What is a dental sealant?

Sealants for teeth are thin plastic coatings that protect teeth from decay and plaque. White or clear sealant is painted on the chewing surfaces of molars & premolars.

Dental sealants, typically applied in childhood, are an excellent treatment to prevent decay caused by acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. By preventing bacteria and acid from accumulating on the surface of the teeth, sealants can reduce tooth decay by as much as 80% in molars.

After the adult teeth have come in, proper oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly, should ensure that they remain healthy and in place for a long time. However, reaching every part of your teeth is challenging, especially the molars, and you would benefit from additional treatments to safeguard your teeth against cavity-causing bacteria.

Types of dental sealants

When it comes to resin-based sealants, you can choose between filled and unfilled sealants. The resins, chemicals, and fillers that make up filled sealants are quite strong materials. The function of the filler is to improve bond strength and durability against wear and tear.

Who can get sealants?

Sealants are helpful for both children and adults, but they work best when applied at a young age. A sealant is typically placed on molars between the ages of 6 and 12, soon after the chewing surface of the tooth has emerged. Sealing these teeth as soon as they emerge from the gums is highly recommended, as this will save time and money in the long term.   But if an older child or adult has grooves in their teeth or decay is imminent, a sealant may be a good solution. Dr Patel can advise you on the optimal time to have the procedure done. Sealants can also be used to protect teeth from decay in their early stages. Since sealants are typically transparent, Dr Patel can observe the progress of the tooth and ensure the sealant performs as expected.

What does the process entail?

In most cases, dental sealants can be applied to the affected tooth or teeth without any discomfort or anaesthetics. Dr Patel will first clean the pit and fissure surfaces of the teeth that will receive sealants. This is done to remove plaque and food debris. It will be separated from the other teeth and dried off so that no saliva gets on the surfaces. To ensure a strong bond for the sealant, the tooth's surface is etched in the pit and fissure areas by applying an acidic gel to the teeth. After the teeth have been cleaned and dried, a sealant is painted onto their smooth surfaces. The sealant is cured by exposure to blue light for about 30 seconds, which becomes hard.

FAQ