Dental Sealants
[VIDEO: Benefits of Dental Sealants - Main]
Dental sealants provide an effective shield against tooth decay, particularly for molars and premolars with deep grooves and crevices. These thin, protective coatings create a smooth surface that prevents food particles and cavity-causing bacteria from settling into the hard-to-clean areas of your teeth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Made from dental-grade resin material, sealants quickly bond into the depressions and grooves of teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel.
The deep pits and fissures on molars and premolars can be narrower than a single bristle of a toothbrush, making them extremely difficult to clean thoroughly. These areas are particularly susceptible to decay, and sealants provide an added layer of protection by sealing out plaque and food particles.
The Sealant Application Process
The application of dental sealants is a quick, simple, and painless process that typically takes just a few minutes per tooth:
- Cleaning: The teeth are thoroughly cleaned to remove any food debris, plaque, or tartar.
- Conditioning: An acidic solution is briefly applied to roughen the tooth surface, which helps the sealant bond more effectively.
- Rinsing and drying: The teeth are rinsed and dried completely.
- Sealant application: The liquid sealant material is painted onto the chewing surface.
- Curing: A special light is used to harden the sealant.
- Evaluation: The dentist checks the sealant to ensure proper coverage and bite comfort.
No drilling or removal of tooth structure is necessary, making it a completely non-invasive procedure. Patients can eat and drink normally immediately after the appointment.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
While dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from them. Sealants are typically applied:
- Soon after permanent molars emerge: First molars usually appear around age 6, with second molars following around age 12.
- Before decay has a chance to start: Sealing teeth as soon as they come in provides the most benefit.
- For adults with deep grooves: Some adults may have particularly deep fissures that could benefit from sealant protection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where most cavities occur. School-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.
The Durability of Dental Sealants
With proper care, dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years. During regular dental checkups, we'll check your sealants for wear or chipping and can replace them as needed. Factors that affect sealant longevity include:
- Your chewing patterns
- The types of food you eat
- Proper oral hygiene practices
- Regular dental checkups
Sealants are not a substitute for good oral hygiene but rather an additional tool in preventing tooth decay.
Cost-Effectiveness of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are considered a preventive treatment and are typically covered at least partially by most dental insurance plans, especially for children. Even without insurance coverage, sealants are a cost-effective prevention method that can save you money in the long run by helping you avoid more expensive treatments for decay, such as fillings, crowns, or even root canals.
By investing in sealants today, you're taking a proactive step toward preserving your natural teeth and avoiding more extensive dental work in the future. Contact our office to learn more about how dental sealants can benefit you or your child.
