Dental Sealants
Sealants are placed on upper and lower permanent teeth in the back of the jaws. Their effectiveness depends on what degree they fill the very narrow, deep grooves of the sides and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Dental sealants do not cover all the tooth surface and they are not a guarantee against tooth decay. They do work as a very positive, preventative stopgap that significantly decreases the likelihood of complications in those areas of the back teeth that are most commonly prone to decay.
Dental sealants are a made from clear or white plastic, and they are placed on the grooves in the sides and biting surfaces of back molars. This is because molars have very deep pits and grooves which are very difficult to clean, and very vulnerable to plaque buildup. (Plaque is a very thin film that is almost invisible to the eye, of bacteria and food buildup).
Cosmetic Dentists will utilize a special red dye to detect plaque. Plaque shows up very easily once it is stained. Most of the time, people are amazed to see how much plaque has accumulated on their teeth—especially the molars in the back. This has to be addressed, because bacteria living in plaque secrete acid as part of their life cycle. Without dental sealants, this acid will degrade tooth enamel, and tooth decay will eventually commence. Before too long, a cavity forms in the place that originally had only a thin, invisible film of plaque.
Cavities can completely destroy teeth if they are not dealt with. This is because of the way teeth themselves are formed. The outer layer of the tooth is the hard part we see and chew with. It is known as the enamel. Although it is hard, it is not that thick. Plaque will build on this surface, and the acids that the bacteria secrete will eat through the enamel into the secondary layer of the tooth, the dentin. This softer layer is very vulnerable to rapid decay than is the enamel. Below this layer is the pulp that surrounds the root. If the cavity penetrates to this layer, the tooth dies and requires a root canal.
Although dental sealants are only applied to outer tooth enamel, they actuality help preserve the life of teeth by preventing cavities from forming to begin with. The hygienist or the dentist will first rigorous clean and dry the teeth. Then, the dentist will apply a conditioning solution. The sealant is then brushed into the grooves in the molars.
There are several types of sealants. Some harden by themselves. Others are hardened under a special light. It is very important that patients to realize that this is not a 100 percent guarantor against tooth decay, but instead is a supportive treatment that is part of a rigorous dental hygiene program that includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings.
Dental sealants are a made from clear or white plastic, and they are placed on the grooves in the sides and biting surfaces of back molars. This is because molars have very deep pits and grooves which are very difficult to clean, and very vulnerable to plaque buildup. (Plaque is a very thin film that is almost invisible to the eye, of bacteria and food buildup).
Cosmetic Dentists will utilize a special red dye to detect plaque. Plaque shows up very easily once it is stained. Most of the time, people are amazed to see how much plaque has accumulated on their teeth—especially the molars in the back. This has to be addressed, because bacteria living in plaque secrete acid as part of their life cycle. Without dental sealants, this acid will degrade tooth enamel, and tooth decay will eventually commence. Before too long, a cavity forms in the place that originally had only a thin, invisible film of plaque.
Cavities can completely destroy teeth if they are not dealt with. This is because of the way teeth themselves are formed. The outer layer of the tooth is the hard part we see and chew with. It is known as the enamel. Although it is hard, it is not that thick. Plaque will build on this surface, and the acids that the bacteria secrete will eat through the enamel into the secondary layer of the tooth, the dentin. This softer layer is very vulnerable to rapid decay than is the enamel. Below this layer is the pulp that surrounds the root. If the cavity penetrates to this layer, the tooth dies and requires a root canal.
Although dental sealants are only applied to outer tooth enamel, they actuality help preserve the life of teeth by preventing cavities from forming to begin with. The hygienist or the dentist will first rigorous clean and dry the teeth. Then, the dentist will apply a conditioning solution. The sealant is then brushed into the grooves in the molars.
There are several types of sealants. Some harden by themselves. Others are hardened under a special light. It is very important that patients to realize that this is not a 100 percent guarantor against tooth decay, but instead is a supportive treatment that is part of a rigorous dental hygiene program that includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings.
Labels: dental sealants, sealants
posted by Dental Expert at
3:03 AM
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