What is the role of sealants in the prevention of tooth decay?

Traditional prevention procedures (brushing, use of dental floss and fluorides) act on the smooth surface of teeth. Sealants are an added measure to traditional means. Sealants act on teeth that have pits and fissures, usually the first molars (erupting around the age of 6) and second permanent molars (around the age of 12).

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY PITS AND FISSURES?

Pits and fissures are deep grooves, crevices or natural cavities that are found mainly on the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. The toothbrush is insufficient to remove bacteria and food debris lodged in there. According to studies, fluoride is also ineffective. This is the reason a large number of dental cavities is due to pits and fissures.

WHAT DOES A SEALANT DO?

Sealants close pits and fissures. They facilitate brushing and protect your teeth, making the masticatory surface uniform and smooth.

HOW ARE SEALANTS APPLIED?

The application of the sealant is performed by the dental hygienist without local anaesthesia. The surface of the teeth involved is first cleaned with pumice. Sometimes deeper grooves must be slightly opened with a small burr and without local anaesthesia (enameloplasty).

A liquid or a gel is then applied to the teeth and in the pits and fissures to create micro-pores (surface roughness). The sealant (an opaque white plastic liquid) is then deposited to infiltrate the pores of the pits and fissures. Finally, the sealant is hardened in place with the help of a special light. The tooth surface becomes plasticized and smooth, so that bacteria and the food debris cannot get wedged in.

WHO CAN RECEIVE THIS TREATMENT?

In most cases, children 6 to 15 years old and adults with good dental hygiene can benefit from this treatment, provided that the affected teeth are not decayed or already filled.

SEALANTS USED AT PRISMA DENTISTS ARE FREE OF BISPHENOL A.