Dental sealants. What are they needed for? Indications for use
What is dental sealing and why is it used?
Sealing is necessary to prevent the development of caries. In most cases, this procedure is used for pediatric patients, less often for adults.
The largest increase in the incidence of caries occurs at the age of 6-8 and 11-13 years, during the period of eruption of permanent teeth. This is due to the physiological features of the structure of immature enamel, which is characterized by high porosity and low density of the crystal structure. Unripe enamel is more vulnerable to acids.
During the eruption and development of molars and premolars, fissures (depressions, deepening) are formed on the chewing surface. They cannot be kept perfectly clean as the bristles of the toothbrush do not reach the bottom.
Fissures are places where plaque and food debris accumulate.
Dental sealants clog fissures and other anatomical depressions in healthy teeth. This creates a barrier to external cariogenic factors.
Also, sealants can have a remineralizing effect (if they contain active ions).
Indications for use
The need to seal fissures at the stage of enamel maturation is based on data on their initial level of mineralization (IUM).
With a high level of enamel mineralization, the hard tooth tissue is not subject to caries. In this case, fissure sealing is not recommended. It is enough to carry out general hygiene procedures.
The first sign of insufficient enamel mineralization is the onset of initial caries. Fissure sealing in this case is directly indicated and prevents tooth decay.
How does the procedure occur?
The procedure consists of cleaning the tooth surface, processing with an adhesive composition, applying a sealant and polymerizing it under the influence of UV radiation. The duration of sealing one tooth is only a few minutes.
Is a re-sealing procedure required?
The sealant creates a strong protective layer on the chewing surface of the tooth. However, this layer wears out after a certain time. During a routine check-up, the dentist checks the condition of the sealant and determines if reapplication is necessary.
Contraindications
It is necessary to seal Fissures in the first months after teething at the stage of immature enamel. However, there is always a concern that the sealant in this case will prevent saliva from entering the fissures, which complicates the process of natural maturation of hard dental tissues in this area.
Currently, most researchers believe that partial interruption of enamel maturation does not affect mineralization in general.
Thus, the sealants do not have a negative effect.
What are the benefits of using dental sealants?
The international dental community has long recognized that sealants play an important role in caries prevention. When applied correctly and followed up, they successfully protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Make an appointment with Tribeca Dental Studio and get detailed advice on how to apply this procedure to your child.