Best practices
Video Lectures >> Sealant Application >> Transcript
Sealant is a flowable composite based resin which is painted into the groves of molars, which have a greater potential to trap food and develop caries. Sealed teeth have fewer areas where food may become lodged and are easier for patients to keep clean.
Step1: What is a sealant?
- A sealant is a flowable composite based resin which is painted into the grooves of molars, which have a greater potential to trap food and develop caries.
- Sealed teeth have fewer areas where food may become lodged and are easier for patients to keep clean
Step 2: Preparation
- Some teeth might require an initial debridgement of the grooves prior to placing a sealant
- The deepest areas of the chewing surfaces of the teeth have the highest chance of meeting this criteria
- This is accomplished with a small round bur which is used to mechanically remove any suspicious areas prior to sealant placement
- In most situations this can be accomplished with no local anesthetic
Step 3: Isolation and Etchant
- Sealants are water sensitive and require proper isolation from saliva and other oral contaminants for adhesion
- After isolation, a 37% phosphoric acid etchant (blue color) is placed on the tooth to prepare the enamel for the sealant.
- The etchant is painted on the tooth and left for 10-15 seconds prior to be washed off and the tooth dried completely with water and air.
Step 4: Bonding agent
- After the tooth is completely dried, a clear bonding agent is painted on the surface which will receive the sealant
- This bonding agent is then receiving a few "puffs" of air to ensure it is spread evenly, and light cured to leave a glossy appearance
Step 5: Placement of sealant
- The sealant material is then placed onto the surface of the tooth
- The material will flow into the grooves of the tooth as it is spread by the brush
- This material is also light cured to leave a hard, shiny, protective coating
Step 6: Checking the sealant
- The correct placement of a sealant can be checked by taking the fine tip of a dental explorer and moving across the surface of the sealant checking of softness, voids, and/or inconsistencies.
