The main purpose of the procedure is to isolate the depressions on the masticatory surface of a healthy tooth from food and microbes. During sealing, the slots are closed with a special compound that contains and releases fluorine. This strengthens the enamel and makes it more resistant to microorganisms. Thus, the surface of the tooth becomes smoother, and the risk of developing carious lesions is significantly reduced.

Dental sealing is usually performed only in the presence of deep grooves in the tooth, which cannot be cleaned effectively. Other indications include:

– Genetic predisposition to dental conditions. This translates into a reduced resistance of the teeth to bacterial attacks due to the thin enamel, as well as a poor mineralization of the teeth.
– At the first signs of enamel demineralization (chalky white spot stage).
– The presence of carious lesions on the side of the tooth surface.

Important! The trenches can have different shapes and depths. Only the doctor decides on the need to seal them. Most often, the procedure is performed on those depressions that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. In this case, they represent a place of accumulation of pathogenic microbes, which cause the development of caries.

How is dental sealing performed?

Professional sanitation is required before sealing. The presence of wide and communicating grooves can also become an obstacle to the procedure, since in this case it will be difficult to apply the sealing material properly.

Dental sealing is performed in 2 ways:

Non-invasive – performed mainly on baby teeth, as well as in the presence of shallow grooves. It is recommended only if the doctor can fully visually assess the depth of the groove. It does not require anesthesia, as the sealing takes place without the use of a bur. Basically, the sealing material is applied directly to the surface of the tooth, without any additional work.

Invasive – the very narrow groove is “flattened” with the dental bur before the sealant is applied. This method is used for deep formations when the bottom of the trench is not visible. Before sealing, the dentist must ensure that there are no carious processes.

Important! If there is suspicion of caries in trenches or pits, no sealing is carried out. In this case, it is necessary to treat the caries. If sealing is carried out, it will lead to the deepening and spread of the pathological process. As a result, tooth loss is possible.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is caries in the pit or on the surface of the tooth, including in the lateral interdental areas. Also, the procedure is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

Advantages and disadvantages

Dental sealants allow you to keep your teeth healthy without using a bur. Additional benefits include:

– Provides additional protection to the surface of the teeth.
– Helps strengthen enamel, which is important for weak heredity.
– Stops caries at the chalky stain stage.
– The sealing material attaches perfectly to the existing seals, which increases their service life.
– Prevents the occurrence of secondary caries.

Disadvantages also include the complications that can occur when sealing teeth with pre-existing carious enamel lesions. In some cases, the uneven distribution of the material can adversely affect the bite. But this is completely out of the question if the procedure is performed by an experienced dentist.