Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars. These teeth have naturally occurring pits and fissures, which are tiny grooves that trap food particles and bacteria, making them susceptible to decay. Sealants create a smooth, physical barrier that seals off these vulnerable areas from plaque and acids. Applying this coating is a straightforward and effective preventative measure that offers years of protection.
Understanding the Painless Application Process
The application of a dental sealant is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve drilling, needles, or the removal of healthy tooth structure. The process begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth surface to remove plaque or debris. The tooth must be isolated from saliva and kept completely dry to ensure the sealant material bonds correctly to the enamel.
A mild acidic solution, known as etchant, is then applied to the chewing surface for about 20 seconds. This solution gently micro-roughens the enamel surface, creating microscopic pores for the sealant to interlock with the tooth. Patients might feel a cold or slightly gritty sensation during this step, but the solution does not cause pain.
The tooth is rinsed and dried until the etched area appears frosty white. The liquid sealant material is carefully painted directly into the pits and fissures. Finally, a special blue light is used to cure or harden the liquid resin, turning it into a durable, protective shield in seconds. The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth and is comparable to a routine teeth cleaning appointment in terms of comfort.
Immediate Post-Procedure Sensations and Bite Adjustment
While the procedure is painless, some individuals notice new sensations immediately after application that can be mistaken for discomfort. The most common sensation is a “high bite,” which occurs if the sealant material is slightly thicker than the original tooth surface. This feeling is not pain, but a sense that the tooth is hitting its opposite number too soon when closing the mouth.
A dentist or hygienist checks the bite immediately after curing and adjusts the height using a polishing tool. The feeling of something new on the tooth is also common as the tongue adjusts to the smooth surface covering the grooves. This sensation is similar to getting used to a new retainer and typically disappears within a few hours to a couple of days.
Minor gum irritation can sometimes occur if the cotton rolls used to keep the tooth dry press against the soft tissue during the procedure. This is a temporary sensation that resolves quickly, much like a minor scratch inside the mouth. In the hours following the appointment, patients should avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods to ensure the sealant completely sets.
Addressing Safety: Concerns about Sealant Materials
A common public concern revolves around the chemical composition of some dental sealants, specifically the presence of trace amounts of Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is not an intentionally added ingredient in most sealants, but it can be a residual byproduct of the resin manufacturing process. The amount of BPA potentially released is extremely low and occurs primarily within the first few hours after placement.
Scientific organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have consistently stated that this trace exposure poses no known health risk. The exposure from four newly placed sealants is estimated to be orders of magnitude below the safety limits set by regulatory bodies. The ADA Science Institute reports that the average sealant releases an extremely low amount, such as 0.09 nanograms of BPA.
Dentists often minimize this negligible exposure by wiping the cured sealant surface with a cotton roll or pumice after the procedure. This action removes the thin layer of unreacted material that forms on the surface, which is the source of the initial release. Given the effective cavity prevention sealants provide, the benefits of protecting the teeth far outweigh the risk from this minute, short-lived chemical exposure.