Dental sealant is a preventive dentistry
procedure that performed to prevent the teeth from getting cavities. Dental
sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is painted on the surface of the back
teeth that we often use for chewing.
Commonly, dentist Merriwa
applied sealants on their offices or clinics. School dentist also perform this
procedure, and some brave souls do it by themselves on the comfort of their
home.
Why we should get sealant and who should
get sealants? First and foremost, the primary purpose of getting sealant is to avoid
having cavities that would eventually lead to tooth decay. These are the thin
plastic covering that protects the chewing surface of the teeth, especially our
molars and pre-molars. Getting dental sealant is practically painless
and simple to do. The procedure is simply to paint the liquid on the back of
the teeth, and then liquid then quickly hardens and would form as a protection
over your teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant will give a refined and
smooth feel on the surface of your teeth which makes it easier to brush. In a
case that sealant covered a cavity, the decay will not spread since it is
already sealed, and therefore other substance and germs that cause decay cannot
get into it.
Dental sealant is very ideal for children
between the ages of five and fourteen years old, since this is the age where
the first and second permanent molars come in. The most ideal time to get a
dental sealant is the moment as soon as the first permanent molars come in,
that is before the decay gets into the tooth. It is also important to have
other teeth with grooves and pits be sealed to prevent from getting decay. It
is also advisable for teenager and young adult who are susceptible to tooth
decay to get dental sealants.
Most of the dental sealant lasts for about
ten years, however regular check-up to you Merriwa dentist is necessary to make
sure that your sealant is still in good condition or does it need replacement
in case it is chipped or worn.
In many countries, dental sealant is not
known yet as an effective method of preventing tooth decay although it has been
around since 1960s. According to research, dental sealant is found to be
effective and safe.
