Dental Sealants in Darwin

What are Dental Sealants?  – Dental Sealers Darwin:

The chewing surfaces, molars, and premolars (the back teeth) may have deep grooves, pits, or fissures that are difficult to maintain and clean with a toothbrush. These can harbor bacteria and make the tooth vulnerable to cavities.

Pit and fissure sealants, also called Dental Sealants, are thin and protective coatings applied onto the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars, i.e., your back teeth. It protects and shields the teeth and reduces tooth decay risk.

How do Sealants work? – Dental Sealers Darwin:

The oral cavity consists of several bacteria as the normal microflora. When these bacteria combine with the stuck food particles, they produce acids that can erode the tooth surface and create holes in the teeth. The holes are referred to as cavities which, if left unseen, can lead to severe tooth decay.

Dental Sealants prevent the accumulation of food particles in the deep grooves, pits, or fissures on the chewing surface of the teeth. This hinders the bacteria from reacting with any food particles and resists acid formation, thus preventing tooth decay.

Benefits of Dental Sealers:

Dental Sealants can be beneficial to the teeth as they:

• are white or clear and thus do not affect the appearance of the teeth
• adheres to the chewing surface of the tooth and prevents tooth decay
• are time efficient and take a few minutes to apply
• are a pain-free procedure and do not require any injections or drilling
• do not dissolve in saliva
• are safe

Who Requires Dental Sealants? – Dental Sealers Darwin:

Children can get dental sealants on their premolars and molars when they erupt. This will benefit in keeping the cavities away.

Dental sealants can be considered in teenagers as well. Protecting their teeth early will help them avoid damage to their tooth structure in later life. 

Adults or anyone who is prone to tooth decay can also benefit from pit and fissure sealants.

Types of Dental Sealants – Dental Sealers Darwin:

Dental Sealants can be of the following types:

Composite Resin:

Composite resin sealants consist of a plastic compound (resin) that goes with the color of your natural teeth. They are applied and hardened (cured) with a dental curing light. 

Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC):

Glass ionomer sealants set on the teeth as they undergo an acid-base reaction. They release fluoride, which has antibacterial properties. It increases the structural durability of the enamel and provides strength to it. They are typically applied to the baby/primary teeth.

Dental Sealants Vs. Restorations – Dental Sealers Darwin:

Dental Sealants are considered to be a part of preventive dentistry. They are applied to the teeth to prevent and protect them from decay.

Dental Fillings are used to restore the structural integrity and function of the after tooth decay has occurred.

How are Dental Sealants Applied? – Dental Sealers Darwin:

Teeth Cleaning and Isolation:

The dentist will clean the tooth to prepare it for dental sealants. The dentist may place cotton rolls or suctions to isolate or keep the area dry.

Etching:

A gel (etchant) is applied on the chewing surface of the teeth. It is kept for 20.30 seconds and then rinsed off. This prepares the tooth surface to receive pit and fissure sealants.

Application of the Sealant:

After rinsing off the gel, the tooth is dried and isolated again. The dentist will then apply the dental sealant material on the chewing surface into the tooth’s fissure, pits, and grooves. If the composite resin is used, it is hardened (cured) with a dental light.

Aftercare:

• Maintain appropriate oral hygiene by brushing and flossing to prevent plaque accumulation near the sealant surface.
• Minimize the intake of sticky and acidic or aerated foods or drinks for 24 hours after the treatment, as they may pull out the sealant.
• Limit hard foods such as nuts or ice, as they may damage the sealant.
• Regular visits to the dentist to keep a check on the sealant and ensure that they are adequately maintained.