Here is Everything You Need to Know about Dental Sealants

Dental sealants refer to the plastic coatings that are normally placed on the chewing or occlusal surface of the permanent back teeth, i.e., molars and premolars in order to shield them from decay. The chewing parts of molar and premolar entail grooves or fissures that renders then prone to decay. The fissures have a deep texture, hard to clean, and are narrower than a tiny bristle of a toothbrush. Plaque tends to gather in these parts and the acid from the bacteria present in the plaque destroys the enamel which leads to cavity. Fluoride assists in keeping the decay at bay and shields all the surfaces of the teeth. Dental sealants bestow extra protection for the fissures by offering a smooth surface covering over the grooved and pitted areas. Dental sealants are clear or white in color. They may also have a slight tint on the basis of the dental sealant being applied.

The right time to get them placed

The first dental sealant must always be placed on the groove of the first permanent molar, once the chewing part of the molar has destroyed beyond the gum. The tooth then grows in behind the baby teeth. If the chewing part are sealed, then this is where dental sealant dentist in Peoria comes to the rescue.

Where are they placed?

Dental sealants are normally installed on the chewing parts of molars and premolars are they have deep grooves or fissures. These sealants are also often used on other permanent teeth as they have the grooves to protect these surfaces from deterioration. In kids, their baby teeth molars have grooves that could benefit from the sealants. Consult your dentist for the same.

Suitable for adults

Dental sealants are more suitable for adults. They are usually placed in adults at risk for caries, on the fissures and grooves that have no fillings or dental sealants at all.

The process

First, the tooth is cleaned with a paste by your dentist, then it is washed and dried. Next, an acidic solution is placed on the groove of the chewing part for a few seconds before it is rinsed off. This creates tiny microscopic areas and a rougher surface that is visible via a microscope. The rough surface let the sealant to be placed to the tooth. After the tooth has been dried again, the liquid dental sealant is installed on the tooth and then hardened. This is done by a light or a two part dental sealant that doesn’t need a light to set. Once it is set, you can chew on the tooth again.