How sealants can be utilized better to prevent tooth decay
In an article published in Oral Health, Sanjukta Mohanta, D.D.S., detailed her volunteer work through the Seal Grenada dental outreach program.
Although the program was successful in placing nearly 3,000 sealants on the teeth of children residing in Grenada, Dr. Mohanta noted that she had to extract permanent molars as a result of preventable occlusal decay.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants may prevent about 80% of cavities in the molars. Dr. Mohanta explained that indications for sealants include patients with primary or permanent teeth, teeth with deep grooves, no dentin decay, and a medium to high caries risk.
In order to determine whether teeth may need sealants, dentists, registered dental hygienists and qualified dental assistants — all of whom are able to place sealants — should use visualization and an explorer, evaluate the depth of the decay, consult the International Caries Detection and Assessment System to determine the qualifications of sealant placement, and use the ADA Caries Risk Assessment to assess the caries risk.
Dr. Mohanta concluded that the greater utilization of sealants may reduce the need for tooth extraction and restoration.
Read more: Oral Health
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