Dental Sealants
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Have you developed any tooth decay or cavities? Dental sealant placement can protect your teeth from these conditions in the future. This may sound quite intimidating, but with an experienced dentist at the partner practices of MD.co.uk, the procedure can be made simple and comfortable.
Dental sealants, also known as fissure and pit sealants, involve the application of thin coatings on the teeth to alleviate the risk of cavities. They are quite common in children, as their teeth are particularly vulnerable to cavities and decay.
Cavities damage the tooth surface because specific bacteria create small holes in the enamel, affecting the dentin inside. You may not experience any prior symptoms, but as the cavity progresses, it can lead to toothache, sensitivity, infection, and eventually tooth loss. This common dental problem can occur at any stage of life, severely affecting the chewing ability of the back teeth.
Children's molars are most prone to dental decay because the top surface of primary adult teeth doesn’t get fully mineralised. The teeth anatomy contains many deep pits and grooves, known as fissures. Cleaning them properly with a toothbrush is challenging because they are quite narrow. This is where decay and bacterial invasion can flourish.
By undergoing a dental sealant procedure at our partner practice near you, the surface of the adult teeth becomes smooth, leaving no chance for decay development. Dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay by up to 80% in adult teeth. With proper care, they can last between 5 to 10 years, though some may last longer. So, if your child gets their first adult teeth at age 6, the sealant can protect these teeth from bacteria and cavities for several years, making the treatment worthwhile.
When your child starts to develop adult molars (mainly at age 6), it is the right time to get dental sealants. Parents are often concerned about the tooth development period of their children to ensure no adult teeth are missed for sealing:
Four molars develop and may need to be sealed
Second and first adult premolars develop and may need sealant
Eruption of second adult molars and may need sealant
The earlier your child's teeth are sealed, the lower the risk of oral bacterial buildup. Sealants can benefit oral health even if applied later. Therefore, most dentists recommend them for older children as well.
You need to teach good oral care routines and habits to your child from a young age. Take your child for regular dental check-ups at our partner private dental clinics near you. Most children get cavities when they are at school due to poor oral care habits and overconsumption of sugary drinks and snacks.
Each individual's mouth has different bacteria that produce acid when consuming sweets. This acid erodes the enamel over time, making the teeth vulnerable to decay.
Limited sugar intake, along with regular and proper flossing and brushing, is essential to control bacterial growth. However, fissures are a favourite hiding spot for bacteria and can multiply even without your knowledge. Fissure depth is genetically determined and non-reversible, making proper cleaning with a toothbrush difficult. With the help of dental sealants, you can provide an additional shield of protection to your teeth.
Sealant maintenance and care are very simple. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove debris and plaque deposited between the teeth. Finish your oral care routine with an antibacterial mouthwash to protect against potential gum disease and tooth decay.
Dental cavities are tiny holes in the enamel of teeth that occur due to bacteria present in the mouth. Dentists at the partner clinics of MD.co.uk treat them using fillings, and dental sealants provide an extra protective layer to keep future problems at bay.
Consuming sugary and carbohydrate-rich items leads to the natural bacteria in the mouth breaking them down into acid. This acid then mixes with saliva and forms plaque that clings to the teeth. Over time, it wears away the enamel, causing cavities or decay.
Sealants serve as a protective barrier for the teeth. They block food particles, debris, and bacteria from entering the enamel and fissures of the premolars and molars, minimising the risk of plaque and cavities. After receiving a dental sealant, you can maintain good and normal oral care and hygiene routines.
Composite resin or plastic, similar to filling materials, is most commonly used to make dental sealants. They are usually white or clear and match your natural teeth shade.
Dental sealant is an easy, painless, and rapid procedure. Cavity-free teeth can become more protected, stronger, and healthier with it. However, if you have decay, it needs to be treated before using fillings. Sealants are also generally more affordable than fillings.
Both adults and children of all ages can receive dental sealants. The earlier you get them, the better for your dental health. Dentists at our partner practices near you recommend that children get sealants around age 12 or when their second molars start erupting.
If your dentist identifies early signs of decay, sealants can help protect against further progress of cavities. However, sealants are not applied over existing decay; it must be treated before applying a sealant.
No, not at all! Dental sealants are meticulously designed to fit the teeth snugly while retaining all functions of the tooth.
Dental sealant comprises clear or white plastic that blends with your natural teeth colour. Additionally, they are applied to the top surface of back teeth, making them hard to notice.
On average, dental sealants last between 5 to 10 years. With proper care, they may last longer. Regular check-ups at our partner dental clinics near you will help monitor the condition of your dental sealant. Even if it wears down, replacement or repair is possible!
Dental sealants require no additional care beyond regular brushing and flossing. Also, don’t miss your dentist visits to check their condition professionally.
No, the dental sealant procedure is completely non-invasive and painless. You won’t need anaesthesia for the procedure.
As no invasion is involved in the dental sealant procedure, there is no need for additional recovery. The sealant hardens immediately after the procedure, and the dentist at our partner dental clinics will ensure it is set so you can enjoy the full functionality of your teeth.
Dental sealants come with a few limitations. The primary concern is that they can crack or chip without you realising. Therefore, regular dental check-ups at one of our partner dental practices near you are essential. Dentists will ensure the sealant remains in good condition. Plastic sealants may contain a minimal amount of bisphenol A (BPA), which has been a subject of health concern, though no conclusive evidence has linked BPA in sealants to adverse health effects.
At an MD.co.uk partner private dental clinic, the average cost of dental sealants is typically between £30 and £50 per tooth. However, costs may vary depending on the location and the dentist’s experience.
Yes, you can use fluoride toothpaste for brushing your teeth. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to protect them. Fluoride is an active ingredient that helps fight decay-causing bacteria in the mouth.
To manage your anxiety, we recommend contacting a Dental Phobia Certified Dentist at our partner clinics. They have experience in calming nervous patients and making them comfortable throughout the procedure. Their outstanding listening skills and empathy help address your concerns and ease your mind.
Share your specific fears or phobias so they can provide a tailored experience. If sedation is required, many of our partner practices offer shot-free sedation to relax you during the sealant procedure.
You can also alleviate anxiety by bringing a family member or friend to the dentist.