What are dental sealants and when do you need them?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, cavities, “dental caries (which includes all stages of tooth decay) is the most common, yet preventable, chronic disease on the planet and constitutes a major global public health challenge”.

So, how can you reduce the risk of cavities for your child and you? 

One effective method is dental sealants. But what exactly are they?

Some people confuse them with dental crowns, but they are nothing alike. 

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars (your mid to back teeth). They act as a barrier against harmful bacteria that can cause cavities. 

Unlike dental crowns, which are used to restore damaged teeth, sealants help prevent cavities from developing.

Both adults and children can benefit from dental sealants to prevent cavities and maintain a healthy smile. However, dental sealants are rarely used with adults since most adults have better oral hygiene than children.

What are dental sealants made of?

Dental sealants are made using different materials, which can be grouped based on the type of chemical reaction that happens when they harden in the mouth:

Glass ionomers are made by mixing glass powder with a water-soluble acid. During the setting process, they undergo an acid-base reaction. 

Resin-modified glass ionomers and polyacid-modified resins use both acid-base and polymerization reactions as they set. This allows sealants to have a variety of characteristics, combining the properties of traditional glass ionomers and composite resins.

What are dental sealants used for?

Dentists use sealants to protect your teeth from bacteria that can cause disease. 

Your back teeth have deep grooves that help grind food during chewing. 

However, food particles and bacteria can get trapped in these grooves, increasing the risk of cavities over time.

That's where sealants come in. They provide a protective coating over these vulnerable areas, preventing bacteria from reaching them.

Who needs dental sealants?

Dental sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers, but anyone who is prone to tooth decay on their molars should consider getting sealants.

Children should have sealants applied to their permanent molars and premolars if they have high caries risk.. This helps protect their teeth from cavities during the ages of 6 through 14, when they are most prone.

While dental sealants are often thought of as something for kids and teenagers, they can also work well for adults. 

In fact, adults may be good candidates for sealants in certain situations.

Sealants can help adults with weak enamel or a high risk of cavities.

Dental sealants procedure: How are dental sealants applied?

Sealants are quick and easy to apply and do not require some special preparation:

• Before applying the sealants, your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to ensure that no bacteria gets trapped between the sealant material and the tooth surfaces.

• The dentist will dry your teeth and put a piece of cotton gauze in the area to keep the surfaces dry while applying the treatment.

• An acid etching solution will be applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth to roughen the enamel, allowing the sealants to bond effectively.

• After cleaning and drying your teeth again, the dentist will apply the sealant material onto the enamel. It will bond directly to the tooth surface.

• The dentist will then use a special light to harden the sealant material.

The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth, and there is no need for anesthesia or drilling.

After application, the sealants harden quickly to create an invisible barrier against cavities. 

But don't forget that sealants do not replace regular brushing and flossing; they should be used as part of a complete oral hygiene routine. 

Risks and benefits of dental sealants

While regular brushing and flossing can effectively clean the smooth surfaces of your teeth, they may not be able to reach all the small spaces and corners where plaque and food can hide.

Dental sealants protect teeth by sealing out bacteria, plaque, and food particles from those places. 

This treatment offers significant advantages for your oral health:

• Sealants act as a protective barrier between your teeth and harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities.

• The application process is straightforward and can be completed in just a visit to the dental clinic. 

• Sealants work best on back teeth, which are the most prone to cavities. They can also be used on baby teeth to protect them from decay until permanent teeth come in.

While dental sealants are safe for most individuals, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

• There is a small risk of allergic reactions if the sealant material is swallowed. 

• If food and bacteria get trapped under the sealant during application, it could cause bad breath or increase the risk of cavities if not properly cleaned.

• Some insurance companies might not pay for sealants, which could affect your finances depending on how many teeth need treatment.

• Sealants typically last about five years, after which they will need to be replaced.

• Dental sealants cannot be applied to teeth that already have decay or dental fillings.

Other considerations

Here are some key considerations you should be aware of:

• After getting dental sealants, you can return to work or school right away. There's no need for downtime.

• Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage your new sealants. It's best to eat these foods in moderation.

• Dentists do not apply sealants to teeth with fillings or crowns.

Still have questions? 

Dental sealants are a great preventive procedure for children, teenagers, and adults who are eligible.

It's a simple procedure that, when combined with good oral hygiene, is a powerful plan to reduce cavities from forming.

If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us.

At Junction Family Dental Care, we aim to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.