Sealants are the thin plastic coatings that are placed on the chewing surface (known as the occlusal surface) of the molars and premolars. These coatings primarily help in preventing the teeth from acids and bacteria that contribute to its decaying. The liquid material bonds quickly into the grooves and depressions of the teeth thereby forming a protective shield on each of the tooth enamel. Here are some important facts that you should know before going for a dental session for your baby.

Need
Sealants as the name sounds seal the vulnerable areas of the teeth from decay and cavities where the brush cannot reach. Normal brushing and flossing can remove the bacteria and plaque from the smooth surfaces of the teeth but the problem lies with the crannies and nooks of the back teeth especially the molars and premolars where the toothbrush’s bristles cannot reach. As a result, plaque accumulates in the deep fissures and results in forming cavities.

Process of application
The application of the dental coating is very simple and it takes only a few minutes to seal each affected tooth by the coating to prevent tooth decay. It is a thoroughly painless process that follows after cleaning the teeth that need to be sealed. Then the tooth is dried and an etching solution is also applied on the surface often to roughen it so that the sealants bond quickly and harden after application. A special curing light is sometimes used to harden the plastic material on the tooth.

Proper positioning
Normally the sealants are placed in the molars and premolars. Once the chewing surface of the first molar has erupted out of your baby’s gum, the fissures need to be sealed up using a plastic coating. Except for the wisdom tooth which comes much later in one’s lifetime, the premolars and molars after they have erupted beyond the gum can be sealed by these outer coatings.

Longevity
Since 1970, these sealants have been proving its worth in both kids and adults. Generally, the kids are more affected by cavities and fissures because at that age regular and timely brushing sometimes get skipped owing to the stubbornness and nagging of the kids. But adults too are affected by these dental problems to which these dental clippings does all the trick by preventing the bacteria and plaque from attacking the chewing surfaces of the teeth enamel. Though the seals can protect the teeth up to 10 years they need to be checked for any wear and tear at regular dental sessions. If the seals need replacement then the dentist will do the needful after they check the condition of the teeth through dental X-rays. It is better to go for appropriate treatment like a little filling or a new seal before the problems go out of control.

The best advantage to go for dental sealing is that the cost of these sealing is covered by most of the reputed Insurance companies. So, before you go for any dental sessions, check with your doctor whether the dental checkups are covered under your Insurance Plan.