Sealants

Q. How do sealants work?

A. Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult, sometimes impossible, to clean the tiny grooves 
and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these depressions, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. 
Sealants "seal out" food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.

Q. How long do sealants last?

A. Research shows that sealants can last for many years. So, your child will be protected throughout the most 
cavity-prone years. If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants will last longer. 
Your dentist can easily replace or repair a lost or damaged sealant.

Q. What is the treatment like?

A. The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. It takes only one visit. Your dentist conditions and 
dries the tooth, applies the sealant, then allows it to harden.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The treatment is very affordable, especially in view of the valuable decay protection it offers your child. 
Sealants may be covered by your dental insurance. Talk to your dentist about the exact cost of sealants for your child.

Q. Which teeth should be sealed?

A. The teeth most at risk of decay, and therefore most in need of sealants, are the six-year and twelve-year molars. 
But any tooth with grooves or pits may benefit from the protection of sealants.

Q. If my child has sealants, are brushing and flossing still important?

A. Absolutely! Sealants are only one step in the plan to keep your child cavity-free for a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, 
and regular dental visits are still essential to a bright, healthy smile.

Q. How does a sealant help prevent decay?

A. A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth -- premolars and 
molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of 
back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
     Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But 
toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants  
protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

Q. Is sealant application a complicated procedure?

A. Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth that will 
be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution to help the sealant adhere to 
the tooth. The 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.
     As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under 
the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular 
dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.

Q. Sealants are just for kids, right?

A. The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious 
candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.
     Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are twice-daily brushing with an 
ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners; eating a 
balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly. Ask your dentist about whether sealants  
can put extra power behind your prevention program.