This involves moisture control, which is a crucial aspect of sealant application.
• Inadequate isolation leads to compromise in sealant retention.
• A rubber dam, cotton rolls, suction, and evacuation tips are used.

Acid etching 

• 37% orthophosphoric acid is used in the form of a gel.
• The gel is applied and cured with a suitable curing light for 15 for permanent molars and 15 to 30 seconds for primary/deciduous molars. 
• The tooth surface is then rinsed with water and air-dried to achieve a frosty, opaque appearance.

Sealant placement and curing 

• Sealant is applied using a dispenser and allowed to flow into the pits and fissures.

Dental sealants are an extremely simple and affordable preventive care procedure that you should invest in so that you can protect your teeth. While anyone can benefit from sealants, it is most beneficial to young children.