Dental sealants and periodontal maintenance

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a plastic material that is placed in the chewing area of permanent molars to protect them against caries.

At what age are they placed and how effective are they?

Sealants are usually placed on molars between the ages of 6 and 12. It has been shown that the placement of a sealant in children and adolescents reduces caries by 86% after the first year and by 58% at four years of age.

What does the dental care of sealants consist of?

Sealants should be accompanied by the following aspects of dental care:

  • Proper brushing
  • Fluoride treatment
  • A healthy diet

What is the purpose of periodontal maintenance?

Gum maintenance is part of periodontal treatment and is aimed at preventing recurrences.

After treating periodontitis, periodontal maintenance is performed regularly to keep the gums healthy.

What does periodontal maintenance consist of?

The maintenance consists of periodic visits to the office to make a total disinfection of the oral cavity to remove accumulated plaque or tartar. Although the interval of each maintenance is usually 6 months, the professional must individualize each case and appoint the patient as he/she sees fit. The professional will dictate the guidelines and treatment to be followed at home so that the result is not spoiled, since the patient’s participation is essential.