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Procedures | Sealants
Sealants are a thin,
plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth – usually the
back teeth (the premolars, and molars) – to prevent tooth decay. The
painted on liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves
of the teeth forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Why Get Sealants?
Although thorough
brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth
surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the nooks and
crannies of the back teeth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants
protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by "sealing out" plaque
and food.
Who Should Get Sealants?
Because of the likelihood
of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and
molars, children and teenagers are obvious candidates for sealants.
However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also
benefit from sealants.
Typically, children
should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as
these teeth come in. In this way, the dental sealants can protect the
teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.
In some cases, dental
sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth, such as when a child's
baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves. Because baby teeth play
such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent
teeth, it is important to keep these teeth healthy so they are not lost
too early.
How Are Sealants
Applied?
Applying the sealant is a
simple and painless process. It takes only a few minutes for your
dentist or hygienist to apply the sealant to seal each tooth. The
application steps are as follows:
- First the teeth that
are to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned.
- Each tooth is then
dried and cotton or another absorbent material is put around the
tooth to keep it dry.
- An acid solution is
put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which
helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
- The teeth are then
rinsed and dried.
- Sealant is then
painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth
and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the
sealant harden.
How Long Do Sealants
Last?
Sealants can protect the
teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for
chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can
replace sealants as necessary.
Does Insurance Cover the
Cost of Sealants?
Many insurance companies
cover the cost of sealants. Check with your dental insurance carrier to
determine if sealants are covered under your plan.
Reviewed by the doctors
at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.
Information provided by
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/sealants
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