TL;DR
- Molars have deep grooves that trap food and bacteria, making cavities common even with regular brushing.
- Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to chewing surfaces to seal grooves.
- Common types of sealants are resin, glass ionomer, compomer, self-adhesive and colored.
- Teeth are isolated, etched with acidic gel to create micro-pores and a bonding agent is applied for sealant adhesion.
- Sealant is applied and hardened with curing light, then the bite is checked and adjusted to prevent irritation.
- Sealants typically last 5-10 years, with possible touch-ups around 4-5 years, depending on oral habits.
- Maintain sealants with brushing, flossing, regular check-ups and avoiding hard or sugary foods.
How Sealants Help Keep Molars Healthy?
Even people who brush twice a day can develop decay, especially on the back teeth. The chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves that easily trap food and bacteria. A toothbrush cannot always reach into these narrow spaces. Over time, plaque settles in and acid begins to weaken the enamel.
Dental sealants help protect these vulnerable surfaces and are commonly recommended as part of general dentistry care. In this article, we will take a closer look at what they are and how they work.
What are Dental Sealants and How Do They Work?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Once it hardens, it seals off the deep grooves and pits where bacteria and food particles often accumulate. This creates a smooth surface that is much easier to clean during regular brushing.
Sealants are a preventive measure rather than a treatment. They work alongside daily oral care and fluoride use to lower the risk of cavities. Studies show that dental sealants can reduce the chance of decay in molars by up to 80 percent over two years, making them an effective step in protecting teeth before any damage begins.
Types of Dental Sealants
Here are the main types of dental sealants:
- Resin-Based Sealants: These are made of a nanohybrid composite. They are durable and have strong adhesion to the tooth surface. These sealants are usually tooth-colored to match the natural teeth, making them aesthetically pleasing. Resin-based sealants are the most commonly used type of dental sealant, but they require strict moisture control during application.
- Glass Ionomer Sealants: These sealants are made of glass and acrylic. They have the unique ability to release fluoride, a substance known for its ability to hinder the growth of bacteria and control tooth decay (cariostatic effect). They are commonly used in children and patients with special needs, where managing saliva and moisture during application can be challenging.
- Compomers Sealants: These tooth sealants, crafted from a blend of resin-based composite materials and glass ionomer, offer the best of both worlds. They provide strong adhesion, release fluoride and are more durable than traditional resin-based sealants, instilling confidence in their effectiveness.
- Self-Adhesive Sealants: Self-adhesive sealants simplify the application process. They do not require a bonding medium to stick to the tooth surface. These sealants are directly placed over the tooth enamel, making the procedure quicker and less complex.
- Colored Sealants: These sealants come in different colors. Their purpose is to ensure complete coverage during the application. The color also enables monitoring the chipping of the sealant over time. This can be used in children, where the wear and tear of sealants is more pronounced.
Dental Sealants Placement: Step-by-Step Approach
Applying dental sealants is a straightforward process and remains consistent whether they are for adults or children. Here are the detailed steps Dr. Anna Clayton follows for placing dental sealants at Hopkins Family Dentistry:
1.Removing Debris: The tooth surface is meticulously cleaned to remove any food debris or plaque, ensuring no detail is missed. This step may also involve removing very minute tooth decay. The cleaning process can be performed manually using dental instruments or with a very low-intensity dental handpiece drill.
2.Tooth Preparation:
- Isolation of the Tooth: The tooth is thoroughly dried and isolated using cotton pellets to control moisture. This ensures a dry working environment required for the subsequent steps.
- Etching: A mild acidic gel is applied to the tooth surface, creating micro tags or pores that roughen the surface. This roughening is essential for the mechanical bonding of the sealant to the tooth surface. After etching, the gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried and isolated again.
- Application of Bonding Agent: A bonding agent is applied to the surface once the tooth is prepared. This bonding agent is dried using UV light or a blowing pump, preparing the tooth for the sealant.
3. Applying the Sealant: The sealant is carefully placed on the tooth surface and adhered to the grooves. It is then set using a curing light, which initiates a chemical reaction in resin-based or compomer sealants, eventually hardening the sealant.
4. Checking for High Points: After the sealant has been set and adhered well, the patient is asked to bite down to check for any high points that might irritate the opposing tooth. Any high points are carefully reduced, and the bite is checked until adequately adjusted. This ensures the deep grooves are effectively sealed, preventing potential tooth decay.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants generally last between 5 and 10 years, though their lifespan can vary depending on oral habits, chewing patterns and the type of sealant used. In many cases, sealants may need touch-ups or replacement sooner, typically around 4 to 5 years.
Tips to Maintain Dental Sealants
Here are some tips from our experts at Hopkins Family Dentistry to maintain your dental sealants:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque effectively.
- Floss daily to clean between teeth and prevent decay.
- Avoid chewing hard foods or objects such as ice or hard candy that can damage the sealant.
- Attend regular dental check-ups so the dentist can inspect and maintain the sealants.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks to support overall tooth health.
Final Thoughts
Dental sealants are an easy and effective way to protect teeth from cavities, especially the back teeth, where grooves can trap food and bacteria. By covering these grooves, sealants make brushing much more effective and help keep teeth healthy over time. With regular brushing, flossing and routine dental visits, sealants can offer long-lasting protection for both children and adults.
At Hopkins Family Dentistry, we advise patients to consider dental sealants as part of their preventive care to keep teeth healthy and strong. If you are looking for a trusted dental clinic in Hopkins, our team can guide you through the process, answer your questions and ensure your teeth receive the protection they need for the long term.
To book an appointment, get in touch today:
Call: 952.935.2121
Email: office@familydentistryhopkins.com
Address: 1919 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
FAQs
1- Are dental sealants safe?
Absolutely. Current research shows that any trace amounts of BPA in sealants are far below safety limits and pose no known health risk.
2- Do dental sealants hurt?
Not at all. The process is completely painless. There’s no drilling or shots involved. Your dentist simply cleans the tooth, applies a special liquid and then hardens it with a small light.
3- Will dental sealants change the way teeth feel?
Most people don’t notice any difference at all. Sometimes, new sealants feel a little smooth or slightly raised for a day or two, but your tongue quickly adjusts.
4- Can dental sealants come off?
Yes, they can wear down or chip over time. Chewing hard foods, grinding teeth or even just natural wear can affect them. That’s why your dentist inspects them at every visit. If a sealant comes off, it’s usually quick and easy to replace.
5- Are there side effects to dental sealants?
Side effects are extremely rare. Some people might notice a tiny rough spot or slight sensitivity, but it usually goes away quickly. Sealants don’t damage your teeth or gums. Most patients leave the clinic feeling fine, sometimes even impressed by how fast it was done.
