• Preventive Sealants

    What Are Preventative Sealants?

    Take a moment to touch the molars at the back of your mouth. Do you feel the crevices and pits on them?

    While regular brushing and flossing can easily remove plaque from the hard surfaces of the teeth, these can sometimes be ineffective when it comes to pits and fissures. When the bacterial breakdown of residual food occurs, it forms acid, which dissolves away the protective enamel of the tooth.

    Preventative sealants act as a barrier against plaque buildup and acids in the vulnerable areas on the posterior tooth’s chewing surface. They are usually tooth-colored or transparent to match the appearance of the natural teeth. It has been proven that preventative sealants reduce the risk of cavities by 80%.

    The most common types of preventive sealants used are composite resin sealants, polyacid modified resin sealants, and resin-modified glass ionomer sealants. Typically, preventative fissure sealants must have less viscosity so that they can flow into the pits and fissures of the tooth.

    Preventative sealants are the most effective if applied to the tooth soon after eruption. This is why the procedure is most often recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 12, whose permanent molars have come out. Dental sealants can also be applied to the bicuspids or premolars. However, not every child requires a preventative sealant.

    Dental Sealant Treatment Procedure in Mumbai

    The application of preventive sealants requires no anesthesia or drilling and is a quick and painless procedure. As a part of the treatment, the teeth are first cleaned and dried thoroughly. Then, the chewing surface is ‘conditioned’ with a phosphoric acid etchant which increases the tooth’s microporosity, to help the sealant bond strongly and durably with the enamel. After the preventive sealant is placed, it is hardened with a blue LED curing light.

    At Designer Smiles, we guarantee the best preventive dental treatments. We prioritize patient satisfaction and make sure they feel comfortable, and relaxed during every visit. If you or your child are looking to have a preventive sealant applied, come visit us, anytime!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Preventative sealants typically last five years, and sometimes even longer, if proper care is taken, post-application. If they wear out or are damaged, they can be easily replaced.

    After a preventative sealant is applied, your dentist will recommend some instructions to take care of them, such as brushing and flossing twice a day and avoiding hard candies, and chewing gum. It is also advised to have a regular dental check-up.

    The cost for the procedure depends on the type of sealant used, and the number of teeth to be treated.