Dental Sealants: Also known as pit and fissure sealants, dental sealants are painted on affected teeth to provide a protective layer, so that food doesn’t get stuck in fissures and cracks in them. Teeth with pits and fissures are most vulnerable to caries, because when food gets caught in them, it is difficult to clean and get them out. Dental sealants create a smooth surface that is easy to clean.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
You need dental sealants if you:
- Have deep retentive pits and fissures
- Have a high risk of caries
- Suffer from dry mouth (a condition called xerostomia, when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist)
- Suffer from underlying conditions that could cause dry mouth or xerostomia
- Are undergoing orthodontic treatment
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?
- Prevents cavities
- Quick and painless procedure
- Offers long-lasting protection
- Improves overall oral health
What Is the Procedure for Applying Dental Sealants?
First, we conduct a complete examination of your affected teeth to determine if dental sealants are the right treatment option for you. Once we mutually decide to go ahead with dental sealants for your teeth, our experienced endodontic consultant will start your treatment.
The treatment involves the following steps:
- The affected tooth (or teeth) is cleaned.
- The tooth is dried, and cotton or other absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry.
- A solution is put on the tooth surface to make it slightly rough, so that the sealant sticks to it easily.
- The tooth is then rinsed and dried with fresh cotton.
- The sealant is applied in liquid form, and hardens in a few seconds.
What Should You Do Before and After the Procedure?
Once the sealant has been applied, please come for a follow-up appointment after six months.
Why Choose Dr. Nilanjana’s Dental Care?
At Dr. Nilanjana’s Dental Care, we offer a comprehensive and caring environment to carry out quality treatments. Your procedure will be done by our highly qualified and experienced endodontist, using state-of-the-art equipment.
Contact us today to book your appointment. The cost of the treatment will be finalised after your initial consultation.
FAQ’s
Tooth sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities. They create a physical barrier against bacteria and acids.
Sealants are typically applied as soon as permanent molars erupt, usually around ages 6 and 12. Applying them early provides long-term protection during cavity-prone years.
No, the procedure is painless. It involves cleaning the tooth, applying a bonding agent, and then painting on the sealant, which quickly hardens. It’s a quick and comfortable process.
Sealants can last for several years with proper care. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary.
While commonly applied to children, adults with deep grooves or pits in their molars can also benefit from sealants. Your dentist can assess and recommend sealants based on individual needs.