Sealants Q & A

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What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants act as a barrier between teeth and bacteria in order to prevent tooth decay and cavities. They are a plastic-like material that a dentist paints onto the chewing surfaces of newly formed, permanent back teeth, premolars, and molars, where tooth decay develops most frequently.

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Thorough brushing and flossing habits can help remove food particles and plaque from smooth tooth surfaces, but toothbrush bristles are not able to reach all the way into depressions and grooves of the teeth to remove every bit of food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable spots by sealing out food and plaque.

 

Are dental sealants effective?

Sealants are extremely effective in preventing cavities. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), sealants have been shown to reduce cavities by 86% the first year after they are applied and 58% after four years. Sealants can last up to 10 years. The condition of your sealants will be checked during routine exams and cleanings.

 

How are sealants applied?

Unlike a filing, sealants are done quickly and without the need for drilling or anesthetics. The application process is a quick, easy and painless.

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First, the tooth is cleaned. Next, a special gel is applied to the chewing surface. After a few seconds, the gel is washed off and the tooth is dried. Then your dentist simply paints the sealant material onto the tooth surface. The plastic resin sinks into the pits and fissures. Within a minute, the material hardens to form a protective shell. Typically, sealants are applied to the back molars, but any tooth that contains fissures or deep pits can be sealed.

 

Who is a good candidate for sealants?

Sealants are usually applied to children between the ages of 6 and 13, the years they are most prone to getting cavities. It is often a good idea to apply sealants to molars as soon as they come in. The first set of molars usually grows in around age 6, and the second set around age 12. When sealed early, sealants can help children have cavity-free oral health from the start.

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Dental sealants can also be an option for adults who might be prone or at high risk for decay or cavities.

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If you think that you might benefit from dental sealants, call Coxsackie Dental Arts or book a consultation using the online tool.