Sealants or varnish is defined as a thin, transparent coating applied on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the posterior teeth, namely the premolars and the molars. The sealants are in a liquid form which when applied can effectively settle into the deep pits and grooves of the teeth, sealing them completely. 

The San Jose dentist, and their team are committed to providing their patients with comprehensive preventive dental care through dental sealants. Let’s find out how sealants help prevent caries! 

Dental sealants are often indicated for:

  • Pits and fissures of deciduous teeth in children
  • People with an increased risk of caries
  • Pits and fissures of permanent teeth in children and adolescents
  • Pits and grooves of permanent teeth in adults 
  • Incipient caries lesions in children, adolescents, and adults 
  • Teeth that are not accessible to regular brushing and flossing

What benefits do dental sealants offer?

Here are six incredible benefits that sealants offer to benefit your oral health. Sealants: 

  • Shield against plaque and food buildup 
  • Are suitable for all ages 
  • Prevent the development of cavities
  • Reduce deep grooves 
  • Offer a quick, safe, and a painless procedure
  • Are long-lasting (last up to 10 years)
  • Are easy to repair and maintain them
  • Can save you money 
  • Reduce invasive dental treatments in the future

How are dental sealants applied?

Applying dental sealants is a simple and painless procedure. It only takes a few minutes for the dentist to apply sealant to each tooth. Your dentist will:

  • Clean the teeth thoroughly
  • Air dry your mouth and place a piece of gauze in the area to keep your teeth free from moisture 
  • Paint or coat a small amount of acid etching solution on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of your teeth to roughen them up. This aids in good mechanical interlocking if the sealant to the tooth surface 
  • Rinse and dry your teeth
  • Paint the sealant onto your enamel to bond it directly to the tooth.
  • Shine or target a curing light on the sealant material to harden it. 

Are dental sealants necessary? 

It depends on your individual oral needs. Sealants are deemed necessary, especially in children aged 6 to 11 years. Children without sealant protection are three times more likely to develop tooth decay. However, if you have partially erupted teeth, you may not benefit from sealants. 

Final note 

Dental sealants are an excellent investment much like raincoats that shield you from rain. Likewise, sealants shield your teeth from disease-causing bacteria. Though sealants aren’t foolproof, they can significantly reduce your risk of oral diseases like cavities, giving you the best chance for healthy teeth and gums.