What Are Sealants?
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Sealants are a clear, acrylic-like
material that helps shield out decay-causing bacteria
from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is
recommended that sealants be applied to the
pits and fissures of a child's primary (baby)
molars by the age of three or four years. Once the
six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear,
it is best to apply sealants as soon as possible.
As a child's most cavity-prone years continue until the
mid-teens, the premolars should also be sealed as they
appear. |
The Need For Sealants
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The back teeth (molars and premolars)
have broad working surfaces that are specially designed
for the proper chewing of food. These surfaces are
shaped to enhance their effectiveness in chewing. |
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However, when these teeth develop, the
chewing surfaces may be formed with deep grooves
(fissures). Where two fissures cross, they form a
pit. |
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The pits and fissures on the
chewing surface are too small for a toothbrush bristle
to reach - an ideal location for decay producing
bacteria. |
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Because the protective enamel of the
tooth is particularly thin in these pits and
fissures, decay starts quickly and may spread rapidly
into the softer and very sensitive tissues of the tooth. |
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In a child's newly erupted back teeth, a
large cavity can develop very quickly |
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Tooth structure cannot repair itself.
Once it has been damaged by dental decay, it must
be replaced by your dentist with a restorative
filling. |
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Using Sealant On The Primary Teeth
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In order to protect these teeth against
premature loss due to decay, your dentist may recommend
placing sealants on the chewing surfaces of a child's
primary molars. |
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The child's first visit to the dentist
should be at about three years old when all of the
primary teeth have erupted. |
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Using Sealants On The Permanent
Teeth |
Sealants are placed quickly and easily by
either the dentist or dental hygienist.
There is no discomfort and no need for anesthesia.
- After the teeth have been
thoroughly cleaned, the surfaces to be sealed are
prepared (etched) with a special solution. This
bonds the sealant directly to the tooth surface.
- The liquid sealant material is
applied to the prepared surfaces and allowed to
harden. A special "light wand" may be used to harden
the material.
- After the material has hardened,
the tooth surfaces are checked to be certain that
the sealant is properly in place.
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How Long Do Sealants Last?
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Sealants usually last many years.
As long as the sealant remains firmly in place with no
defects, decay should not develop under it. |
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At each preventive care visit, your
dentist will check to see that the sealant is still
safely in place. If necessary, the sealant may be
reapplied to the tooth. |
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What If Decay Has Already
Started? |
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Once the decay process has already
started, it is too late to apply a sealant as a
preventive measure. |
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However if decay is detected early
enough, your dentist may be able to place a very small
tooth-colored restoration to stop the decay and
to restore the tooth to full function. |
Sealants Don't Take The Place Of Fluoride
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Are sealants and fluoride the same thing?
No. Both materials are designed to preserve
and prolong the life of your teeth through
prevention of dental decay. They act quite differently,
however. Sealants are applied topically only to
certain areas of individual teeth, and are a visible
sign that the tooth is being protected. |
Fluoride, however, may be used
effectively from
prenatal stages through the adolescent period
(that's when kids are at their highest cavity-prone
age). Unlike sealants, fluoride is supplied in a variety
of forms, including:
- topical application to
your teeth during a routine dental exam and cleaning
(in a gel or solution)
- drinking water where
fluoride has been added
- prescribed nutritional
supplements (useful in areas where drinking
water does not contain fluoride)
- commercially prepared mouth
rinses used at home
- numerous toothpastes
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How Is Fluoride Different? |
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Fluoride may be used to prevent or reduce
dental decay on all teeth, and is equally
effective on primary, as well as permanent teeth. It is
absorbed most effectively in the bones and teeth during
the development stages. Once absorbed and
retained in tooth enamel, even though it is
invisible, fluoride is permanent. If both
fluoride and sealant treatments are indicated for your
teeth, these two procedures are usually done at separate
appointments. |
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Sealants Do Not Replace Tooth
Brushing |
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Sealants protect those grooves in the
chewing surfaces a toothbrush cannot reach. However,
sealants do not replace the need for thorough tooth
brushing. |
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It is still very important that your
child learn to carefully brush and floss teeth daily!
Together these preventive measures will help assure your
child's good dental health. |
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Five Step Approach |
Preventive dentistry is a five-step
approach. Maximum decay protection and care include:
- Brushing and flossing
- Fluoride
- Sealants
- Balanced diet
- Regular checkups
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Sealants and Dental Insurance |
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Most dental insurance plans cover
the cost of placing sealants. If you have dental
insurance, please mention it at your first visit. Your
dentist will be happy to work with you to help assure
that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are
entitled. |
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If you have any further questions about
sealants, please ask us. Sealants are a proven
technique that may be suitable for preventing decay.
Our goal is to help preserve your smile throughout a
lifetime, and sealants help make that possible. |
