Dental sealant: Difference between revisions

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== Definition ==
Dental Sealant
(Other names: ''Pit and fissure sealant'')'''''A cement or a resin material that is introduced into unprepared occlusal pits and fissures of caries susceptible teeth forming a micro-mechanical reten and physical protective layer that acts to prevent the demineralization of the enamel by blocking the interaction of cariogenic bacteria and their nutrient substances, thus eliminating the harmful acidic byproducts.'''''
== Indications ==
# Sound deep pits and fissures
# Recently erupted teeth
# Patients who are highly susceptible to caries.
== Contraindications ==
# Carious pits and fissures
# Caries exists on other surfaces of the same tooth
# When large occlusal restoration is already present
== Types of Pit and Fissure Sealants ==
=== Based on generation ===
* ''First generation'': Activated by UV Light.
* ''Second generation'': Chemical cure (auto polymerization), e.g. 3M (concise).
* ''Third generation'': Activated by visible lights, e.g: fissurit (Voco), Delton (Johnson and Johnson).
* ''Fourth generation'': Fluoride containing sealants, e.g. GIC sealant.
=== Based on filler ===
* ''Free of fillers'': Have better flow.
* ''Semi-filled'': More resistant to wear.
=== Based on color ===
* ''Clear'': Difficult to identify during follow up.
* ''Tinted'': Easily identified.
* ''Opaque'': Easily identified.
=== Based on materials ===
* BIS –GMA (Bisphenol- a glycidyl methyl acrylate).
* Cyanoacrylates
* Polyurethanes
* GIC
== Factors for maximum retention of sealants ==
* Tooth should have maximum surface area.
* Presence of deep irregular pits and fissures.
* Teeth should be clean and absolutely dry and not contaminated with saliva.
* Type of sealants used.
* Age of the patient.
* Clinical skill of the operator.
== Procedure ==
# Polish the tooth surfaces.
# Isolation and drying of surfaces.
# Etching by using 37% of orthophosphoric acid for 15–30 seconds.
# Rinsing the tooth surfaces for 15 seconds.
# Isolation and drying of surfaces.
# Apply bonding agent.
# Material application: Care should be taken to prevent air trap.
# Evaluate the sealants.
# Check occlusion.
# Recall and periodic maintenance.


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[[File:MandibularLeftFirstMolar08-15-06.jpg|thumb|A mandibular left first molar with dental sealant applied.]]
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{{stub}}
Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment intended to protect teeth from cavities. They are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, primarily the molars and premolars, where decay occurs most often. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel.
{{dictionary-stub1}}
 
==History==
The concept of dental sealants was first introduced in the 1960s. Since then, they have become a standard preventive measure in dentistry, especially for children and teenagers who are at higher risk for cavities.
 
==Application Process==
The application of dental sealants is a simple and painless process. It involves the following steps:
 
1. '''Cleaning the Tooth Surface''': The dentist or dental hygienist cleans the tooth surface to remove any plaque and debris.
2. '''Etching''': An acidic solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the tooth.
3. '''Rinsing and Drying''': The tooth is then rinsed and dried.
4. '''Application of Sealant''': The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens.
5. '''Curing''': A special curing light may be used to help the sealant harden.
 
==Benefits==
Dental sealants provide a protective barrier that prevents food particles and bacteria from getting into the grooves of the teeth, which are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. This significantly reduces the risk of developing cavities.
 
==Effectiveness==
Studies have shown that dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%. They are most effective when applied soon after the molars erupt, which is typically around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars.
 
==Materials Used==
[[File:Restorative materials.png|thumb|Various restorative materials used in dentistry, including those for sealants.]]
Dental sealants are made from different types of materials, including:
 
- '''Resin-based sealants''': These are the most common and are made from a plastic resin that bonds to the tooth surface.
- '''Glass ionomer sealants''': These release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from decay.
 
==Maintenance and Longevity==
Sealants can last several years before they need to be reapplied. Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure that the sealants are intact and functioning properly.
 
==Considerations==
While dental sealants are highly effective, they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing. They are part of a comprehensive preventive dental care plan.
 
==Also see==
* [[Dental caries]]
* [[Fluoride therapy]]
* [[Preventive dentistry]]
* [[Tooth enamel]]
 
==References==
* American Dental Association. "Sealants." ADA.org.
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Dental Sealants." CDC.gov.
 
{{Dental health}}
{{Preventive dentistry}}
 
[[Category:Dental materials]]
[[Category:Preventive dentistry]]

Latest revision as of 02:41, 11 December 2024

Dental Sealant

A mandibular left first molar with dental sealant applied.

Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment intended to protect teeth from cavities. They are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, primarily the molars and premolars, where decay occurs most often. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel.

History[edit]

The concept of dental sealants was first introduced in the 1960s. Since then, they have become a standard preventive measure in dentistry, especially for children and teenagers who are at higher risk for cavities.

Application Process[edit]

The application of dental sealants is a simple and painless process. It involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning the Tooth Surface: The dentist or dental hygienist cleans the tooth surface to remove any plaque and debris. 2. Etching: An acidic solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the tooth. 3. Rinsing and Drying: The tooth is then rinsed and dried. 4. Application of Sealant: The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. 5. Curing: A special curing light may be used to help the sealant harden.

Benefits[edit]

Dental sealants provide a protective barrier that prevents food particles and bacteria from getting into the grooves of the teeth, which are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. This significantly reduces the risk of developing cavities.

Effectiveness[edit]

Studies have shown that dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%. They are most effective when applied soon after the molars erupt, which is typically around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars.

Materials Used[edit]

Various restorative materials used in dentistry, including those for sealants.

Dental sealants are made from different types of materials, including:

- Resin-based sealants: These are the most common and are made from a plastic resin that bonds to the tooth surface. - Glass ionomer sealants: These release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from decay.

Maintenance and Longevity[edit]

Sealants can last several years before they need to be reapplied. Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure that the sealants are intact and functioning properly.

Considerations[edit]

While dental sealants are highly effective, they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing. They are part of a comprehensive preventive dental care plan.

Also see[edit]

References[edit]

  • American Dental Association. "Sealants." ADA.org.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Dental Sealants." CDC.gov.

Template:Dental health Template:Preventive dentistry

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