How to Apply Dental Sealants?

Permanent teeth can serve you throughout your life, however, this requires both careful oral health care and regular visits to the dentist. However, you may also need additional treatment that will protect your teeth, and therefore their long life. One of the methods of such treatment is dental sealants, which are often applied to children when they are highly likely to develop caries.

What is a dental sealant?

Dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is applied to the masticatory surface of the teeth, mainly small and large molars. Dental sealants are usually white or transparent, and they are not noticeable, for example during a conversation.

What is the purpose of using dental sealants?

Dentists and dental hygienists usually recommend the application of sealants in order to protect the teeth from the effects of bacteria, which contributes to the development of caries. Most often, the sealant is applied shortly after eruption of the chewing surface of the tooth, i.e., aged six to twelve years. However, sealants can be applied to older children, and even adults, if their teeth have a furrowed surface or if there are signs of inevitable caries. The dentist can advise when is the best time to perform this procedure.

The procedure for placing dental sealants

The application of dental sealants is usually painless and does not require pain relief. First, the dentist or hygienist cleans the surface of the tooth which is to be treated. Then the dentist isolates the tooth so that saliva does not get on its surface. The tooth surface is dried, after which the dental hygienist treats enamel areas covered with grooves and pits with acid, rinses and re-dries the tooth. At this stage, the tooth enamel becomes outwardly similar to chalk. The dental hygienist applies dental sealant to the tooth surface, following the manufacturer’s instructions. When using a dental sealant that hardens under the influence of light radiation, it is aged for 30 seconds under the visible light flux. After completion of the procedure, the dentist and dental hygienist check the quality of the coating and its position when closing the jaws.

This article is intended to enhance knowledge and understanding of the general issues of oral hygiene. The article does not replace professional medical advice of a specialist, cannot be used to make a decision on the diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of a dentist or other qualified professional on all questions regarding your health status and the treatment you are considering.