What Are Sealants?

Preventive dentistry entails practices such as regular exams, x-rays, prophylactic cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants. In combination with plaque control, sugar discipline and fluoride therapy, sealants have become one of the most effective methods of caries prevention. When selecting teeth for sealants, the dentist will take several conditions into consideration. These include existing carious lesions, patient’s eating habits, caries susceptibility and drug or radiation-induced xerostomia also known as a dry mouth syndrome.

There are presently two techniques of sealant placement, filled and unfilled. These resin-based methods are used according to the specific needs of the patient. Filled sealants are a blend of resin, chemicals and fillers and serve the purpose of creating a strong protective bond resistant to abrasion and fractures. Due to the hardness of the material, most filled sealants have to be adjusted to fit the present occlusion, and have to be placed by the dentist. Unfilled sealants are self-occluding, they do not need adjustments and flow easily into the pits and fissures of the tooth. These types of sealants are placed by the dental hygienist after the completion of the prophylactic cleaning and are less resistant to ruptures. Both types of sealants come in fluoridated versions and are widely use to strengthen the enamel’s resistance to caries. Fluoride-releasing sealants are credited with anti-bacterial properties and increase the level of protection for decay susceptible patients.

The successful sealant retention greatly depends on the following factors.
• Deep pits and fissures for better preservation.
• The area must be uncontaminated by the saliva when the sealants are placed.
• Best success rate is noted when the sealants are placed immediately after the prophylactic cleaning.
• Good oral habits of the patient.

The placement of sealants is a non-invasive procedure very well tolerated by most patients. Although mostly associated with children’s oral care, the sealants are effectively protecting the permanent teeth of many adults. The age does not pay a role when deciding on the treatment plan involving sealant placement. Both primary and permanent teeth can be equally protected by the application of sealants. Sealants can only be applied as a protective measure. They will not prevent existing decay from progressing.

Looking for an experienced Dentist in Boca Raton, FL? Contact Dr. Huber today at  561-852-7773.