Sealants

Sealants, which work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth are one of our favorite technologies produced today. Sealants shut out food particles and plaque 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. They 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. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. 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 are most successful 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 and rinsing of the surface of the tooth to remove all traces of bacteria, saliva, and foreign matter. 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. Since the tooth is immediately sealed, the patient may eat or drink right away!

Our office guarantees seals we have placed for 1 year, which are examined at every 6 month check-up. Sealants may last up to five years. Sealants are extremely effective in preventing decay in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Chewing ice is the number one culprit for broken, missing and damaged sealants. Other extremely sticky foods also aid in the damage of sealants including: Fruit Roll-Ups, Laffy-Taffy, Starburst and Now-or-Laters.

Many insurances cover 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. Our business staff can help you determine your benefits for sealant coverage.