sealing

Sealing. What is that?

The word 'sealing' is derived from the English verb 'to seal'. That means sealing or sealing. Sealing at the dentist therefore means sealing or sealing grooves and pits in teeth and molars. The dentist or dental hygienist applies a layer of plastic lacquer or synthetic resin cement. This can be transparent or yellowish white.

Sealing. Why?

Those who brush their teeth carefully have little chance of getting cavities. Starting cavities can be stopped if you brush your teeth properly.

Sealing helps protect the molars from cavities as they get bigger. It protects them in those places where they are most susceptible to holes, namely in the grooves and pits. These are fragile, especially if they are deep and narrow. The bristles of the toothbrush can hardly clean the grooves. Sealing is usually done shortly after the permanent tooth has erupted completely. Then the chance of cavities is greatest.

Toothbrush does not enter the groove
Toothbrush does reach the sealed surface
How does the sealing process work?

Cleaning
First of all, the dentist or dental hygienist thoroughly cleans the tooth with a rotating brush or an instrument.

Keep dry
Saliva prevents the coating from adhering to the tooth. That is why the dentist or dental hygienist keeps the tooth dry with cotton rolls and a saliva ejector. Then no saliva can reach the tooth.

Sometimes the dentist or dental hygienist stretches a very thin rubber patch around the entire tooth or several molars. This is also known as rubber dam. A clip holds the patch in place. The clip sometimes presses a little on the gums, but you usually get used to that quickly. Then he sprays the tooth dry with an air syringe.

Cleaning
To dry
Sometimes a very thin rubber patch is placed in the mouth

etching
To ensure that the layer adheres properly, the dentist or dental hygienist roughens the grooves and pits in the enamel with an acidic liquid or gel. That's called etching.

To rinse
After a short exposure time, the dentist or dental hygienist rinses away the acidic liquid or gel with water. This is done with an air/water syringe. The water is sucked up with a saliva ejector.

sealing
Now the dentist or dental hygienist can apply the layer to the tooth. The applied material penetrates deep into the bottom of the grooves and pits.

curing
Then the material has to harden. This can be done automatically or with a lamp that gives blue light. If the dentist or dental hygienist uses a lamp, he sometimes protects the eyes with an orange screen. Finally, the dentist or dental hygienist checks whether the layer is firmly attached.

etching
To rinse
sealing
Hardening of the material
What is the advantage of sealing?

There is less chance of cavities in the sealed surfaces of the molars.

What are the disadvantages of sealing?

After sealing, children sometimes have a bad taste in their mouth. When closing, the molars feel a bit strange at first. This feeling disappears by itself. Sealing only works where the layer has been applied. It does not prevent cavities from forming in other places in the teeth.

How do children experience sealing?

Children often experience sealing as a real treatment. Most children can tolerate them well.

What is important for my child to know?
Young children usually have trouble keeping their mouths open for long periods of time. Tell your child how the treatment is going. If your child knows what is happening, it is more likely that the treatment will go smoothly.

Should every child's molars be sealed?

The molars are only sealed if the dentist expects cavities to form in the grooves.

Brush your teeth when the molars are sealed

You can just keep brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. Simply polish the sealed surfaces.

How long does the sealant last?

The sealant that is deep in the grooves will last for several years. During the periodic check-up, the dentist or dental hygienist checks whether there is still enough available. If some material is missing, it can be replenished.