How to Apply Sealants

Here is the video that shows step by step on how to apply sealants. As you scroll down I have included pictures and written instructions that go with the steps.

Imagine actually being able to prevent cavities. Sound too good to be true? Well...guess what, it is possible! The answer is sealants. Sealants bond to the enamel surface and act as a physical barrier to prevent oral bacteria from getting deep into those hard to reach grooves and lines called pits and fissures of molars and premolars. If applied correctly, sealants can be 100 percent effective. Let us go step by step on how to apply them. Enjoy!

Step 1: Clean Tooth

The very first step is to clean the tooth surface that is being coated with sealant. Cleaning the tooth allows the sealant to have maximum contact with the enamel surface of the tooth by removing the debris with pumice and water. Use a rubber cup with a slow speed handpiece and jab gently into pits and fissures to remove as much debris as possible. Rinse the tooth with water only.

Step 2: Isolate and Etch

Now that the tooth is clean, the next step in applying a successful sealant is isolating the tooth with cotton rolls, keeping it dry, and applying the etch. A tooth that becomes contaminated with water or saliva will cause the sealant to be ineffective. After completely drying the tooth, apply the etch for fifteen to thirty seconds to the whole area that will be placed with sealant to open the enamel rods for the purpose of the sealant staying attached to the tooth. Use the HVE to suck off the excess etch, and rinse for fifteen to thirty seconds and dry the tooth 110 percent. The enamel should be a dull, chalky white. Replace cotton rolls.

Step 3: Apply and Cure

Lastly, dry the tooth surface one more time and apply the sealant. One way to apply the sealant is to place the material onto a micro brush and place it into the grooves (pits and fissures) of the tooth within fifteen seconds; therefore, taking too long applying the sealant will cause it to harden prematurely. Use an explorer to thin the material out, and make sure the person's mouth is parallel to the ground in order for the material to be even. After the sealant is applied evenly and thinly, light cure the entire portion. Check for complete curing using an explorer and cure again if necessary. Check the patient's bite and adjust any issues with a slow speed handpiece.

Sealants are a quick and easy way to prevent cavities. They are no substitute for brushing or flossing, but it’s not easy to clean those grooves in the molars. Sealants will act as that safety net to keep those back teeth free from cavity-causing bacteria! Thank you for watching my instructable!