Sealants

Technology today has produced sealants, which work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. Sealants are particularly effective in children, and may help them from developing cavities later on. Sealants are best suited for permanent first molars, which erupt around the age of 6, and second molars, which erupt around the age of 12.

Can sealants protect your child's teeth?

Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95 percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth.

Sealants were developed in the 1950s and first became available commercially in the early 1970s. The first sealant was accepted by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics in 1972. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes a cavity.

Sealants act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting and sitting on the grooves and pits of teeth.

Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the tooth has fully come in. Children derive the greatest benefit from sealants because of the newness of their teeth. Research has shown that more than 65 percent of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child's newly erupted teeth because of trapped food particles and bacteria.

Application of Sealants

Sealant application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light.

Sealants normally last about five years. Sealants should always be examined at the child's regular checkup. Sealants are extremely effective in preventing decay in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Insurance usually covers a majority, if not all, of the sealant cost because they can help reduce future dental expenses and protect the teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment.