Pit and Fissure Sealants
What Are Pit and Fissure Sealants?
Pit and fissure sealant is a protective layer of plastic applied to the back teeth. The biting surfaces of the teeth are covered with sealants to protect them from bacterial attack and decay.Importance of Pit and Fissure Sealants
Is it not surprising to know that the mouth acts as a host for almost 600-700 species of bacteria? Though this fact is fascinating it is also scary since there can be a bacterial attack that forms dental cavities (also known as dental caries). The bacteria get their energy to spread in the dental structure when food of higher sugar and carbohydrate content is consumed. The acids released from these foods cause the enamel layer to erode. To protect the teeth from cavities, the team of children’s dentistry in SmileMint Studio suggests that sealants should be applied on the permanent molar teeth since they help in biting activities that may create spaces for bacteria to form. The permanent molar teeth come out usually at the age of 6-7 years. The biting activity of the molars gives the required energy for the cavities to form in the molar teeth gaps. The sealants act as the protective layer on the teeth that stays for atleast 5 years and regular dental visits can help in analyzing if an additional layer of sealant needs to be applied.Benefits of Sealants
Effective Solution
The sealants are proven to be an effective solution since they protect the teeth from 80% of all cavities.Lesser Dental Treatments
The usage of sealants at an earlier age helps in avoiding unwanted dental issues and treatments in future growing years that may cause pain and discomfort.Insurance Facility
Like many other dental treatments, most insurance companies consider pit and fissure sealants as one of the dental insurance plans. This helps in making the treatment affordable.Protection Against Cavities
Though it’s a fact that cavity happens on the outer layer of the tooth, negligence causes serious issues that affect the innermost layer of the tooth. The dental sealants application acts as a protective layer that destroys the cavities at the enamel layer itself protecting the tooth from any damage.Painless Procedure
The application of the sealants on the teeth is completely painless. This gives more confidence to the patients to go ahead with the pit and fissure sealants treatment.Easy Maintenance
If the sealants are chipped out or broken they can be easily fixed by just applying a layer of it on the tooth.The procedure of Pit and Fissure Sealants
The dentist primarily cleans the teeth and polishes them. The molar teeth at the back are isolated and dried well for the procedure. Then the dentist applies the dental bonding cement. The application of cement is done perfectly with the help of light. The dental cement may be polished if required. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes and after completion of the procedure, the dentist may suggest you not consume any hard and sticky food for atleast 72 hours. Regular yearly dental visits help the dentist to assess the situation and apply the sealants again if needed.FAQ's
1. How Long Do Pit and Fissure Sealants Last?
Pit and fissure sealants generally last for a few years. In regular dental checks, the dentist would check for the sealants layer since it may wear and tear at times. A layer of sealants is applied again to avoid any tooth decay.
2. Is Pit and Fissure Sealants Painful?
No, it is completely painless, and you will not feel its presence after its application.
3. What Is the Right Time for Pit and Fissure Sealants?
When the kids start getting permanent teeth, sealants are applied to them. Usually, it is at the age of 6-7 years. When the rest of the milk teeth fall off, making space for permanent ones, the sealants are applied on the permanent teeth, usually at the age of 13-14.
4. Are There Any Preventive Strategies to Avoid Cavities?
Regular brushing and flossing are one of the best weapons to fight cavities formation, but here are some more strategies that you can apply for better oral health to avoid any cavities attacking your smile:
- Go for a dental visit twice a year
- Use fluoride toothpaste for brushing daily
- The flosser you use has to be age appropriate
- Avoid consuming more sugary drinks and food
5. What Should Not Be Done After Getting Sealants?
It’s a strict no-no for hard, sticky, and chewy varieties of food, as they can chip out or break the newly placed sealants.
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