Dental Sealants in Scarborough and East York
Dental Sealants
What's Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are an effective preventive dental treatment aimed at protecting teeth from decay and cavities. Composed of a thin layer of medical-grade plastic, sealants are meticulously applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars—teeth that feature deep grooves and fissures which are prone to accumulating food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean and more susceptible to cavities.
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Composition and Application of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are crafted from high-quality materials such as medical-grade resins (both plant-based and synthetic) and glass ionomers, which consist of a blend of glass powder and a water-soluble acid. The application process is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It begins with a dentist cleaning the teeth thoroughly, followed by the application of an acid solution to create a rough surface that aids in the adherence of the sealant. The sealant is then painted onto the enamel, and cured with a special light to harden the material, effectively sealing out harmful bacteria and plaque.
Who Benefits from Dental Sealants?
While dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, helping protect their teeth during the cavity-prone years from ages 6 to 14, adults without fillings or decay in their molars can also benefit significantly from this preventive treatment. Additionally, sealants may be advisable for primary (baby) teeth if they have deep depressions, playing a critical role in maintaining the spacing for permanent teeth and overall dental health.
Prevalence and Necessity of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a common procedure in preventive dentistry, with nearly half of children and adolescents in Canada having sealants on their permanent teeth. The necessity of dental sealants varies, providing a significant reduction in the risk of cavities for those without them, particularly in children aged 6 to 11, who are three times more likely to develop tooth decay.
Procedure and Aftercare
The placement of dental sealants requires no special preparation and is performed during a routine dental visit. Post-application, there is no downtime, and patients can immediately return to their daily activities, including eating and drinking. However, it is advisable to avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that might compromise the integrity of the sealants.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Sealants can continue to provide protection for up to nine years after they are applied. However, they may occasionally come loose and fall off, necessitating checks during regular dental visits. If a sealant is lost, the tooth loses its protective barrier and becomes vulnerable to cavities.
Yes, although rare, cavities can develop under a dental sealant. One of the key benefits of dental sealants is their transparency, which allows dentists to easily detect any cavities that may form beneath a compromised sealant, ensuring prompt treatment before the condition deteriorates.
Consultation and Maintenance at Eastside Family Dentistry
It is recommended to consult with us every six months to monitor the condition of the sealants and overall oral health. During these visits, we can assess whether additional sealants are necessary or if existing ones need replacement, ensuring continuous protection against cavities and decay.
