Dental Procedures | Prevention | Restoration | Cosmetic Dentistry

Preventive Sealants

Between the ages 6 and 12, the 1st and 2nd molars should be sealed to prevent pits from decaying.

Q. What Are Sealants?

A. Sealants are a clear, acrylic-like material that helps shield out decay-causing bacteria from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. 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.

Q. How Can Sealants Prevent Decay?

A. Sealant material bonds to the chewing surface of the back teeth, forming a protective barrier covering the pits and fissures (depressions and grooves) of the chewing surfaces. Sealants are an intermediate preventive step in delaying or preventing tooth decay on these areas of back teeth.

Q. Are Sealants Suitable For All Teeth?

A. Not really. You see, we apply this material only to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants aren't meant for areas between back teeth or front teeth. Also, teeth that already have fillings or detectable decay are not sealed. Adults may also have sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of non-restored back teeth.

*Insurance benefits normally have age limitations on coverage for sealants. This will be specified in your benefits book.

Q. How Are Sealants Applied?

A. We apply sealant material to a clean tooth. First, a mild acid solution is gently applied to the chewing surface. This prepares the tooth enamel to bond more effectively to the sealant material. Next, the tooth is thoroughly washed and dried. Finally, the sealant material is applied to the tooth. It only takes a few minutes for the sealant to harden. Then we check the bite. That's all there is to it.

Q. How Long Do Sealants Last?

A. Depending on your chewing pattern, the sealant can last for a number of years. At recall appointments we always check to make sure the sealant material is intact.

Now That Your Teeth Have Been Sealed...

Sealant material is quite durable, but it is a good idea to occasionally check to make sure it is still in place. (Chewing on ice cubes, hard candy or sticky foods should be avoided.) Here are some great snack alternatives that combined with sealants and fluoride, reduce your chances of tooth decay: Sealants Don't Take The Place Of Fluoride

• Peanut butter
• Popcorn
• Fresh vegetables (carrot sticks, celery stalks)
• Fruit (unpeeled apples, orange sections, bananas, grapes, raisins)
• Fruit yogurt
• Dry (unsweetened) cereal and sugar-free granola
• Cheese
• Sugar-free Popsicles

Q. Are sealants and fluoride the same thing?

A. 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

Q. How Is Fluoride Different?

A. 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.

Five-Step Approach

Preventive dentistry is a five-step approach. Maximum decay protection and care include:

1. Brushing and flossing
2. Fluoride
3. Sealants
4. Balanced diet
5. Regular checkups

If you have further questions, please email us today and let us know.

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