How do dentists place tooth sealants?

What is the procedure for placing dental sealants?

Placing dental sealants (tooth sealants) is an easy process. The plastic that is used to seal teeth is related to the plastic that dentists use to make "white" fillings. So even if you have never had a tooth sealed, you might have an idea of some of the steps that are involved.

Placing dental sealants.

1) The surface of the tooth receiving the dental sealant must be clean. Otherwise, the sealant will not adhere properly. The dentist may use a small brush placed in their dental drill to scrub the tooth's surface. Another technique is for the dentist to use a mini dental sand blaster (air abrasion technique) to clean out the grooves of the tooth.

2) (Frame B) Once the tooth has been cleansed the dentist will place an "etching" gel on that portion of the tooth where the dental sealant will be placed. This gel will prepare the tooth's surface so the sealant will bond to it.

3) (Frame C) After a few moments the dentist will wash the etching gel off and then dry the tooth. The part of the tooth that has been treated will look "frosty" to the dentist. Similar to the way etched glass looks.

4) (Frame D) While the tooth is still dry, the dentist will paint or dab the sealant (a liquid plastic) into the grooves of the tooth.

5) (Frame E) Once the sealant is in place, the dentist will shine a "curing" light on the tooth. In most cases a curing light will emit blue light. The light activates a catalyst in the sealant that initiates its set.

6) (Frame F) The sealant is now in place. The dentist will check how you bite on the sealed tooth so to make sure that the sealant is not too thick. If it is, they will simply use a drill and buff it down. 7) Since the sealant plastic is now fully hardened, there are no limitations on the patient's activities. Eating and drinking, even immediately, are no problem.

As you can tell from the description of each step, the technical aspects of sealing a tooth are pain free and relatively easy. The difficulty associated with placing dental sealants is related to the dentist's ability to both visualize and keep the tooth being sealed dry.

Many times a child, never having had a dental filling placed, will have no concept of what type of problems are being prevented by the placement of a dental sealant. As a result they are somewhat less than motivated to provide ideal cooperation. The net result can be a less effective or durable tooth sealant.

As a parent you should take efforts, before the dental appointment, to communicate to your child the importance of giving the dentist their best cooperation. This way the dentist can accomplish the sealing process as expertly and quickly as possible.