How Capable are Sealants in Avoiding Tooth Decay?

Dental sealants are a thin coating painting on a tooth’s chewing surface to prevent tooth decay. It is usually applied to the back teeth, the premolars, and the molars. It acts like a liquid sealant that immediately bonds with the normal grooves and depressions of the teeth, creating a protective surface over the tooth enamel.

Even though regular brushing and flossing can effectively remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of the teeth, it can be hard for them to reach and clean the nooks and crannies of the back teeth. By sealing out food and plaque, dental sealants can come in handy in protecting these vulnerable areas from tooth decay.

Decay can develop in the grooves and depressions of the molars and premolars; this is why teenagers and children are the most obvious candidates for dental sealants. Still, adults without fillings or decay in their molars can benefit from sealants. Children usually get sealants on their permanent premolars and molars as soon as these come out. This allows sealants to protect the teeth through the ages of six to 14, which are considered the most cavity-prone years.

There are some cases where dental sealants can also be appropriate for baby teeth, particularly when the baby teeth of a child have deep grooves and depressions. Since baby teeth play a big role in holding the proper spacing for the incoming permanent teeth, it is therefore important that these teeth are kept healthy so they are not lost early.

Applying dental sealants is a simple, painless, and straightforward process. It will only take a few minutes for the hygienist or dentist to apply the sealant and seal every tooth. Below is a simplified step-by-step application process for dental sealants.

The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Cotton or other absorbent material is applied around the tooth to keep it dry.
For some sealants, the etching solution is required to be applied on the chewing surfaces to roughen them up and allow the sealant to bond to the teeth.
The teeth are rinsed and dried.
Sealant is painted on the enamel of the tooth and is allowed to directly bond to the tooth and harden.
Some sealants require a special curing light to help the sealant harden.

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to ten years but will have to be regularly checked for wearing and chipping. The dentist can replace sealants as necessary during your regular dental check-ups. It is possible for decay to develop under a worn-out sealant. In this case, your dentist will have to look for these areas using x-rays. The right treatment can be provided before the problem worsens, which is mostly a small filling or a new sealant.

Many insurance companies offer coverage for the cost of dental sealants. Check with your insurance carrier and see if sealants are covered in your plan. Talk to your dentist to learn more about sealants and determine if this is the right move for you or your child. They should be more than happy to give you more information on how to take care of your teeth.